Clinical Research Fellow

This post offers a unique opportunity to develop and deliver a first-in-human study of experimental rhinovirus challenge in bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition affecting >200,000 individuals in the UK. The. disease is characterised by susceptibility to exacerbations which are a major cause of morbidity/mortality with limited treatment options. Historically, bacterial pathogens have been deemed responsible for most exacerbations, leading to widespread treatment with prolonged antibiotic courses. Escalating antimicrobial resistance rates have prompted a need for alternative approaches. Contrary to previous belief, we have recently found that viruses (commonly rhinoviruses (RV)) are detectable in ~40% of episodes. However, a causal role for viruses in bronchiectasis exacerbations remains unproven and underlying mechanisms driving susceptibility are unknown. Attempts to understand exacerbation mechanisms in bronchiectasis have been hampered by lack of disease relevant models and future development of new effective approaches requires a suitable translational system for testing. We seek to set up a first-in-man experimental rhinovirus challenge model in bronchiectasis to gain unique insight into exacerbation pathogenesis, address key mechanistic questions and establish a platform to deliver future proof-of-concept therapeutic trials.

We are aiming to recruit an enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated physician with an interest in respiratory/infectious disease and academic medicine who wishes to expand their research portfolio. The post holder will have an integral role in the set-up and delivery of a new human challenge model, with responsibility for protocol development, participant recruitment and screening and clinical care of study participants during and after challenge. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop laboratory skills in immunology, focussing on characterisation of cellular airway responses to viral infection, through flow-cytometry based approaches. It is anticipated that the work undertaken could contribute towards the completion of a higher research degree (MD/PhD). The role is integral to the functioning of a human challenge study and requires the post holder to handle a varied workload as a key clinical contact within the group, with shared responsibility for clinical care of participants. The successful applicant will work as part of a core challenge team comprising a research nurse, two research technicians, a postdoctoral researcher and the study PIs. This post is based in the Department of Infectious Disease in South Kensington but will require work at clinical partner sites (St Mary’s, Royal Brompton). The post will be jointly supervised between Dr Aran Singanayagam, Dr Anand Shah and Professor Sebastian Johnston.

Duties and responsibilities

You will be a core member of the clinical study team focussing on the setup and delivery of a new human challenge study. This is an exciting and stimulating opportunity involving close collaboration with academic partners in the UK and overseas. You will have responsibility for the day-to-day clinical oversight of the study and will work with the core team to deliver on operational aspects of the study. You will be expected to manage diverse aspects of the running of the group in collaboration with the PIs and study partners. You will monitor and pro-actively manage volunteer recruitment and work with the study team of research technicians, nurses, and project management to obtain study approvals in a timely manner. The programme will start recruiting patients in 2024, and we anticipate the successful applicant will take up this position in April.

Key duties will include:

• Assisting with the day-to-day management and delivery of a human rhinovirus challenge model

• Assisting with recruitment and screening of bronchiectasis patients and healthy volunteers into the study

• Providing direct clinical liaison with the research nurses co-responsible for recruiting and caring for the enrolled patients.

• Providing direct clinical care to study participants, in liaison with the research nurses, the study PI and clinical steering group.

• Acting as a point of contact for study participants to provide clinical advice and care before, during and after challenge, under the supervision of the study PI and clinical steering group.

• Preparing safety reports and briefings for the safety monitoring committee.

• Working with the wider study consortium, in particular the lead research nurse and trial project manager, to ensure all the clinical research conducted is compliant with Good Clinical Practice.

• Developing their own research skills and interests in the field of immunology and virology, aligned with the scientific direction of the consortium.

• Training of study associated personnel.

• Ensuring adherence to the study protocol and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Co-ordinating the development of the study protocol and associated study documentation.

• Problem solving, maintaining and developing good relationships with researchers and clinicians associated with the study in a variety of different settings.

• Providing medical advice on the management of infections to research nurses and participants.

• Identifying and developing further research ideas which could be nested within the studies All staff are expected to contribute to the administrative work of the study coordinated through the project manager and study PI. The post holder will need to carry out any other reasonable duties as required by the study PI, which are likely to increase their breadth of research experience.

Essential requirements

• Clinically qualified (MBBS or equivalent)

• Must hold GMC (General Medical Council) registration

• Membership of the Royal College of Physicians, or equivalent

• Certification in Advanced Life Support (ALS) or equivalent

• Significant clinical experience in general internal medicine and the management of respiratory infection

• Understanding of chronic lung diseases, including burden of disease, risk factors for exacerbations, management.

• The ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and colleagues from a variety of health care and science backgrounds.

• Excellent IT skills including the use of MS Office and advanced used of Excel

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a high volume of work in order to meet deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal skills, with the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with people at all levels, developing and maintaining relationships with colleagues, internal departments, and external stakeholders.

• Evidence of appropriate continuing professional development (CPD) to date.

Desirable – Specialist trainee (in respiratory medicine, infection, microbiology, intensive care medicine or internal medicine). Advanced Internal medicine trainees (e.g., IMT3) with MRCP (or equivalent) applicants will also be considered. Scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with career stage.

Further information

The post will be full-time, fixed term for 3 years with potential to extend across campuses (based in South Kensington but also working at clinical sites including St Mary’s, Royal Brompton).

To be considered please complete an online application.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr Aran Singanayagam ([email protected]) or Dr Anand Shah ([email protected])

For technical issues when applying online please email [email protected]

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