Clinical Research Fellow in Cardiac MRI

Job summary

Applications are invited for a clinical research fellow in Cardiac MRI to undertake clinical and research focussed on advanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging under the supervision of Prof Amedeo Chiribiri within the Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, Kings College London.

Main duties of the job

Applicants should be medically qualified with full GMC registration with license to practice in the UK. The post is suitable for Specialty Trainees in Cardiology who intend to specialise in the cardiac imaging sub-specialty or who have already commenced training in general cardiology and wish to gain more sub-specialty experience in Cardiac MRI (CMR), by taking an Out-Of-Programme Experience (OOPE) from their current training programmes. The ideal candidate would be looking for sub-speciality experience in CMR imaging to further their medical career or alternatively be seeking a years clinical research experience which would allow them time to write grants and apply for further fellowships which may lead to further academic work.

The candidate should have excellent interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to manage projects, work to deadlines and collaborate with clinical teams. Prior research experience and peer-reviewed publications are highly desirable but not essential.

About us

Our Cardiac MRI service is run through extended days during weekdays covering from 08:00 to 20:00 hours, 5 days a week. You are expected to participate in a rota of shifts across the 5-day working week covering some early shifts and some late shifts. There will be some requirement to run weekend lists as and where required to help with waiting list pressures.

This is a full time post (40 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 1 year.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This post is based at the St Thomas Campus with a significant clinical component including care of patients at Guys and St Thomas Hospitals. The post holder would undertake at least six diagnostic imaging sessions per week with a further two sessions for clinical reporting and multi-disciplinary team engagements. The rest of the time will be available for research and other professional development activities, working on a number of research projects.

Whilst the main purpose of the post is clinical, the Fellow will be expected to take part in research activities including non-clinical duties in line with the objectives and requirements of the department, sufficient to maintain and develop pre-existing skills, and are as described:

Research

To provide support in research projects outlined by your supervisors. Support in writing grant proposals. To collaborate with the research teams to ensure adherence to trial protocols and administrative requirements. To adhere to appropriate policies and legislation regarding clinical research informed consent, International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Take responsibility for accurate and complete data collection, updating and maintenance of databases and computerised systems. Ensuring corresponding documentation is recorded in medical notes. Ensuring appropriate records are kept for notification of patient accruals in accordance with Caldecott requirements. To work in conjunction with the Principal Investigators to ensure each trial protocol is adhered to by all members of the multi-disciplinary team identifying and reporting any deviations. Ensure the imaging and follow up appointments required are arranged. To keep abreast of changing practices & regulations for randomised clinical trials in the UK and to feedback to research teams appropriately. Assurance that full compliance with confidentiality at all times is maintained. To work at all times according to regulations as described in ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and to the most current guidance relating to research governance and research ethics in each Trust To plan the care and support of participants according to study protocols. To ensure documentation is up to date with the most recent information readily available. Maintain patient information sheets/consent forms in the appropriate clinics and departments as per departmental protocols. Supports the team in the development and maintenance of databases as appropriate. Ensure the study case report forms are completed in conformance with ICH GCP guidelines and within appropriate time guidelines. Systematically documents patient information in the medical notes.

Communication & Networking

Good general communication skills are essential for recruitment of and interaction with study patients and volunteers and for the interaction with clinical and research staff. It will be essential to form a good working relationship with referring clinicians. Routinely communicate complete and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media. Collaborate actively within and outside the department / School to complete research projects and advance thinking. Participate in and develop external networks ( identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain consultancy projects, build relationships for future activities).

Decision Making, Planning and Problem Solving

Decision will be taken together with the Research PI to whom the post holder is primarily accountable. Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding. Resolve problems of meeting research objectives and deadlines. Develop ideas of application of generating income and promoting research areas. Develop ideas for application of research outcomes. Decide on research programmes and methodologies, in collaboration with colleagues and subject to the approval of the PI. Plan, co-ordinate and implement research programmes.

Service Delivery

The post-holder will be involved in the delivery of the clinical cardiac MRI service and producing provisional clinical reports and engage with consultant colleagues in a timely manner as per the service objectives. Provide specialist or professional advice and make recommendations within guidelines to support informed decision-making. Deal with queries of specialist nature and in consultation with multi-disciplinary teams.

Analysis & Research

The post-holder will be primarily responsible for the analysis of all data generated in these studies, following appropriate training. Develop research objectives, projects and proposals Conduct individual or collaborative research projects. Identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds. Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to research and appropriate external activities. Write or contribute to publications or disseminate research findings using other appropriate media. Make presentation at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events. Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of research.

Teamwork, Teaching & Learning Support

The post-holder will have no formal teaching commitment but will be expected to contribute to the groups educational events on a regular basis. Develop productive working relationships with other members the multi-disciplinary team. Co-ordinate the work of colleagues to ensure equitable access to resources and facilities rota management of other clinical fellows.

Sensory/Physical Demands & Work Environment

This post-holder requires the ability to place patients in the MRI scanner and if need to evacuate them from the MR environment in an emergency therefore must be MR Safe. (Please ask if you are unsure what it takes to be MR Safe). The post requires the ability to focus on mental tasks for prolonged periods of time. To be responsible for the safe working environment in designated clinical areas and offices. To wear protective clothing and equipment as required to carry out the job.

Clinical

The Fellow will be expected to contribute to the cardiac MR Service, which is provided by the Imaging Clinical Research Facility (ICRF), as part of its core activity by the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences. The post holder is required to attend the clinical CMR lists (non-congenital), perform provisional reporting and weekly review sessions both within the ICRF and the Guys and St. Thomas hospitals as required. The post holder will be expected to compile a logbook in line with SCMR training and accreditation guidelines. Demonstrate autonomy as well as the ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team in identifying the needs of the participant and his/her family during various stages of the study. Ensure participant is treated according to the schedule set out in the protocol. To maintain good patient safety at all times. To keep clinical mandatory training up to date in accordance with the Trust requirements. To strive to continually develop oneself clinically and keep up to date with the latest clinical practice, as per the Trust and KCL requirements. To adhere to the relevant Trust and KCL policies and procedures at all times. To report any adverse events as per GCP and the Trust policies.

Additional Requirements

All employees are expected to adhere to KCL policies and procedures which are published on the HR webpages. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. This post may be required to work irregular hours in accordance with the needs of the role.

IMPORTANT: PLANNED ACTIVITY NUMBERS

The successful candidate would need to participate in:

6 sessions of direct clinical activity (being physically present in the clinical MRI settings)

2 sessions of reporting / MDT

2 sessions of research activities

There are no on-call requirements for this position

CMR clinical staff may be asked to participate in clinical duties over the festive period and therefore will receive the 4 Kings concessionary/closure days in their main annual leave allowance (in addition to the 30 days) to take flexibly throughout the year

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

MBBS or equivalent GMC registered Valid ALS Qualification

Desirable

MRCPCH/MRCP or equivalent SCMR Level 1/2 or equivalent experience and knowledge (as outlined in SCMR guidance) Post-CCT or higher specialist training

Knowledge and skills

Essential

Proven knowledge of ICH GCP guidelines Good verbal and written communication skills and good computing skills Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit/quality, excellent organisational/time management skills and the ability to work to clinical and scientific deadlines

Experience

Essential

Clinical experience in care of cardiac patients in both in outpatient and inpatient settings Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment

Desirable

Experience in cardiovascular MR including attendance at courses and experience of preparing IRAS/REC documentation. Experience in producing publications in the area of chosen interest.

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