Clinical Research Associate

The Role

We are pleased to advertise a 3-month fixed-term Clinical Research Associate position available for an enthusiastic and highly motivated oncology trainee to complete and in-depth analysis and report of extensive microbiome data in relation to the Monitoring immunE DysregulAtion foLLowIng checkpOint-inhibitioN (MEDALLION) project. In unravelling biomolecular underpinnings of immune-related adverse events resulting from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment amongst cancer patients, we seek predictive biomarkers and insights into mechanisms of immune-mediated disease more generally. A rich dataset of microbiome sequencing data recently acquired from the skin and gut of prospectively followed ICI recipients in the well-characterised MEDALLION cohort affords a unique opportunity to elucidate potential interplay between commensal communities and adverse event susceptibility. With access to this resource, and supervision from a multidisciplinary team of translational scientists, the successful applicant will develop and deploy analytical and writing skills to extract outputs that inform this research field in a timely manner. 

The appointee will join the Musculoskeletal and Inflammation Medicine Theme of the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Newcastle University; an interdisciplinary team with a focus on improving lives through world-class research in ageing and multiple long-term conditions with an emphasis on immune-mediated musculoskeletal disease. They will collaborate with colleagues with expertise in microbiome sequencing analysis, immunology and oncology. The post is funded by the NIHR Newcastle BRC, which is committed to providing comprehensive training in translational research, enabling the successful candidates to gain a range of transferable research skills and experience in the analysis and communication of experimental medicine. 

Applications are invited from UK Registered Clinicians from the discipline of medical oncology with a current, valid GMC registration. This is a fixed term for a period of 3 months, due to the imperative to complete the analysis involved.

 Applications from candidates wishing to work less than full time are welcome, and informal enquiries may be made to

Find out more:
Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here:
Find out more about the Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre here:
Find out more about Newcastle University Research Institutes here:

Key Accountabilities

• Work in collaboration with academic supervisors to analyse and report upon a research project aligned with the overall aims of one of the research programmes within the Musculoskeletal and Inflammation Medicine Theme, commensurate with the standards required for publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value' to the research of the group
• Review published literature and synthesise research findings to identify the need for and scope for further investigations
• Ensure that their research project is developed in close collaboration with relevant patient and public partners
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Commit to following all necessary processes and procedures to submit a thesis as part of a higher degree, where appropriate
• Contribute to the writing up of research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Work with support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
• Provide guidance, where necessary, to other staff and students and provide advice to staff and students in analysis techniques and good practice
• To identify, recruit, consent, collect data, update databases and resolve queries for a range of clinical research studies under the guidance of the study chief investigator and principal investigators

 
The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 
• Commitment to undertaking the requisite analyses and writing tasks to am excellent standard
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
• Willing to develop and rapidly acquire research skills and draw upon existing transferable skills
• Experience or awareness of the academic research environment
• Able to priorities and manage workload using own initiative as required
• Clinical experience with patients in a hospital or community care setting
• Thorough clinical and scientific understanding of the phenomenon of immune-related adverse events amongst ICI recipients
• Experience of handling and analysing human microbiome sequencing datasets

Desirable
• Awareness of the principles of public and patient involvement and engagement

Attributes and Behaviour
• Willing to embrace and apply a Team Science approach
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Innovative, flexible, and collaborative in approach
• Able to work well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Qualifications
• First degree in a relevant clinical subject (e.g., MBBS, Nursing, Physiotherapy)
• Current Good Clinical Practice certification
• Current, valid GMC registration with relevant UK professional licensing body (General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, or equivalent for other professions)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 27025

We ensure there's something for everyone and these benefits include: a cycle-to-work schemeshopping discountscompetitive pension schemehealth and wellbeing initiativesactivities and eventsgenerous leavediscounted travelChristmas shutdown