Clinical Research Associate/Medical Doctor

Newcastle University's John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a doctor with a GMC licence to practise and a medical degree, to work within the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, which has a long tradition of excellence in research, diagnosis and management of neuromuscular diseases.  

The post will be based at the Centre for Life at Newcastle University and is an opportunity to gain experience in clinical trials, paediatrics, neurology and research. You will work within the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (JWMDRC) to support and conduct clinical trials and participate in specialised clinical and diagnostic activities. The JWMDRC has a long tradition of excellence in research, diagnosis and management of neuromuscular diseases. The role will provide you with an opportunity to gain experience in neurology, paediatrics, genetics and clinical research.

You will play a key role in the conduct of the centre’s portfolio of clinical research including gene therapy and exon skipping trials, acting as sub-investigator to deliver GCP compliant clinical trials and natural history studies in patients with genetic muscle diseases run in the Research Centre. 

You will have the opportunity to learn about clinical trial design, outcome measures, regulatory requirements and ethical issues in conducting clinical research in rare diseases and to develop knowledge and competence to conduct GCP compliant clinical research.  In addition, you will be able to participate in a range of different neuromuscular clinics across the North of England and gain exposure to state-of-the-art diagnostics for neuromuscular diseases and genetic diseases in general, as well as updated management of these cohort of patients. 

This is a full time post, fixed term for 2 years.

Key Accountabilities

• Support and conduct clinical trials at JWMDRC: patient identification and selection, consenting, recruitment, interaction with patients and their families, conducting study visits and study procedures, reporting of adverse events etc)  under the supervision of senior members of the clinical research team
• Participate in specialised clinical and diagnostic activities including the national referral clinics for rare inherited forms of muscular dystrophies and adult and paediatric clinics for local patients with neuromuscular diseases
• Continuously review the literature and technology relevant to JWMDRC work, ensuring a good understanding of other on-going work in the field
• Support activities associated with JWMDRC led clinical research grants, allowing for insight into networking activities and international collaborations
• Publish and present high level scientific information including writing and presenting reports relevant to the work being carried out as part of translational research
• Support the submission research proposals to funders where appropriate
• Regular liaison with the principal investigators and senior members of the research teams to discuss the ongoing research and next possible steps
• Support the clinical initiatives of the Neuromuscular Team, including internal and audits and meetings
• Participate in the quantification of fat replacement on muscle MRI studies performed in patients with neuromuscular diseases that are taking place in clinical research studies

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• Understanding of clinical trial methodology and GCP Principles
• Presentation of work at scientific meetings (desirable)
• Previous research publications (desirable)
• Knowledge on the utility of muscle MRI basics for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with muscular dystrophies

Attributes and Behaviour

• Enthusiastic and hard working
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills
• Team-working skills
• Excellent information technology and computing skills
• High level of personal organisation
• Willingness to undertake work outside of normal working hours
• Willingness to travel internationally

Qualifications

• MB BS (Medical Doctor, MD) or equivalent from recognised medical school
• Fully registered with the GMC with licence to practice
• Good Clinical Practice Training (desirable)