one-year Clinical Research Fellowship

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Clinical Research Fellow within their Movement Disorders team. This one-year fellowship involves participation in renowned clinical trials, providing critical hands-on experience in patient recruitment and data management. Candidates will gain procedural skills, mentorship for research projects, and have the potential to transition into an MD or PhD program. The role offers flexible working arrangements and commitment to teaching and research.

Qualifications

• Experience in clinical trials and research methodologies.
• Skills in performing lumbar punctures and skin biopsies.
• Commitment to ethical and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Act as an investigator in clinical trials.
• Support recruitment and consent of participants.
• Engage in data analysis and project initiation.

Skills

Clinical management

Patient recruitment

Effective communication

Education

Medical degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

We are delighted to offer a one‑year Clinical Research Fellowship within our Movement Disorders team, as the Newcastle Movement Disorders Clinical Fellow. This unique role provides hands‑on involvement in internationally recognised clinical trials, including the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), alongside opportunities to develop procedural skills and gain exposure to specialist clinics. You will work closely with experienced neurologists and researchers, with mentorship and support to initiate your own research project. For the right candidate, this fellowship can evolve into an MD or PhD and serve as a foundation for an academic or specialist career.

This post is to commence as soon as possible for 12 months. In addition to the challenges of the role, we can offer you a commitment to teaching, education, research and audit. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement – if it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as an investigator in the PPMI study and other academic or commercial clinical trials, supporting specialist movement disorder clinics.
• Recruit and consent patients/participants, ensuring adherence to ethical and regulatory standards.
• Provide clinical management of trial participants.
• Support Clinical Research Nurses and Trial Assistants in delivering high‑quality care.
• Perform lumbar punctures and skin biopsies.
• Maintain accurate study documentation in line with Good Clinical Practice.
• Communicate effectively with participants, research teams, sponsors, and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to study set‑up, including REC applications and approvals.
• Initiate and deliver a research project aligned with your interests and the unit's priorities.
• Engage in data analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings at meetings or conferences.

Flexible Working

As a result, some staff groups may be asked to work a more flexible pattern, including evening or weekend service. The role requires agreement to this flexible pattern and the potential for future evening or weekend work.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion or further information, please contact:

• Dr David Ledingham – [email protected]
• Prof Nicola Pavese – [email protected]
• Dr Sahana Sathyanarayana – [email protected]

Equality and Diversity

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognises the benefit of providing an inclusive environment. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects the communities we serve, and is equipped to deliver the best service to our patients. We welcome all applications irrespective of people's race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and, in particular, those from under‑represented groups.

Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post will pay for their DBS certificate. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first month's pay. Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by e‑mail. Check your SPAM folders as well as your inbox. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.