Clinical Research Fellow in Early Phase Cancer Clinical Trials

at  Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The Department of Oncology has an opportunity for a Clinical Research Fellow to work on the Early Phase Cancer Trials Unit for 12 months from October 2024, although start date will be flexible on negotiation. The post holder will be working alongside staff in the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford. As part of the training programme the applicant will have the opportunity to undertake a clinical or translational research project at the Oxford Cancer Centre.
The Early Phase Cancer Trials Unit at the University of Oxford is a specialist, dedicated clinical trials unit, supporting early phase research integrating oncology and haematology as a seamless service. Recruiting over 150 patients per year, our key remit is the testing of novel therapies, on a bespoke 15 bedded ward incorporating a sample handling laboratory. Under the direction of our Principle Investigators, who are world-leading clinicians and clinician scientists, a team of research nurses and clinical fellows work across the broad portfolio of studies, providing expertise in patient management and protocol compliance.
The successful candidate will be a GMC registered Medical Practitioner (or eligible for GMC registration), with relevant and substantial hospital service, including experience of managing cancer patients, and to have held specialist training hospital appointments in oncology or surgery.
The following responsibilities will be shared with other Clinical Research Fellows on the Unit.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

The post-holder will join with post-graduate fellowship programmes operating within the Departments of Oncology and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.

CLINICAL AND RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES:

Inpatient and outpatient care of cancer patients being treated as part of trials performed on the EPCTU;
Co-ordination and execution of trial activities for EPCTU, including (but not limited to) study specific investigations, sample collection and handling, data collection, case record folder completion, maintenance of study documentation;
Under supervision, to undertake the setting up of clinical trials, including protocol design, grant applications, regulatory and ethical submissions, liaison with clinical trials units and preparation of study specific documentation.
Preparation of results for publication.
The post holder’s duties will be primarily at the Churchill Hospital but their presence may from time to time be required in other parts of the Trust.
Oncology and Haematology Directorate
The Department registered around 6,000 new referrals during 2018-19, and provides patients with comprehensive care to include full assessment and treatment with both radiotherapy (3400 new patients, 52000 fractions) and chemotherapy (11,000 day unit attendances in OUH and Horton). In addition, a significant outpatient and chemotherapy workload is undertaken by our consultants visiting surrounding DGHs.
There are 54 consultant oncologist posts. There are 19 Medical Oncologists (of whom 8 are in university posts). There is close integration between the NHS Department of Oncology (Clinical Director, Prof Bass Hassan) and the University of Oxford Department of Oncology (Head Prof Mark Middleton). All consultants (NHS and University, Clinical and Medical Oncology) have shared offices and secretarial support in the Cancer Centre; grouped together in tumour site pods.
In March 2009 we moved into the new Oxford Cancer Centre on the Churchill site. This £110 million project saw the relocation of services for both surgical and non-surgical oncology and haematology into the new build.
For oncology there is an integrated ward of 26 beds for acute admissions (18), overnight chemotherapy admissions (4) along with 4 designated radiation protection beds. There is a linked 5 bed triage area, and 15 bed day case research area and laboratories to support the research.

CLINICAL AND RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES:

Inpatient and outpatient care of cancer patients being treated as part of trials performed on the EPCTU;
Co-ordination and execution of trial activities for EPCTU, including (but not limited to) study specific investigations, sample collection and handling, data collection, case record folder completion, maintenance of study documentation;
Under supervision, to undertake the setting up of clinical trials, including protocol design, grant applications, regulatory and ethical submissions, liaison with clinical trials units and preparation of study specific documentation.
Preparation of results for publication.
The post holder’s duties will be primarily at the Churchill Hospital but their presence may from time to time be required in other parts of the Trust. The sessions timetabled are flexible, as the work involved in supporting trials is varied. The nature of the clinical trials work will change according to the status of each protocol and the number of patients on trial at any given time.
Note: The above description is a guide and should not be regarded as definitive or restrictive and may be changed.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Undertake the administrative work associated with the duties outlined above. Administrative support will be provided by the Early Phase Trials Research Hub.
General responsibilities
Act at all times in the interests of the Department, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, and the OUH Trust to ensure good practice.
Be accountable for your own professional conduct at all times.
Ensure that work is conducted safely and, in particular, persons undertaking the work do so according to policies and appropriate safety procedures in the dedicated areas. Undertake duties as may be required from time to time that are commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
So far as is consistent with the proper discharge of the above duties the post-holder will be expected to deputize from time to time for absent colleagues.
Perform additional duties in occasional emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.
To be available for such irregular commitments outside normally rostered duties as are essential for continuity of patient care.
The post-holder will be required to work within the Trust’s management policies and procedures, both statutory and internal.
Risk Management
The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
Staff should be familiar with the
Major Incident Policy
Fire Policy
and should make themselves familiar with the ‘local response’ plan and their role within that response.
Responsibilities for Health & Safety
The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required.
Infection Control
Infection Control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts’ Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.
All staff employed by the ORH Trust have the following key responsibilities:
Staff must decontaminate their hands prior to and after direct patient contact or contact with the patient’s surroundings.
Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust.
Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmittable to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.
Equality and Diversity
The OUH values equality and diversity in employment and in the services we provide. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in employment and will keep under review our policies and procedures to ensure that the job related needs of all staff working in the Trust are recognised.
Freedom of Information
The post holder should be aware of the responsibility placed on employees under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and is responsible for helping to ensure that the Trust complies with the Act when handling or dealing with any information relating to Trust activity.
Patient and Public Involvement
The Trust is committed to, and has a statutory duty to, involve service users, carers and the public in the work of the organisation. We consider that patient and public involvement is the responsibility of every individual working for our Trust. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback. You will be expected to support the Trust in this aim through your working practice.
Children’s Rights
The post holder will endeavour at all times to uphold the rights of children and young people in accordance with the UN Convention Rights of the Child.
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the organisation. As a member of the trust there is a duty to assist in protecting patients and their families from any from of harm when they are vulnerable.
Information Governance
All staff must complete annual information governance training. You must maintain a Trust email account. All staff must complete annual information governance training, which can be completed on-line. For further details, go to the Information Governance intranet site: http://orh.oxnet.nhs.uk/InformationGovernance/Paqes/Default.aspx
Serious Untoward Incidents
All staff must report incidents and near misses so that the Trust can reduce the risk of harm by investigating and incorporating risk reducing measures to safe guard patients, visitors and staff, in accordance with the Trust Incident Reporting Policy.