Clinical Research Fellow - Rheumatology Imaging. in Glasgow

We seek to train a future rheumatology clinical academic with an interest in molecular imaging. The successful candidate will help deliver a programme of work which will be the first to employ Full Body PET imaging to develop and test a variety of immune-PET ligand protocols in patients with immune mediated inflammatory diseases. This in turn will enable unique experimental medicine opportunities. This role, which is funded for 3 years, will allow the development of research skills and production of data which the postholder should use to develop a research thesis leading to an MD or PhD degree. Although research will form the major component of this post, participation in associated clinical duties and a small amount of teaching will be incorporated into the role. Postholders will be expected to register and undertake a higher degree [MD/PhD] and domestic tuition fees will be covered.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Plan, design and implement projects or parts of projects, in conjunction with collaborators and grant holders as appropriate to continue research that leads to a higher degree [MD/PhD].
• Write and submit applications for Ethics and Research Management approval, as appropriate and in conjunction with PIs.
• Manage data handling and interpretation of research results and take the lead in writing papers for publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare research reports, thesis, and submit at least one manuscript of material for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and departmental research group activities.
• Present work at internal and external seminars and national/international conferences as appropriate to enhance the profile of the research group.
• To deliver teaching materials and supervise undergraduate/postgraduate student projects and contribute to the academic progress of students.
• Contribute to the organisation of project-related workshops, seminars or conferences.
• Undertake some clinical work under an NHS honorary contract.
• Travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh to support research activity.
• To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan Inspiring People, Changing the World.

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Essential
• A1: MBChB or equivalent.
• A2: Applicants must hold GMC registration with a licence to practise, or be eligible to obtain GMC registration and a licence to practise prior to commencing the role.
• Desirable
• B1: BSc or equivalent intercalated degree.
• B2: Evidence of distinction in career to date e.g. prizes, awards, bursaries.
• B3: A national training number in rheumatology or related inflammation medicine clinical specialty.

Skills

• Essential
• C1: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collegially to achieve a common goal/Institute objective.
• C2: Evidence of self-motivation, originality, innovation and the ability to work independently.
• C3: Good organisational including the ability to manage research projects.
• C4: Excellent communication both oral and written.

Experience

• Essential
• E1: Significant clinical experience in rheumatology or related inflammation medicine specialty.
• E2: Previous experience in research.
• E3: Previous experience in undergraduate teaching or postgraduate teaching.

General Information

Clinical Research Fellowships offer medical graduates the opportunity for training in a range of research methodologies relevant to modern biomedical research in Medicine and related specialties. Most Clinical Fellows will undertake research training to consolidate career prospects, by participating in relevant research, which will usually form part of a further qualification or Higher degree [MSc, MD, PhD]. The post should make individuals competitive for future NHS teaching hospital appointment or Academic Lecturer/Clinician Scientist awards.

Research Training

All Clinical Research Fellows will have a mentor assigned at the time of appointment. The mentor will usually become the supervisor for any matriculated Higher degree. Clinical Research Fellows are encouraged to attend workshops and training in generic transferable skills organised by the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School.

Higher Degrees

Clinical Research Fellows will undertake study towards a Higher Degree, ordinarily a PhD, in the University of Glasgow. In addition to an academic supervisor, all postgraduate students will have an independent adviser. Either the adviser or supervisor must be a member of full-time University academic staff.

Clinical Work

For registered medical practitioners an honorary grading will be sought from the relevant NHS Service. Clinical activities may be limited to those required for research training such as recruitment to trials and conduct of clinical research. However, limited additional clinical experience will usually be available subject to the agreement of the supervisor and NHS Services Clinical Director, within-patient and out-patient experience in Medicine and relevant Specialties.

Funding Sources

The duration of funding is as specified in the post-specific information. It will be awarded on the basis of individual career achievement to date and the likelihood of the fellow contributing to an effective, existing research team. Salary will be on ST equivalent scale.

Research Training Base

The Clinical Research Fellow will be based at the University of Glasgow but may work at other clinical sites e.g. the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Teaching

There will be no regular commitment to teaching but research fellows are encouraged to contribute to both problem-based learning and clinical teaching sessions for undergraduate medical students when research commitments allow.

Assessment of Progress

All those matriculated for Higher Degrees will be subject to the Postgraduate School of the College for progress monitoring. This is completed according to the regulations set down in the University Calendar. Written progress reports on projects on a monthly basis. Research in Progress presentations, at least annually, to the Institute. Reports/manuscripts of results of clinical trials undertaken, as appropriate. General assessment during clinical work and meetings. Annual interview by independent assessors.

Future

Research fellows will either return to run-through training, or may become eligible for an academic training post.

Standard Terms & Conditions

Salary will be on the Clinical Research Fellow scale: £48,288 - £74,591 per annum. This post is full time and fixed term for 3 years. Although this activity constitutes part of the job, the management of the clinical activity will be the full responsibility of the NHS Organisation. In the unlikely event that the NHS Organisation withdraws the honorary contract, the University will not be able to continue this post and notice of termination will be served.

The successful applicant (if aged under 60) will be eligible to join the Universities’ Superannuation Scheme. Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG)

The University of Glasgow is committed to safeguarding children and protected adults by ensuring that individuals in regulated roles are appropriately vetted and monitored. The University’s PVG policy aligns with the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 and reflects the legal requirements effective from 1 April 2025, including the mandatory PVG Scheme membership for regulated roles. The post for which you are applying is considered to be a regulated role under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Under the Act, individuals working in a regulated role must be a PVG Scheme member before employment. If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be conditional subject to a satisfactory PVG Scheme record check.

Further information is available at: https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme

The post for which you are applying is considered to be a child care position in terms of The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003. It requires the successful applicant to undergo a satisfactory Disclosure check through Disclosure Scotland prior to appointment. This check is necessary to ensure that the University of Glasgow fulfils its legal duties under the Act. If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure Report.

The University will make a Disclosure application to Disclosure Scotland, which will reveal any past criminal convictions (spent or unspent) or inclusion on the Disqualified from Working with Children List. Any non-conviction information held locally by the police may also be disclosed should this be considered relevant to the position.

It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.