CRA: Experimental Medicine in Rheumatology & Dermatology

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle University is seeking a Clinical Research Associate to join the Faculty of Medical Sciences on the COMBAT-PsA experimental medicine study. The role involves coordinating multi-centre activities across rheumatology and dermatology, with opportunities to develop biopsy skills and contribute to publications.

You will work with the NIHR Newcastle BRC MIM Theme and NCRF teams, supporting participant recruitment, consent, sample handling, and study logistics in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of immune-mediated rheumatic and skin diseases.
• Core clinical skills including phlebotomy.
• Analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Oral presentations at internal and/or external medical or scientific meetings.
• Experience of collecting biological samples for research.
• Previous experience/involvement with clinical and/or translational research.
• Experience of medical statistics or bioinformatics.
• A publication track record.
• Experience of communicating scientific concepts to the general public.

Responsibilities

• Be familiar with study protocols, standard operating procedures and all other relevant study documentation.
• Develop a logistical framework for participants, to enable efficient participation, including liaising between clinical (Rheumatology, Dermatology, NCRF) and laboratory teams.
• Learn, under appropriate supervision, to perform skin, adipose and synovial biopsies (if not already skilled in any/all of these procedures).
• Develop a standard operating procedure for handling of research blood samples after acquisition.
• Identify suitable participants for the study required and other suitable studies and, where appropriate, obtain informed consent.
• Oversee study participation, including tissue sampling and handling.
• Interact with other members of the study team at the NCRF, Rheumatology and Dermatology Research Delivery teams and Musculoskeletal research Group laboratory. Ensure that, once collected, research samples are processed and stored appropriately, according to the standard operating procedure.
• Attend Trial Management Group meetings.
• When appropriate, develop study reports and prepare data for publication in relevant conferences and/or journals.
• Provide guidance to other staff and students, potentially including supervision of undergraduate research project students.
• Attend and present your work at laboratory, and national/international meetings.
• Be prepared to contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving

Communication skills

Phlebotomy

Teamwork

Education

GMC registration and license to practice

Core medical training

National Training Number in Rheumatology or Dermatology

Research degree (MRes, BSc, etc.)

Job description

Newcastle University is seeking a Clinical Research Associate to join the Faculty of Medical Sciences on the COMBAT-PsA experimental medicine study. The role involves coordinating multi-centre activities across rheumatology and dermatology, with opportunities to develop biopsy skills and contribute to publications.

You will work with the NIHR Newcastle BRC MIM Theme and NCRF teams, supporting participant recruitment, consent, sample handling, and study logistics in a dynamic research environment.