We are looking for a part-time Clinical Research Fellow to work on the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) RESPOND Programme. This is a 5-year project to develop and trial methods for improving responses to deteriorating postoperative patients. The post will be primarily based at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

 

The RESPOND programme is focused on emergency laparotomy and will measure Failure to Rescue (mortality associated with postoperative complications) as the primary outcome. The interventions proposed will be based on Human Factors science and the programme will culminate in a 24 hospital randomised Stepped Wedge trial.

 

The postholder will be working closely with Professor Peter McCulloch and his team at the Patient Safety Academy and Quality, Reliability and Teamwork Research Unit. Specifically, they will be working to develop and deliver the interventions, supervise data collection, provide training and support for involved clinical staff and analyse and publish findings.

 

Experience of involvement in clinical research, and in delivering complex intervention programmes (eg Accelerated Recovery, GIRFT) would be useful. Publication will be an important part of the role, and candidates should have experience of successfully writing scientific articles. The postholder will receive on the job training in Human Factors, Quality Improvement techniques and theory, and there will be opportunities for independent research, support for funding applications for postgraduate degrees and supervision for candidates who wish to pursue these.

 

About you 

The postholder will have clinical experience in surgery to at least CT2 level, will have passed the MRCS, will hold GMC registration with a licence to practice, and will have some background in research or evidence of research training. You will have some experience of either Human Factors or Quality Improvement work in healthcare. You will have proven ability to communicate at an academic level, the ability to conduct projects semi-autonomously, and the ability to work well as part of a team.

 

This 40% FTE post is available from 1st April 2024 and is fixed term for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for up to 1 further year.

 

If you would like to discuss this role please contact Professor Peter McCulloch: peter.mcculloch@nds.ox.ac.uk

 

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote reference NDSA921 on all correspondence. 

 

Only applications received before noon Friday 15th March 2024 can be considered.

 

Interviews will be held week on Tuesday 26th March 2024.