Clinical Research Fellow

This post is ideal for trainees who wish to take time out of training to develop their skills in Paediatric Neurology, and gain research experience in neurology. The post is based at the Ryegate Children’s Centre / Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and research will be conducted both at this sites.

This post is designed for a trainee of ST4 and above level, who is considering a career in paediatric neurology, neurorehabilitation or epilepsy and is interested in gaining research experience, presentations and publications. It is expected that the successful applicant will complete research projects on a topic in the above fields following discussion with the team. Potential projects could be in the areas of paediatric epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, cerebrovascular/paediatric stroke or movement disorders and would be decided following discussion with the successful candidate depending upon their specific area of interest. The post is valid for one year in the first instance, but may be extended depending on progress of the research study and review of the successful applicant’s work towards the end of the first year.

This is an example of a typical weekly timetable, but this is subject to amendment following discussion with the Service Lead and research supervisor on appropriate clinics and the availability of clinical space.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

AM

Ward work

On call neurology clinic

MDT EEG meeting

On call neurology clinic

Research

Research

PM

Patient admin/ ward round

Research

Patient Admin

Research

Teaching

MRI meeting

Research

It is expected that the successful applicant will meet with a member of the team to discuss the neurology research project prior to starting the role. The research supervisor for the Fellow would be dependent on the topic chosen. During the post, the team will provide weekly supervision meetings initially, which will reduce in frequency when the trainee and supervisor feel this is appropriate. A formal assessment with the research supervisor and second member of the neurology team will be arranged towards the end of the first year. Applicants who have made sufficient progress will be allowed to progress to a second year in the role, if desired.

The hospital became a designated paediatric regional trauma centre in 2012 and the children's Emergency Department sees 52,000 new patients per year. Sheffield Children’s Hospital provides secondary paediatrics for the city, which comprises about 20% of the population of North Trent.

The Ryegate Children’s Centre is located approximately 1.5 miles from the main hospital site. The centre is the base for the sub regional paediatric neurology service, the paediatric neurodisability service, and has a small number of respite care beds. Therapy and other services are provided for children with disabilities on this site. There is a full laboratory and radiological support at the main hospital site. MRI and spiral CT were installed during 2001. There is regular input from consultant neuroradiologists who are based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The radiologists provide an echocardiography service as the cardiology service is based at Leeds General Infirmary. The consultant cardiologists provide an outreach service to Sheffield. The radiology department has an excellent support for paediatric Neuroradiology. Clinical Conferences are held on a weekly basis with neuro-oncology, neurosurgery and neurology.

Please refer to the attached job description for full information on the main responsibilities of the position.