204545 Clinical Research Fellow in Neonatal

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

NHS Lothian

Clinical Research Fellow in Neonatal

Fixed Term

NHS Lothian is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

To this end, NHS Lothian welcomes applications from all sections of society.

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

Applications are welcome for the above Fixed Term 24 months, part time (28 hours per week) post based in Woman and Children at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Applications are invited for a clinical research fellow (CRF) for 24 months  as 0.7 whole time equivalent position at ST4 or 5 grade to support the local recruitment of babies with moderate-severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) to a Phase I neonatal neuroprotection trial.

The ACUMEN Study is an international, multicentre Phase I, non-randomised dose escalation neonatal trial funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC). The Primary objectives are:

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2. The attainment of putative therapeutic plasma melatonin levels (in the range of 15-30mg/L) across dose levels being studied.
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4. To identify the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D).

Babies with moderate-severe HIE who are eligible for therapeutic hypothermia will be recruited from ten tertiary neonatal units in London (UCLH, Royal London Hospital), Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin (Coombe and Rotunda Hospitals), Cork, Sheffield, Melbourne (Monash Medical Centre) and Adelaide. 

This post is suitable for a paediatric or neonatal trainee, holding an allocated NTN number or equivalent looking to develop research experience and complete a higher degree.

The Chief Investigator is Professor Nikki Robertson, who leads this Phase I First in Human (FIH) trial with the support of the Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit (CCTU) at UCL. The ACUMEN study is being led by UCL EGA Institute for Womens Health, which was formed in 2004, bringing together a number of UCL academic departments into a single group in close collaboration with the Division of Womens Health at UCLH. From the start, the objective of the Institute has been to make a real and sustainable difference in the health of women, babies and their families in the UK and internationally by delivering excellence and innovation in research, clinical practice, education and training.

Dr Julie-Clare Becher is the local PI in Edinburgh and a co-Investigator in the ACUMEN study and leads both the local and the national therapeutic hypothermia programme including the national audit.

Professor Nikki Robertson and Dr Julie-Clare Becher will provide research and clincial supervision to the successful applicant who will also hold an honorary NHS Lothian contract.

The CRF position is funded for a period of 24 months. The research time will give the successful applicant an opportunity to pursue research studies related to neonatal neuroprotection and neurocritical care. It is likely that this work at the cutting edge of neonatal research will lead to presentations in national and international meetings and publications in peer reviewed journals. For those who wish, completion of a higher degree could be possible.

More detailed departmental and specialty information can be found in the job description available via email address / link below.

For an informal discussion please contact:

Local PI and research supervisor: Dr Julie-Clare Becher, Consultant Neonatologist, Neonatal Unit, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

julie-clare.becher@nhs.scot

If viewing from an external site, please visit https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk for a job pack detailing the minimum requirements for this post and details of how to apply. 

We cannot accept CVs as a form of application and only a completed online application form will be accepted.  Personal information will not be sent with the application for short listing. The application form will be identified by the candidate number only to ensure that all applicants are treated equally. 

***PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept late applications so please ensure your application is submitted early***