Clinical Research Fellow

MIMR; Wellington; On-site; NZD 86,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in biomedical research is seeking a Clinical Research Fellow to join their innovative CAR T-cell programme. This exciting full-time role offers the opportunity to work closely with leading scientists and healthcare professionals in a supportive environment. You will engage in groundbreaking clinical trials, contribute to significant research projects, and gain invaluable experience in the field of haematology and oncology. With a focus on professional development, this position also provides pathways for career advancement and opportunities for international travel. If you are passionate about translational research and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Opportunities for overseas travel

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Eligibility for MCNZ registration and completion of RACP Basic Physician Training required.
• Experience in clinical trial conduct and competency in lymphoma management are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct CAR-T cell trial procedures and manage participant follow-up.
• Develop quality procedures and documentation for cellular therapies.

Skills

Clinical diagnosis and management of lymphoma

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Medical Council of New Zealand registration

Royal Australasian College of Physicians Basic Physician Training

Postgraduate medical qualification (e.g., MRCP)

Tools

GCP training

Clinical trial documentation

Job description

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) is New Zealand’s leading independent biomedical research institute, with a focus on breakthrough discoveries in immunology and immunotherapy. We have over 130 staff committed to finding cures for diseases using the body’s own immune system. We are currently sponsoring a phase 2 clinical trial of a new third-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for patients with relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (ENABLE-2, ClinicalTrials.gov reference NCT06486051).

An opportunity exists for an experienced and driven haematology or medical oncology registrar to work as a Clinical Research Fellow for the Malaghan Institute’s established chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell programme in Wellington, New Zealand. The position is a full-time role (40 hours per week), Monday to Friday, for a fixed-term period of one or two years, depending on the applicant, starting in February 2025.

The Fellow will be seconded to the Clinical Trial Unit at Wellington Hospital for ENABLE-2 clinical trial activities. You will report to Principal Investigator Dr Philip George, and will work with the other Investigators, Clinical Trials Nurses and FACT Accreditation Co-ordinator to gain experience in CAR T-cell delivery, toxicity management, clinical trial conduct, and cellular therapy quality systems. In addition to the ENABLE-2 trial role, contribution to other haemato-oncology trials and participation in a general haematology clinic is encouraged. The ENABLE-2 trial role can be combined with work on other CAR T-cell research projects with Malaghan Institute Clinical Director Dr Robert Weinkove, and with a post-graduate degree qualification, depending on the candidate’s interests.

The successful applicant will be proactive and enthusiastic, show effective time management skills, and be able to work with clinicians, allied health workers and scientists. An analytical thinker, you will be proficient in solving problems, from initial information gathering to a well-considered solution and subsequent monitoring and evaluation.

Qualifications | Tohu Mātauranga

• Eligibility for Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) registration is required.
• Completion of Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Basic Physician Training, including RACP Written and Clinical Examinations, or an equivalent postgraduate general medical qualification (such as MRCP), is required.
• Completion of 2 years or more of Advanced (or Specialist Registrar) Training in Clinical Haematology or Medical Oncology is desirable, but is not required.

Experience and Skills | Ngā Pūkenga

• Competency in the clinical diagnosis and management of patients with lymphoma and related malignancies.
• Experience in clinical trial conduct or GCP training is desirable.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to work within a multidisciplinary team of scientists, quality personnel and health care professionals.
• Analytical skills to conduct, draft and edit audits, and quality or clinical trial documentation.
• Competence in bone marrow biopsy and lumbar puncture procedures is desirable.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā Kawenga

• Undertake required training at the Malaghan Institute or at Wellington Hospital.
• Conduct CAR-T cell trial procedures in conjunction with a trial nurse, from initial participant consent through to follow-up and management of adverse events.
• Contribute to clinical trial-related activities and committees.
• Develop cellular therapy quality procedures and documentation, in conjunction with clinical and GMP teams.
• Complete case report forms, adverse event reports and trial database data entry, in conjunction with trial coordinator and investigators.
• Contribute to other clinical trials and publications in the fields of lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloma, or cellular therapies.

Benefits | Ngā Painga

• Exposure to a unique research environment working with highly driven scientists and support staff.
• A supportive team culture.
• Training and development opportunities to support you in your career with us, with potential for career progression, including support to undertake a higher degree (Masters or Diploma).
• Opportunities for overseas travel and conference attendance.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential, professional services which can support and guide you through your life or work challenges.
• Salary of $86,000 - $141,000 depending on level of registrar experience.

The Malaghan Institute is also an equal opportunity employer, and values diversity alongside being committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Vision Mātauranga. We support Māori health advancement in partnership with Te Urungi Māori, the Institute’s Māori advisory group, and therefore welcome Māori applicants for this role.

How to apply | Me Pēhea te Tuku Tono

If you share our passion for translational research and clinical trials, and think you’d be a valuable addition to this project, apply now by sending both your Cover Letter and CV. Applications close on 25 December 2024. Interviews may be held immediately should the right candidates apply, so don’t wait, tone inaianei!

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to apply for an international work visa in New Zealand.