Clinical Trials Fellow in Nephrology and Transplantation

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university health board in Cardiff is seeking a Clinical Trials Fellow in Nephrology and Transplantation to support clinical trial recruitment. This is a 12-month position ideally suited for post-CCT trainees or early-career nephrologists, offering exposure to diverse clinical research activities. Experience in renal medicine and clinical trials is preferred. The role provides excellent specialty experience within a university teaching hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Clinical experience at Internal Medical Trainee (IMT) Level 3 or above.
• Familiarity with UK hospital systems and practices.
• Completion of an audit or Quality Improvement Project.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support clinical trials activities.
• Participate in outpatient clinics.
• Contribute to research publications and projects.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to make clinical decisions

Relevant interest in research

Education

Full current GMC registration

MBBS or equivalent

Completion of MRCP Parts 1 and 2

Job description

We are seeking to recruit a Clinical Trials Fellow in Nephrology and Transplantation within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, based at the University Hospital of Wales, for a post available from 1st August 2025.

This is a new post, funded by Healthcare Research Wales to support expansion of recruitment to clinical trials in Nephrology and Transplantation. The post is suitable for post-CCT trainees, nephrologists in training who would like to gain out of programme experience, or those at an earlier stage of their career. Applicants are expected to have completed IMT (or equivalent) and hold MRCP parts 1 and 2. The appointee will take part in one out-patient clinic/week. There is no on-call requirement but there may be an opportunity for a suitably experienced appointee to join the specialist registrar on-call rota.

The post-holder will work with existing senior researchers in the department and be supported by an experienced research nursing and administrative team. Current research activity spans phase 2 - 4 clinical trials, with the future potential for phase 1 trials and those involving Advanced Medical Therapies. The post-holder may be required to undertake clinical trials activities at satellite dialysis units and/or outreach clinics that fall under the umbrella of the Cardiff Renal Unit.

Main duties of the job

Primary oversight and support of the post-holder will be by the Directorate Lead for Research and Development. Activity related to specific studies will be overseen by the Principal Investigator for that study. There will be an opportunity to undertake a personal audit or research project, and support given to writing publications.

The post is not educationally approved for training purposes and does not therefore attract a National Training Number, however offers excellent specialty experience within a university teaching hospital setting.

The post is offered for a period of 12 months initially but may be extendable to 24 months by mutual agreement.

The department cares for approximately 550 patients on haemodialysis, 90 patients on home therapy and over 1000 transplant recipients. There are approximately 120 transplants per year, including living related and deceased donor (DBD and DCD) programmes, simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation and HLA/ABO incompatible transplants. More than 180 renal biopsies are done each year using ultrasound guidance.

The nephrology department has seven haemodialysis units (in-centre and satellite) and runs outreach clinics in the Aneurin Bevan and Cwm Taf Health Boards.

The directorate provides in-patient care on two wards: B5, dedicated to acute and chronic nephrology services, and T5, the Cardiff Transplant Unit. Each ward has full dialysis facilities.

About us

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together, and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.

Job description

Job responsibilities

English - You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Full current GMC registration with license to practice, MBBS or equivalent, Completion of MRCP Parts 1 and 2

Desirable

• Intercalated Degree, Other Higher Academic Qualification e.g. MSc or PhDAcademic Excellence (Prizes, merits, distinctions etc.,)

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Clinical Experience demonstrating completion of Internal Medical Trainee (IMT) Level 3 or above/equivalent medical experience at this level, Experience and familiarity with UK hospital systems and practices (or equivalent), Demonstrable understanding of Research and Clinical Governance, Completion of an audit, Quality Improvement Project or research study

Desirable

• Clinical experience in Renal Medicine, Completion of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training , Familiarity with the organisation of commercial and investigator-led clinical trials in the UK, Experience of recruitment to clinical trials, Experience of electronic research management systems

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

Essential

• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues, Up to date with current medical practices , Ability to take appropriate clinical decisions when necessary , Relevant interest in clinical trials and research

Desirable

• Computing skills, Experience of renal data management systems (eg VitalData), Demonstrable experience of: Audit, Teaching, Research

ADDITIONAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience and ability to assess and manage common clinical emergencies

Desirable

• Previous experience of practical procedures for example central venous catheter insertion or removal Advanced Life Support Certification within 3 years

ATTITUDE, APTITUDES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Essential

• Self-motivated, organised and efficient, Effective prioritisation and time management Confident and enthusiastic to approach patients both face to face and by telephone to discuss clinical trials, Able to relate to patients, staff and medical colleagues, Able to clearly explain complex concepts to potential trial participants and staff members, Good writing skills, Flexible, caring and hardworking, Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

001-MP146.25