Clinical Research Associate

The Role

This is a very exciting opportunity for a clinical trainee to receive highest quality training and experience in the specialist management of type 1 and type 3c diabetes with a focus on hypoglycaemia assessment and risk minimisation while undertaking leading edge translational research within the Newcastle University Diabetes Regenerative Medicine Group.

You will screen and identify participants for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) CLEAR randomised controlled trial evaluating psychoeducational interventions in type 1 diabetes complicated by impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia – including the My Hypo Compass programme developed within Newcastle University. You will play a critical role as a named coordinating investigator in pioneering stem cell-derived islet transplant trials and a study validating novel biomarkers in islet transplant recipients with the goal of reducing immunosuppression burden.

You will be trained in all aspects of glucose and immunosuppression management in islet and pancreas transplant recipients. Our primary aim is to provide the successful applicant with the skills to confidently manage cell therapy in people with diabetes as this moves rapidly towards adopted widely accessible standard-of-care. There will in parallel be opportunities for impactful peer-reviewed presentation and publication of research findings – with support for further clinical academic training if desirable to the appointee.

This post is Full Time, and Fixed-Term until 31 December 2025.

For an informal discussion please contact James Shaw ()

Key Accountabilities 

Liaise with the CLEAR Trial Management Group in Sheffield to ensure efficient delivery of all Newcastle aspects of the trial

Coordinate the Newcastle Vertex 880 Trial Management Group and liaise with Clinical Research Facility and Freeman Hospital teams to efficiently and effectively deliver all aspects of the trial
Coordinate and deliver the islet transplant biomarker study in liaison with the Principal Investigator, Prof James Shaw
Prepare governance and ethics approval documentation for proposed clinical studies in type 3c diabetes / beta-cell replacement therapy in Newcastle
Provide clinical care for patients with diabetes in Newcastle in parallel with trial recruitment, intervention and follow-up
Be prepared to contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
Co-ordinate own work with that of others, deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project
Present information on research progress and outcomes to the Principal Investigator and colleagues overseeing the research project, and at national and international meetings
Provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (including via social media as appropriate)
Work to deadlines and manage competing priorities
Ensure that personal knowledge and training in relevant fields of study is kept up to date
Work with other researchers in a team and actively participate in collaborative research, liaising with research colleagues and support staff on day-to-day issues
Provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Clinical experience in hospital internal medicine 

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
Excellent communicator
Strong people management and motivation skills
Empathetic approach to clinical practice and research studies
Understanding of research methodology
Ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems
Ability to extract and interpret complex medical information from medical records
Excellent planning and organisation skills and ability to prioritise competing demands
Exemplary record keeping
Registrar level or above in complex diabetes management including type 1 and type 3c diabetes (Desirable)
MRCP (Desirable)
Experience in clinical management of transplant recipients (Desirable)

Attributes and Behaviours

Interest in expanding skills in specialised educational support and technology including hybrid closed loop in diabetes

Interest in beta-cell replacement therapy
Able to work as part of a team but also independently
Able to collect, organise and analyse complex datasets
Highly motivated
Conscientious
Enthusiastic and inquisitive
Ability to work flexibly, and under pressure
Good interpersonal skills; able to effectively work with others, including colleagues, other staff, patients and their families

Qualifications

Degree in medicine 

GMC Registration

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28475