Clinical Research Fellow in Respiratory Viral Infections

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated clinician in training (Specialty Registrar Grade or equivalent) with an interest in infectious diseases and vaccines to investigate immunity in clinical volunteer studies involving SARS-CoV-2 human infection challenge and vaccination. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team focusing on human immunity against respiratory viral infections using exciting and unique studies of experimental infection/vaccination of volunteers. You will join a dynamic group of clinical fellows, research nurses and scientists led by Prof Chris Chiu (www.imperial.ac.uk/people/c.chiu)  in the Department of Infectious Disease, to characterise the response to respiratory viruses and the effect of vaccines. This will accelerate the development of improved interventions against COVID-19, influenza and RSV infection.

Duties and responsibilities

• You will work closely with research nurses, clinical programme manager, other clinical fellows and laboratory scientists to set up and implement SARS-CoV-2 human challenge studies to identify determinants of susceptibility and protection against breakthrough infection. You will manage the clinical study, working with research nurses and other clinicians to recruit and screen and care for volunteers, administer virus, and obtain samples.

• It is essential that you are confident and skilled in practical clinical procedures and management of medical emergencies; you will have a strong background in general medicine and, ideally, in one of the following disciplines: infectious diseases, virology, microbiology, immunology, or respiratory medicine. You should also have good written and verbal communication skills, analytical and proven problem solving/project completion abilities, demonstrable ability to work to deadlines and to work in a team.

• If desired, you may be able to register for and work towards a higher degree and you will be appointed on an honorary contract with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. There will be no fixed clinical duties and no on-call, but as part of the Academic Health Science Centre you may be able to participate in clinical activities to maintain your skills and support the clinical respiratory or infection services (up to 6 hours per week maximum), which will facilitate delivery of the research programme. Training will be provided for all aspects of your role, from the clinical skills required to the organisational responsibilities and research skills that will allow your development as a clinical academic.

Essential requirements

You should have

• A medical degree with GMC registration, with infection and/or respiratory medicine experience
• An interest in immunity against respiratory infections and vaccinology
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Meticulous attention to detail that will allow you to learn scientific technique and laboratory skills
• A patient-centred approach, with excellent organisational skills
• Excellent communication with patients and colleagues

Further Information

This is a full-time post, but a part-time post may be accommodated (minimum 3 days per week). It is available with an immediate start date and based mainly at the Hammersmith Campus with some travelling to the St Mary’s Campus as required.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr Chris Chiu (c.chiu@imperial.ac.uk; www.imperial.ac.uk/people/c.chiu).

For technical issues when applying online please email sjobs@ic.ac.uk

Please complete an online application to be considered.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the Apply button above.

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