About this role
Job summary
The post is based within the out-patients haematology department working with the consultants and the established trials team, managing patients through early and late phase clinical trials across a broad range of haematological sub-specialties exploring the safety and efficacy of cutting-edge new therapies.
The Haematology Research Fellow is embedded in a high-performing clinical research team conducting trials across the full breadth of haematological malignancy and medical haematology. Their role spans direct trial support, formal medical education, independent research, and indirect facilitation of senior research leadership.
The 2026 post has the opportunity for extension to a two-year fixed-term post. The extension would be underpinned by a structured programme of independent research, with the Fellow registered for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) at the University of Exeter.
Main duties of the job
The post includes comprehensive training and support in all aspects of clinical research, including the practicalities of trial selection, screening, recruiting, informed consent, medical management of patients on interventional trials and event reporting (including GCP training). There are opportunities to develop scientific writing and publishing skills, learn critical appraisal skills in evidence-based medicine and be involved in investigator initiator trial development. Opportunities to attend and present at national conferences will also be given. There will also be regular teaching on all aspects of haematology and opportunities to do your own teaching for medical students, other doctors and allied professionals.
There is an expectation that the fellow will be involved with audit and quality improvement projects whilst developing a research project as well as working alongside the Director of Research, Head of Research & Development & Lead Research Nurse on Research studies outside of specialist areas (i.e. urgent public health research).
About us
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is the biggest provider of healthcare services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our three main sites are Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro, St Michael's Hospital Hayle and West Cornwall Hospital Penzance, our staff and services are available across the region.
The Trust employs 5,000+ staff, has a budget of £380 million and 750 beds. We work with health and social care organisations -including NHS Kernow and NHS England- to ensure local healthcare needs are met. We provide acute medical, surgical and specialist services to around 500,000- which can increase significantly during busy holiday periods.
The Trust has teaching hospitals status as part of the University of Exeter Medical School. Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we continually develop clinical services and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care offered locally.
We can offer you a rewarding career in a supportive working environment. We have extensive educational links to help you realise your full potential and develop skills to provide outstanding healthcare to the local community.
Enjoy an outstanding quality of life in a place that offers surfing beaches and fishing harbours to beautiful countryside and historic towns. With clean air, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and excellent schools, colleges and universities (including adult education) it is the ideal place for families and for you to develop your own career.
Job description Job responsibilities
Supporting the coordination, management and delivery of clinical trials and studies according to protocols.
Supporting the Principal Investigator and/or the Departmental Research Lead in submitting applications for NHS, Regulatory, Ethics and Governance permissions to conduct Clinical Trials within the Trust.
Identifying, screening, and assessing the suitability of local patients to take part in research, according to specified inclusion/exclusion criteria. Ensuring trial specific investigations and sampling are undertaken as per the Protocol to establish eligibility and to ensure safe entry into trials.
Providing specialist information to patients about taking part in Clinical Trials, including the risks and benefits of participation in specific protocols. Initiating and facilitating the process of gaining their informed consent.
Acting as primary contact for participants and to be a source of information for these patients and their relatives and for the local Clinical teams, with respect to trial activities.
Liaising with other clinical departments, support departments and external organisations to ensure the successful delivery of trials.
Maintaining accurate documentation in an auditable format, and accurately record data as required by each Trial. Identifying barriers to recruitment and performance, communicating these to the wider team, and help facilitate their resolution.
Working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) for research activity and provide ongoing review and development of these SOPS. Ensuring all activities undertaken meet the standards set out in the Principles of GoodClinical Practice (ICH-GCP, 1996) and National Research Governance Framework for Health & Social Care (DH, 2005). Enforce all applicable standards (e.g., Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004) for research. Undertaking research projects in Haematology.
The post holder will be encouraged to register for an MD thesis or similar and present their findings at national meetings as well as publishing in peer reviewed journals.
Assisting with running current multi-centre clinical research trials recruitment, consenting, performing procedures as per protocol. On completion of the trial data analysis, publishing of results and writing papers. Write grant applications for future studies, as identified. Actively participate in the research team meetings, including current research fellows, research nurses and department consultants
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Full registration or potential for full registration with the UK GMC
Desirable
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians or equivalent qualification
Experience Essential
Experience in Haematology/Medicine at F2 level or above NHS experience
Desirable
Previous experience of and an enthusiasm for medical undergraduate teaching Haematology experience
Personal and Research Essential
Committed to a clinical career in Haematology Problem solving skills, lateral thinking, questioning approach Highly motivated, well versed at self-directed learning with a track record of achieving goals Ability to cope in stressful situations and work under pressure Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills Caring attitude to patients
Desirable
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification Research interest in Haematology Evidence of enthusiasm for research in career to date
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 Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Knowledge Spa, Treliske
Truro
TR1 3HD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)