Clinical Research Fellow in Functional Neurosurgery

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior research fellow at ST8/ post-CCT level to join the Department of Neurosurgery at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Job available from August 2025), for a period of 1 year in the first instance (renewable for a further years pending performance). This is to replace the current fellow at the end of contract.

The Department of Neurosurgery at King’s College Hospital is part of one of the largest Regional Neuroscience Units in the UK and the appointee to this post will work closely with Prof Ashkan, the academic lead, and his team on a range of commercial and non commercial research projects and studies. The main focus of the research will be Deep Brain Stimulation although the fellow may at times be required to help with other neuroscience research.

The successful candidate will join Prof Ashkan’s experienced research team and will work on multiple ongoing projects. There will also be opportunity to develop own research. The appointee will have the opportunity to attend clinical sessions and take part in the on call rota pending agreement of the research and clinical teams.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will identify , recruit, randomise and supervise patients for clinical trials within the Department of Neuro surgery . The post holder will be responsible for maintaining the relevant paperwork and liaising closely with trial coordinator, nurses and other colleagues involved in these studies. The post holder will also form an integral part of the intraoperative clinical research team collecting data during neurosurgical procedures.

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites.

The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Identifying and recruiting patients into the trials according to the protocols approved by the Multi Research Ethics Committee and the Local Research Ethics Committee, and according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice.

Caring for the patients on the trials, under the supervision of the Principal Investigators, in accordance with the protocols, liaising as appropriate with general practitioners and other health care professionals so as to ensure the well-being of the patients and their carers .

Collecting intraoperative clinical trial data.

C ontributing to other clinical trials and academic activities i n the department as appropriate , including arranging tissue collection/ transfer to laboratories as directed under approved Material Transfer Agreements.

D evelop his or her own research interests in parallel with the current trials, as appropriate . 

Any other duties appropriate to the grade as directed by the supervisor.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details of the main responsibilities of the role.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Eligible for registration with the GMC
• MB BS (or equivalent)
• FRCS (Neurosurgery)

Desirable criteria

• PhD, MD (original research)

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Substantial experience in general neurosurgery
• At least close to completion of CCT

Desirable criteria

• Exposure to functional neurosurgery
• Commitment to a career in functional neurosurgery

Skills and Competencies

Essential criteria

• Knowledge and experience in elective and emergency neurosurgery
• Ability to prioritize clinical need
• Evidence of participation and active involvement in audit projects/ research
• Understanding of clinical risk management

Desirable criteria

• Previous publications/ presentations

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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