Senior Research Associate in Medical Microbiology REF: RA1239

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Senior Research Associate in Medical Microbiology REF: RA1239"

Lambert Bruce
5 years ago
Views:

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Norwich Medical School Senior Research Associate in Medical Microbiology REF: RA1239 This is a full-time post offered on a fixed-term basis for a period of 2.

The Post We seek an experienced scientific project manager with molecular microbiology/diagnostics expertise as site co-ordinator for a multi-centre evaluation and clinical trial of molecular

1 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Norwich Medical School Senior Research Associate in Medical Microbiology REF: RA1239 This is a full-time post offered on a fixed-term basis for a period of 2.5 years with possible extension for a further 2.5 years contingent on extension to funding. The Post We seek an experienced scientific project manager with molecular microbiology/diagnostics expertise as site co-ordinator for a multi-centre evaluation and clinical trial of molecular diagnostics in hospital and ventilatorassociated pneumonia (HAP/VAP). The appointee will join a multi-disciplinary research team, comprising scientists and clinicians from UEA, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Cromwell Hospital. The appointee will evaluate and compare several commercially-available PCR tests for the rapid identification of pathogens and their antibiotic resistances in HAP and VAP. These aim to improve patient management and antibiotic stewardship. Contingent on the project s extension, its second phase, from year 3, will entail a randomised controlled diagnostics trial of the best performing diagnostic test from WP1. This will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Norwich Clinical Trials Unit. Applicants should have a strong background in microbiology and molecular biology, including PCR as well as project management experience. Experience in molecular microbial diagnostics and/or respiratory tract infections would be an advantage. This position is at Professor David Livermore and Dr Justin O Grady s laboratories at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia (UEA), and is funded by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) programme grant. INHALE Research Programme HAP and VAP are frequent and life threatening in intensive care units. Antibiotics are administered empirically and refined based upon microbiology results 48 72h later. This is unsatisfactory because: (1) laboratories fail to isolate pathogens from ca. 50% patients; (2) some patients have pathogens 1

2 resistant to empirical therapy, increasing mortality; (3) many more patients are over-treated when they do not have a resistant pathogen. The Chief Medical Officer s recent report ( highlights the potential for molecular diagnostics to identify pathogens and resistances in hours allowing earlier refinement of antibiotic therapy. INHALE therefore will compare the performance of three different three PCRbased pathogen- and resistance- detection systems available for HAP/VAP across four widely different ICUs, using routine samples from HAP/VAP ICU patients who are about to receive antimicrobials (WP1). Molecular results will be compared with Gold Standard conventional microbiology. In parallel (WP2), we will survey HAP/VAP patient characteristics, bacterial epidemiology, and resistance rates at the four ICUs; also prescribing patterns and clinical outcomes. Based on WP1 and 2 results, we will select the best-performing system to include in a RCT across the four ICUs (WP3 contingent on satisfactory performance of at least one of the tests and funding extension). Additionally, a behavioural study (WP4) will identify clinicians beliefs and concerns about molecular diagnostics, and a cost-effectiveness study (WP5) will examine economic aspects. Other information Other group members based at UEA include a Research Assistant on the INHALE project who will be responsible to the post-holder, research associates/assistants and PhD students working on other projects. UEA and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, with 987 beds, is situated on the Norwich Research Park, which also houses the John Innes Centre, one of the top plant science and microbiology centres in the world; TGAC, a BBSRC funded genome centre housing all the latest next generation sequencing technology and a highly skilled bioinformatics team; the Institute for Food Research, which has vast expertise in gut microbiology. Interactions across the NRP which hosts one of the largest concentrations of microbiologists in Europe are outlined on the Micron Microbes in Norwich' website. Job Description The Research Associate employed on the INHALE study will be the site coordinator for the project, running WP1 (diagnostic test evaluation study) and contributing to WPs 2 (ICU survey) and 6 (management and dissemination). The main responsibilities of the role holder will be to: 2

3 Co-ordinate the Norwich INHALE site (UEA and NNUH) by managing the collection and testing of clinical samples for WP1, the collection of information for WP2; Prepare for the randomised clinical trial in collaboration with the Norwich Clinical Trials Unit (WP3) and, contingent on funding extension, support of this trial; Set up and manage a smooth-running sample collection and testing workflow with colleagues from the NNUH ICU and Clinical Microbiology departments; Test respiratory samples using PCR-based molecular diagnostics platforms from three different manufacturers and troubleshoot when necessary; Communicate regularly with diagnostic test manufacturers, working with them to improve the tests in the early stages where necessary; Communicate regularly with the management team, counterparts at UCLH/UCL, the NNUH Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, and the Norwich CTU; Manage study databases and interpret data; Manage the research assistant working on the project; Attend and present results at regular project meetings in Norwich and London; Disseminate project results through oral presentations at national and international conferences and scientific journal publications; Any other such duties as may be assigned by the management team. The precise duties will be agreed in discussion with the Principal Investigator. Person Specification The person specification for this post is attached as Appendix A. Informal Discussions For informal discussion please contact Professor David Livermore, Professor in Medical Microbiology, tel: or d.livermore@uea.ac.uk, or Dr Justin O Grady, Lecturer in Medical Microbiology, tel: , or Justin.ogrady@uea.ac.uk. 3

4 The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMH) The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is led by the Executive Dean of Faculty, Professor Ian Harvey, working closely with the Heads of School, and the Associate Deans who share responsibility for the areas of Research; Enterprise and Engagement; Learning and Teaching; Admissions; and Postgraduate Research. These senior academics, together with the Senior Faculty Manager, the Faculty Human Resources Manager, and the Faculty Finance Manager, form the Faculty Executive. Teaching is organised through the Faculty s two Schools of study, comprising Health Sciences (HSC) and Norwich Medical School (MED), assisted by a Centre for Inter-professional Practice (CIPP). The Faculty also has strong research links with the Norwich Research Park, comprising the Institute of Food Research (IFR), the John Innes Centre (JIC), and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, see The post-holder will have an appropriate level of research skills, experience and track record in an area that complements the existing skill mix of the team, in order to support the research strategy within the Faculty. Researchers within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences benefit from: a dedicated Associate Dean of Research; appropriate support in all aspects of their research activity; a well-resourced Research Office to support the process of submitting research grant applications; our collaborative approach and close links with practitioners in a wide range of clinical specialities across the region; strong collaboration within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and across other professional schools and academic disciplines across the University; exposure to expertise in both qualitative and quantitative paradigms of research, and support for appropriate conference and course attendance. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Schools of Study The Norwich Medical School Head of School: Professor Michael Frenneaux. The Norwich Medical School was established at UEA in 2001 and has over 200 members of academic, research and support staff and a large number of active NHS secondees and honorary appointees from a wide range of disciplines (including medical specialties, biological sciences and a range of social and statistical disciplines, including health economics, clinical psychology, epidemiology and medical statistics). The School has grown with 4

5 a current entry each year of 168 students. Its first students graduated in 2007 and since then the School has been in the top 10 of all medical schools on the National Student Survey on three occasions, (4th in 2013); the Prescribing Skills Assessment pass rate is over 97%; the Situational Judgement Test is among the top scores nationally and the Preparedness to Practice and Core Skills Acquisition are consistently top 5. In 2014 the school was shown to have produced some of the best prepared Foundation doctors, demonstrated through national data provided by the GMC following their annual survey of all doctors in training. RESEARCH Research focus is on developing translational research themes that answer important health questions, from an understanding of the basic mechanisms and genetics of disease through to clinical trials and from there to incorporation into clinical guidelines and evaluation within the broader health care community. The Medical School has a vision to build a clinical and translational research programme of international standing based on the existing strengths of the Medical School, University of East Anglia (UEA), The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and the Norwich Research Park (NRP). The presence of 3 BBSRC research institutes on the Norwich Research Park (Institute of Food Research (IFR), John Innes Centre (JIC), The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) provides unique opportunities not available to other comparable medical schools. Preventive medicine is a major goal for 21st century medicine. The role of diet in the prevention of a wide spectrum of disease will be a particular focus of research within the Medical School. Incorporated with this will be parallel strategies to understand the epidemiology and health economic impact of the conditions studied. Areas of research within the Medical School include: Cancer Studies Clinical Science and Trials Epidemiology Gastroenterology and Gut Biology Health Economics Health Services Research Medical Microbiology Musculoskeletal Science Nutrition Psychological Sciences Norwich Medical School is housed on East (main) campus in the Norwich Medical School Building, and on West Campus in the brand-new 20m Bob Champion Research and Education Building which opened in late 2014, 5

6 adjacent to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital providing outstanding facilities for staff and supporting clinically orientated research. The Medical School enjoys a strategic partnership with the adjacent 1,000- bed Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and with other teaching Trusts (the James Paget University Hospital in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Trust based in Norwich, Ipswich Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, as well as local CCGs). UEA Health Partners has been constituted, composed of NHS Trust Chief Executives, senior university members and chaired by the Vice Chancellor to oversee the strategic relationship between the University and NHS Trusts with whom the School interacts in both research and teaching. The Dean of Medicine is a member of the UEA Health Partners Board. There is a growing number of clinical academics in the areas of stroke and ageing; respiratory medicine; gastroenterology; clinical pharmacology; cardiology; primary care; public health and epidemiology; rheumatology; diabetes; and orthopaedics. The Medical School has for several years received an allocation of Walport academic training posts. There is particular strength within the Medical School in epidemiology, statistics and health economics and exciting possibilities for appointees to develop clinical trials with the NIHR fully registered Clinical Trials Unit as well as experimental medicine within the five-bed Clinical Research Facility (CRF) located in the University Hospital. There is a research 3T MRI scanner also located within the University Hospital. The School of Health Sciences Head of School: Professor Valerie Lattimer On 1st August 2014, the Schools of Nursing Sciences and Rehabilitation Sciences at UEA came together to create a new School of Health Sciences. The School s purpose is to resolve health challenges through the advancement of knowledge and interdisciplinary working. This innovative development has built on the strong reputation of the two Schools and creates an outstanding learning environment for students; fostering cutting edge research and offering opportunities for real innovation in enterprise development. The School of Health Sciences encompasses a family of interrelated disciplines; midwifery, all fields of nursing, operating department practice, paramedic science, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. Our research is focussed on developing solutions to future global health challenges as a consequence of our life style choices (e.g. obesity, diabetes); living longer with long term conditions and the need for systems, services and training models to adapt to different health care needs in the future. 6

7 We have a clear vision and strategy to be a leading international academic force in our field, improving the quality of healthcare through our research and education. The School s academic structure is designed to secure the delivery of our strategy. Staff belong to one of three health challenge units which drive innovation in research, teaching and learning in three theme areas: reforming health systems; promoting family and community health and living well with long term conditions. The groups foster a collaborative ethos and serve as an academic home community for those with related interests from a variety of professional backgrounds. We support our academic staff to actively engage in practice and provide opportunities to extend personal development linked to performance. As a School community we are committed to sustained engagement with staff, students, service users and carers and we aim to be in tune with the priorities and requirements of our NHS partners and other providers at a time of considerable change and resource constraint in the wider economy. We have developed excellent partnership working with other HEIs, commissioners and health care providers in the region and work closely with clinical colleagues to maintain and develop clinical experience for students, as well as providing a mechanism for incorporating their role as mentors and clinical educators into lifelong learning. We currently have over 1300 undergraduate, pre-registration students and around 1200 post registration and postgraduate students taking a variety of modules and courses, including our flagship NIHR Masters in Clinical Research. The success of the School is reflected by the popularity of its programmes and a number of measures of esteem. The School is ranked 5th for nursing and midwifery and 7th for health professions in the Guardian University Guide (2015) and has recently climbed four places to 8th place for nursing in the Complete University Guide (2015). 7

8 GENERAL Salary Salary 31,656 to 37,768 per annum on Grade 7 on the single salary spine. The normal expectation is that the starting salary will be at the minimum of the advertised salary scale. The appointment will be in accordance with the terms and conditions for Research and Analogous staff. Starting date The post is available immediately, on a full-time basis, for a fixed-term of 2.5 years with possible extension, contingent on renewal of funding, for a further 2.5 years. Terms and Conditions of appointment Full details of terms and conditions of employment for Research & Analogous Staff will be made available to the candidate to whom the appointment is offered, but attention is drawn at this stage to the following conditions: Annual Leave Entitlement There is an annual holiday entitlement of six weeks plus statutory (8 days) and customary (6 days) holidays, pro rata for part-time. Superannuation The post is superannuable under the Universities Superannuation Scheme. This appointment will be subject to: Proof of Qualifications The person specification for this post lists qualifications that are essential and/or desirable and you may hold some or all of these qualifications. Please note that if you are offered the post you will be asked to provide original certificates of these educational and professional qualifications. Please DO NOT provide these with your application. Entitlement to Work in the United Kingdom If you are shortlisted for interview you will be asked to bring to interview original documentary evidence of permission to work in the UK. Candidates invited to interview will be provided with a list of appropriate documents that can be provided as evidence. Please DO NOT provide this with your application. 8

9 Due to the nature of this role and the level of qualifications required, please note that immigration legislation allows the University to apply for a sponsorship certificate for this post. Where appropriate, the University will apply for a sponsorship certificate from the Home Office UK Immigration and Visa Service on behalf of the candidate offered employment. The individual will be required to supply original documents and certificates to support this application. Workers from outside of the EU who do not have current residency status within the UK and will require entry clearance or leave to remain approval from the Borders Agency should familiarise themselves with Tier 2 (General) of the Points Based System operated by the Home Office. Details are available at Occupational Health Assessment Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health Assessment to be carried out by the University s Occupational Health Service. Disclosure and Barring Service This appointment will be subject to a criminal record check at Enhanced level from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Further details outlining the procedure will be sent to you on receipt of your signed Acceptance of Appointment Slip. Please note: you are expected to meet the cost of obtaining a satisfactory Disclosure and a deduction will automatically be made from your salary shortly after receipt of the Disclosure. The present cost of an Enhanced Disclosure is 44. In connection with the DBS Disclosure, please also note that: 1. This post is concerned with the provision of health services and is excluded from the provision for non-disclosure of spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. 2. Due to delays in receiving Disclosure information from the DBS, it has been agreed that you may commence work at the start date of this contract subject to a risk assessment having been completed by Norwich Medical School. 9

10 APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS Your completed application form should quote reference code RA1239 and be returned by no later than 12 noon on 15 December 2015 in one of the following ways: accessed via the relevant vacancy details at then downloaded in Word format to be completed electronically then saved and sent as an attachment to or accessed via the relevant vacancy details from then downloaded in Word format to be completed electronically, then printed and posted to the Human Resources Division, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, or accessed via the relevant vacancy details from and downloaded in PDF format and printed, to be completed by hand and returned by post to the Human Resources Division at the address shown above or forms received by post from the Human Resources Division should be completed by hand or typed and returned by post to the above address. Postal applications will not be acknowledged unless a stamped addressed envelope/postcard is supplied. For paper submissions please ensure you add the correct postage to your application pack as failure to do so will considerably delay receipt by this office and may jeopardise your application for this post. Please note that applications received after the closing date will not normally be accepted. If you are submitting an application by post immediately prior to the closing date please contact the Human Resources Division on to let us know that your application has been posted, and if possible also send a copy by fax to or by to hr@uea.ac.uk in order that we receive these by the closing date. Please note that feedback will not normally be provided to those applicants who are not shortlisted for this post. Applicants for posts with a reference code beginning RA must ensure they submit a covering letter and three paper copies of their curriculum vitae, or one copy if submitting the application by , along with their completed application form. Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form Please note that an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form must be completed and returned with ALL applications, whether submitted by post or by . If 10

11 submitted by , the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form must be sent as a separate document/attachment to the Application Form. The Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form will be detached from the received Application, before short-listing takes place and will not form any part of either the short-listing or decision making process. Referees In naming referees in your application, you are requested to give only those who can immediately be approached and one of these must be your current employer, or if not employed your most recent employer. Interviews Interviews will take place in January 2016 and candidates who have not heard by 9 January 2016 should assume their application has been unsuccessful. Successful shortlisted candidates may be notified of their interview times by telephone and/or and it is therefore essential you include both of these in your application. This document is available in alternative formats e.g. large print, disc and on-line. If you need this document in an alternative format please contact us on , fax , or hr@uea.ac.uk 11

12 APPENDIX A PERSON SPECIFICATION Senior Research Associate in Medical Microbiology Ref: RA1239 School: MED Criteria Essential Desirable Education, Experience and Achievements Skills and Knowledge Personal Attributes A PhD degree or equivalent experience in a relevant biological subject (biological science, microbiology). Scientific project management experience. Expertise in PCR and general molecular microbiology. Good publication record, in peerreviewed journals relevant to career stage. Knowledge of the microbiology of HAP and VAP. Experience of managing large, complex data sets. Outstanding personal initiative Excellent organisational and computer skills. Data management expertise. Ability to work under time pressure and to tight deadlines. Understanding of patient confidentiality requirements. Demonstrable communication skills in English language (oral and written) A desire to learn, to innovate and to move out of own comfort zone. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Willingness and ability to travel. Expertise in the molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases. Clinical trial experience. Ability to lead and drive research projects. 12

Research Associate in Dementia Research Ref: RA1300. This is a full time post offered on a fixed-term basis for duration of 2 years.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Norwich Medical School Research Associate in Dementia Research Ref: RA1300 This is a full time post offered on a fixed-term basis for duration of 2 years. The Post