Research Practitioner (Opthalmology) - Institute of Inflammation and Ageing - 97093 - Grade 6

Position Details

Institute of Inflammation and Ageing

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,511 to £, with 30,046 progression once in post to £33,797

Grade 6

Full Time FTC 2 Years

Closing date 18 April 2021

Background

We are seeking a dynamic and ambitious research practitioner to join our growing research team within the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, part of the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham based at the Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), City Hospital, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals (SWBH) NHS Trust. BMEC is one of the largest dedicated eye units in the country delivering wide range of subspecialty and inpatient services supported by state of art imaging and visual function suite, optometry and orthoptic services. In this role, the successful applicant will be able to develop and grow a wide range of skills by working within the multidisciplinary team, to deliver exciting academic translational research and early phase clinical trials for ground-breaking treatments for inflammatory eye disease. These treatments have been developed in conjunction with world-leading researchers in cross-collegiate collaboration between Medical and Dental Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research. Our research has the potential to make a step-change in the way blinding inflammatory conditions are managed and improve the lives of patients who have to live with the disease. We pride ourselves that patients are involved in providing direction for our research, across the full breadth of the translation pathway.

This post offers excellent opportunities in gaining managerial and research experience while maintaining clinical skills. Individual training will be provided to meet the needs of the post-holder, including clinical and academic research skills. Openings to undertake a postgraduate certificate in clinical trials, if appropriate, may also be possible. The postholder will be an integral part of the team and will have the opportunity to generate academic outputs such as research posters, peer-reviewed papers and presentations for meetings, conferences and publications. This post provides an opportunity to develop experience and knowledge of clinical research in Ophthalmology and to be part of a vibrant clinical team in the delivery of high-quality patient care and development of the scientific evidence base for future care delivery.

Our work critically involves patients, their partners and carers. We explore quality of life issues that patients with inflammatory eye disease experience either through intense pain and discomfort day or night, or through poor central vision related to their inflammation, or both. We are strategically involved in developing core outcome sets of patient report outcomes. The Postholder will be involved in testing some of these concepts has part of the planned clinical trials.

Summary of Role

This post is designed to support the academic studies and activities being conducted by the Academic Unit's research team and determined by the PI (Miss Saaeha Rauz, Reader in Translational Ophthalmology).

The post holder will be expected to carry out study activity from patient recruitment through to study completion in a professional, friendly, competent manner whilst ensuring patient welfare. They will work within specified research grants and/or projects, contributing to data collection, sample processing, tracking and administration tasks related to the research activity of the academic unit, including laboratory management. In addition, the post holder will be expected to undertake research management tasks such as document generation and control, project tracking and logistics and co-ordination of nursing and administrative staff. The post holder will be required to develop post-appropriate and study relevant skills, examinations and procedures such as blood taking, vision testing, sample processing etc, training support will be provided where required.

The post is for 24 months initially but may be extendable dependant on the clinical study timelines in related studies. The postholder will hold an honorary contract with Sandwell & Dudley NHS Trust. The proposed start date is summer 2021.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Analyse research data as directed.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
• To maintain and protect the patient's interests at all times in line with the Research Governance Framework, Good Clinical Practice, all applicable regulatory requirements and Codes of Conduct.
• To act as study lead on specific studies as and when required.
• Using preset criteria to identify (and action accordingly) patients suitable for a specific clinical trial through clinic note searches, Consultant referrals, GP referrals, database searches, etc.
• To provide and transmit study information effectively to patients to allow them to reach an informed decision whether to participate in the study, ensuring the patient fully understands the nature of the study, that it is of voluntary entry and that the patient has the freedom to withdraw at any time without affecting clinical care.
• To assist and support clinicians in ensuring the patients fully understand the study and their agreement to consent is voluntary.
• To liaise with physicians to obtain informed consent.
• To perform study visits in line with study specific protocols (SSP).
• To have a comprehensive understanding of all study protocols (including any protocol amendments).
• To act as a resource and role model to wards colleagues and other support services.
• To undertake (with training) specific and routine assessments as per trial protocol (e.g. venepuncture / cannulation, vital signs, ECGs, drug administration, etc.)
• To perform observations in line with SSP, including blood pressure, weight, anthropometric measurements, and demographic details.
• To prepare blood/urine samples as outlined in SSP.
• To ensure safe and appropriate storage of specimens in accordance with the protocol and in conjunction with specialist teams
• To assess patients' blood/urine results to highlight any abnormal results to Investigator, for further action.
• To provide verbal and written information and to offer counselling and support to patients for the duration of their involvement in a clinical trial.
• To maintain accurate and up to date patient logs of patients pre-screened/screened/eligible/ineligible etc for a clinical trial.
• To collect and accurately record data in case report forms during patient visits, in accordance with the requirements of the study protocol and in line with GCP and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• To maintain accurate and comprehensive visit notes in the patient's medical records.
• To maintain good working relationships with local general practices.
• To keep the patient informed of all results throughout the research process in line with GCP and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• To order couriers for sample collection as outlined in SSP.
• To check study medications dispensed by Pharmacy prior to handing over to the patient.
• To assess, monitor and follow up the patients prior to, during and after trial treatment in accordance with the protocol and with Principal Investigator
• To complete/assist in completion of Research Ethics Application Forms as required
• To complete/assist in completion of Research & Development Application Forms as required.
• To provide relevant personnel with information and education regarding current clinical trials as required.
• To report any serious adverse events to the Lead Nurse/R&D/Investigator immediately. Report any serious adverse events to the Study Sponsor within the time stated in the SSP.
• To ensure time is available to Monitor/Sponsor Company visits.
• To complete all data queries within a specified period of time. Ensure filing and any administrative duties are also up to date.
• To attend team meetings, training days and Study Investigator Meetings as required.
• To ensure feedback in an educational and informative format to other multi disciplinary team members on all meetings attended.
• To design, implement and monitor local Standard Operating Procedures in line with GCP, Research Governance and EU Directive within the Unit.
• To assist Consultants/Physician in any other investigations, when required, according to available time/accommodation.
• To provide PI support with coordination, minuting and tracking actions from research delivery meetings
• To plan annual leave to accommodate projected activity within the team.
• To cover duties of other Researchers and other team members when required.
• To assist with internal and external audits, when required.
• To identify gaps in knowledge and ensure steps are taken to address through the Personal Development Review process.
• To actively assist in the development of others.
• To perform personal development review as appropriate for junior team members.
• To actively contribute to the creation of a learning environment.

General Management

• To read and follow safety information and procedures, attend training, report hazards, accidents and unsafe practices to manager, and take reasonable care for the health and safety of self and others.
• To lead on specific studies as identified.
• To maintain full and accurate records on all activity.
• To ensure that training pertinent to nursing/ clinical studies is kept up to date e.g. GCP, informed consent, and to attend and maintain training for skills as required.
• To be aware of all Trust policies and procedures and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed.
• To maintain confidentiality and security of data at all times.
• To undertake other duties to meet the changing needs and priorities of the Team, as determined by your manager and in accordance with the grade of the post.
• To maintain research laboratories ensuring compliance with all relevant aspects of health & safety whilst undertaking duties and to ensure all Lab users comply with all relevant aspects of health & safety.

Professional

• To maintain own professional development.
• To participate in any mandatory updates organised by SWBH and University.
• To attend GCP and other relevant research training as required by R&D and the University including a postgraduate certificate in clinical trials, if appropriate.

Person Specification

• Registered with appropriate professional body (e.g. NMC, goc, HCPC, IBMS, GphC, GMC
• Degree level qualification in health-related subject
• Relevant post basic qualification relevant to clinical speciality
• Previous experience in ophthalmology would be helpful but is not required
• An ideal candidate should come from a nursing, optometry, orthoptic, pharmacy or biomedical sciences background with essential knowledge in research methods and good clinical practice
• Laboratory skills are desirable.

Informal enquires to Dr Saaeha Rauz ( S.Rauz@bham.ac.uk )

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