An opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Research Fellow to undertake an exciting and ambitious project using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to investigate left atrial blood flow dynamics and their impact on thrombogenesis. The post is funded for 3 years including a generous consumables allowance via the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). You will work closely with Professor Barbara Casadei (BHF Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine & Honorary Consultant Cardiologist), Dr Marco Spartera (Consultant Cardiologist), and Dr Rohan Wijesurendra (Honorary Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist).

 

We have developed experience in using CMR 4D flow techniques to reproducibly assess left atrial blood flow parameters and shown that an abnormal left atrial blood flow phenotype is independently associated with prevalent embolic brain infarcts, irrespective of heart rhythm. The current project will build on this foundation, aiming to advance the research and development of the technique and also combine this with more fundamental and mechanistic tissue-based studies to address relevant clinical questions in patients with or at risk of cardiovascular disease (e.g. atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart failure). We are well placed to undertake these investigations in Oxford, with access to cutting-edge CMR scanners and techniques, a tertiary referral centre patient population, and expertise across the relevant clinical and technical disciplines.

 

Your main responsibilities will include obtaining necessary ethical and regulatory approval, recruiting patients and healthy volunteers, acquiring and analysing CMR and other data (including wet lab work), working with technical collaborators to develop and improve imaging sequences and post-processing software, and drafting scientific outputs. Training will be provided locally in the necessary project-specific skills, and a large portfolio of generic skills courses is also available within the Medical Sciences Division (e.g. statistics, presentation skills, etc.). You will be required to hold a primary medical degree and GMC registration. Relevant clinical experience in cardiology and/or previous publications, presentations, prizes, and honours would be desirable. 

 

This is a full-time appointment on a fixed term contract for 3 years at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU. The successful candidate would be expected to start as soon as possible and would be encouraged to register for a DPhil (PhD) at the University of Oxford, and supported in an application for further external funding.

 

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online; you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement which explains how you meet the selection criteria for the post. 

 

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on 23 November 2023 can be considered. Interviews are scheduled to place on 4th December 2023. 

 

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.