About this role
Job summary
The Clinical Research Fellow in Cardiorespiratory CT will undertake clinical and research activities focused on advanced cardiorespiratory photon counting CT imaging (PCCT). They will be under the overall supervision of Prof Amedeo Chiribiri, supported locally by Dr Jonathan Weir-McCall, and will contribute to the work of a small team of clinical academic consultants. They will gain experience in a range of cardiorespiratory applications that includes congenital and non-congenital heart and lung diseases, and care of cardio-oncology patients.
Main duties of the job
The post is suitable for Specialty Trainees in Cardiology or Radiology who intend to specialise in a cardiorespiratory imaging sub-specialty. This may be cardiac, cardiovascular, cardio-oncology, cardiorespiratory, or pulmonary vascular focused, with all interests welcome, although any appointees will be expected to contribute to the whole research portfolio conducted on the PCCT. Applicants may have already commenced training in general Cardiology or Radiology and wish to gain more sub-specialty experience in Cardiorespiratory CT, by taking an Out-Of-Programme Experience (OOPE) from their current training programmes or have obtained CCT. The ideal candidate would be looking for sub-speciality experience in cardiorespiratory CT imaging by seeking a years clinical research experience, allowing them time to write grants and apply for further fellowships leading to a higher degree (e.g. MD or PhD) or use the academic work to further an application for an intermediate level fellowship. However, those looking to further their medical career through augmentation with advanced imaging experience and familiarisation with the academic environment are also encouraged.
This post has a significant clinical component including care of patients at GSTT. It is primarily based at the Royal Brompton Hospital but there may be a requirement also to attend other GSTT and KCL sites.
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description.
About us
Within the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences is a cutting-edge research and teaching School dedicated to development, translation and clinical application within medical imaging and computational modelling technologies. Our objective is to facilitate research and teaching guided by clinical questions and is aimed at novelty, understanding of physiology and pathophysiology as well as development of new diagnostic tools and therapies. This way, basic science can be rapidly translated into clinical applications (and vice versa).
This post is jointly hosted by the Research Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and the Royal Brompton Hospitals Imaging Department in Chelsea. The School of BMEIS has worked in partnership with Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) to deliver specialist clinical services for many years. When the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals joined GSTT in February 2021, we became the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. Together, we provide treatment for people with heart and lung disease, including rare and complex conditions, offering some of the most sophisticated treatment that is available anywhere in the world.
Job description Job responsibilities
Clinical Service
Contribute to the cardiorespiratory PCCT service jointly provided by GSTT and BMEIS, including attending clinical PCCT lists, recruiting participants to research studies, performing provisional reporting and weekly review sessions and undertaking data analyses, as required.
Compile a logbook in line with British Society of Cardiovascular Imaging and BSCCT (BSCI/BSCCT), Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) or European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) training and accreditation guidelines.
Demonstrate autonomy as well as the ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team in identifying the needs of patients and research participants and their families during their care.
Maintain excellent patient safety standards at all times
Keep clinical mandatory training up to date in accordance with Trust and KCL requirements.
Strive to continually develop clinically and keep up to date with the latest clinical practice, as per the Trust and KCL requirements.
Adhere to the relevant Trust and KCL policies and procedures at all times
Report any adverse events as per GCP and the Trust policies.
Research Delivery
Provide support in research projects as outlined by supervisors.
Collaborate with research teams to ensure adherence to trial protocols and administrative requirements.
Adhere to appropriate policies and legislation regarding clinical research e.g. informed consent, International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
Take responsibility for accurate and complete data collection, updating and maintenance of databases and computerised systems, ensuring corresponding documentation is recorded in medical notes and appropriate records are kept for notification of patient accruals in accordance with Caldecott requirements.
Work in conjunction with the Principal Investigators to ensure each trial protocol is adhered to by all members of the multi-disciplinary team identifying and reporting any deviations. Ensure the imaging and follow up appointments required are arranged.
Keep abreast of changing practices & regulations for randomised clinical trials in the UK and to feedback to research teams appropriately.
Ensure that full compliance with confidentiality at all times is maintained.
Work at all times according to regulations as described in ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and to current national and local guidance relating to research governance and research ethics
Plan the care and support of participants according to study protocols and ensure they are treated according to the schedule set out in the protocol.
Ensure documentation is up to date with the most recent information readily available.
Maintain patient information sheets/consent forms in the appropriate clinics and departments as per departmental protocols.
Support the team in the development and maintenance of databases as appropriate.
Ensure the study case report forms are completed in conformance with ICH GCP guidelines and within appropriate time guidelines.
Systematically document patient information in the medical notes.
Communication & Networking
Good general communication skills are essential for recruitment of and interaction with study patients and volunteers and for the interaction with clinical and research staff.
It will be essential to form a good working relationship with referring clinicians.
Routinely communicate complete and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media.
Collaborate actively within and outside the department / School to complete research projects and advance thinking.
Participate in and develop external networks (e.g. identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain consultancy projects, build relationships for future activities).
Decision Making, Planning and Problem Solving
Decision will be taken together with the Research PI to whom the post holder is primarily accountable.
Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding.
Resolve problems of meeting research objectives and deadlines.
Develop ideas of application of generating income and promoting research areas.
Develop ideas for application of research outcomes.
Decide on research programmes and methodologies, in collaboration with colleagues and subject to the approval of the PI.
Plan, co-ordinate and implement research programmes.
Service Delivery
The post-holder will be involved in the delivery of the clinical cardiorespiratory PCCT service, including protocolling studies, optimising patients for scan acquisition, and timely clinical report turn around as per the service objectives.
If required, provide support to enable and optimise PCCT scanning of other patients and research participants (i.e. those with non-cardio-respiratory conditions)
Provide specialist or professional advice and make recommendations within guidelines to support informed decision-making.
Deal with queries of specialist nature and in consultation with multi-disciplinary teams.
Analysis & Research Outputs
The post-holder will be primarily responsible for the analysis of all data generated in these studies, following appropriate training.
Develop research objectives, projects and proposals
Conduct individual or collaborative research projects.
Support in writing grant proposals.
Identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds.
Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to research and appropriate external activities.
Write or contribute to publications or disseminate research findings using other appropriate media.
Make presentation at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events.
Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of research.
Teamwork, Teaching & Learning Support
The post-holder will have no formal teaching commitment but will be expected to contribute to training of multi-disciplinary staff and the groups educational events on a regular basis.
Develop productive working relationships with other members the multi-disciplinary team.
Co-ordinate the work of colleagues to ensure equitable access to resources and facilities e.g. rota management of other clinical fellows.
Sensory/Physical Demands & Work Environment
This post-holder requires the ability to place patients in the PCCT scanner and, if needed, to evacuate them from the CT environment in an emergency
The post requires the ability to focus on mental tasks for prolonged periods of time.
To be responsible for the safe working environment in designated clinical areas and offices.
To wear protective clothing and equipment as required to carry out the job.
Pastoral Care
Show consideration to others, treat staff, patients and the wider public with respect.
Additional Requirements
All employees are expected to adhere to KCL policies and procedures which are published on the HR webpages.
Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
This post may be required to work irregular hours in accordance with the needs of the role.
IMPORTANT: PLANNED ACTIVITY NUMBERS
The successful candidate would need to participate in:
6 sessions of direct clinical activity (being physically present in the clinical PCCT settings)
1-2 sessions of MDT
2-3 sessions of research activities
There are no on-call requirements for this position.
PCCT clinical staff may be asked to participate in clinical duties over the festive period and therefore may not be able to take Kings concessionary/closure days at this time. Instead, the entitlement would be provided through time off in lieu.
There may be a requirement to cover any weekend lists which are run to help with waiting list pressures. Hence, the post holder must have the flexibility to fully participate in a weekend rota, as well as early and late shifts in the week.
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
> Clinical experience in care of cardiorespiratory patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings (either through wards/clinics or radiology department environments) > Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment > Good verbal and written communication skills and good computing skills > Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit/quality, excellent organisational/time management skills and the ability to work to clinical and scientific deadlines
Desirable
> BSCI/BSCCT, EACVI, or SCCT Level 1/2 or equivalent experience and knowledge (as outlined in their guidance) > Experience in cardiorespiratory imaging, including attendance at courses and experience preparing IRAS/REC documentation > Proven experience in prior publications in their speciality
Qualifications Essential
> MBBS or equivalent and with a GMC registration with license to practice > Valid ILS Qualification at the time of appointment > Training Certificate in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) > Proven knowledge of ICH GCP guidelines
Desirable
> MRCP/FRCR or equivalent > Post-CCT or higher specialist training
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Kings College London
Address St. Thomas's Hospital
249 Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7EH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.kcl.ac.uk (Opens in a new tab)