Tommy's Clinical Research Fellow post in Obstetrics

Applications are invited for the Tommy's Clinical Research Fellow post at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in conjunction with the University of Leeds. The post is available from Aug 2025.

The research areas concerns the microarchitecture of the cervix and preterm birth (supervisors Dr Nic Orsi, Mr Nigel Simpson). An example of previous work may be found below. Progression towards a higher degree would be expected and encouraged.

Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. It will incorporate the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests, but especially those considering a future in preterm birth prevention.

The successful applicant will be involved in the full range of clinical activities in preterm prevention (pre-pregnancy counselling, preterm prevention clinics, transvaginal ultrasound scanning of the cervix, placement of high vaginal and transabdominal cerclages), leading to independent practice in this area. As such it may appeal more to a trainee at ST6+ level.

Main duties of the job

The post is split between research (six sessions) and clinical (four sessions) as well as a full on-call rota commitment. The post also includes a commitment to undergraduate teaching and examinations as a member of the academic team. The terms and conditions of the post will be those of the NHS terms and conditions for medical and dental staff.

Please refer to attached job description and person specification.

About us

The maternity service is based at St James University Hospital (approximately 4,500 deliveries per year) and Leeds General Infirmary (approximately 4500 deliveries per year). Each site has a delivery suite, antenatal and postnatal wards, antenatal day care unit, fetal assessment unit, obstetric ultrasound department, maternity assessment centre and outpatient clinics. There is a tertiary level fetal medicine unit at LGI, where the Level 3 neonatal unit is also situated.

The gynaecology service is predominantly based at St James University Hospital (Chancellor Wing) and includes general, urogynaecological, recurrent miscarriage, endometrial ablation, fertility control, complex contraception, menopause, perineal and ambulatory gynaecology clinics such as hysteroscopy,), vulval and colposcopy.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This post was established by Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in conjunction with Tommy's and The University of Leeds, to encourage more senior trainees to become involved in research activity and to develop specialist interest.

Applications are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics ST6+ level.

The specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its role in preterm birth.

Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.

We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals with the potential to excel in both their clinical and research training and who have the ambition to obtain a higher degree. The post is for up to 3 years with 60% of the working week dedicated to research and 40% to clinical service. There is an on-call commitment as 2nd on call for obstetrics and gynaecology on a 1 in 10 basis. The post holder is employed by Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust (LTHT) with an honorary contract with the University of Leeds.

Applications are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics ST6+ level.

The specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its role in preterm birth.

Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Research institution in which training will take place

The research work will be carried out in the Section of Obstetrics & Gynaecology within the School of Medicine, University of Leeds.

The Sections work covers a range of themes ranging from understanding disease aetiology through to the application of our findings in translational clinical trials and currently includes the following areas of research:

Prediction/prevention of adverse pregnancy outcome - much of our work in this area aims to integrate complementary research themes so as to integrate clinical, metabolomic, proteomic, and genetic biomarkers in the pre-symptomatic detection of obstetric complications

Gynaecological cancer - we cover two principal themes the bulk of our work revolves around the pathophysiology of endometrial cancer using genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and lipidomic approaches. Much of our emphasis is placed on understanding the role of the tumour microenvironment in carcinogenesis. We are also interested in the role of microRNAs, predictive markers for response to novel targeted therapies, and the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer

Interaction between nutrition and pregnancy outcome: we work closely with the Nutritional Epidemiology group in order to better understand the impact of nutrition on the incidence of pregnancy complications. Much of our research in this area has focussed on maternal caffeine and anti-oxidant intake

Endothelial biology: studying the role of mechanosensing channels in placental vasculature within the world-leading cardiovascular research group in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine

Reproductive Medicine: including pioneering in vitro maturation research and studying implantation biology

Our work is collaborative and links in with other leading national and international groups. We particularly value the practical contribution of our research in driving our teaching and clinical practice in order to improve womens healthcare.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

MB BS (or equivalent) MRCOG (Part 1)
In possession of NTN/ST4+ or equivalent
Be eligible for full registration with, and hold a current licence to practise from, the GMC at intended start date
Eligibility to work in the UK.
Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent (as required to complete Foundation competences) by intended start date
All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues demonstrated by one of the following:
Applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English.
OR
Achieved the minimum score of 7 across all 4 of the following categories in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. (An overall minimum score of 7.5)
OR
Achieved the minimum Grade B across all 4 of the following categories in the Occupational English Test (OET) in medicine in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. (You must provide your candidate number) If applicants believe they have adequate communication skills, but do not have evidence in one of the above forms, they must provide alternative supporting evidence of language skills

Experience

Essential

Evidence of achievement of foundation competences, in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice including:
Satisfactory OSATs as appropriate for stage of training
Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach
Able to demonstrate proficiency in a range of medical procedures as an indication of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
Familiarity with UK health system and NHS
make the care or your patient your first concern
provide a good standard of practice and care
take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity or comfort is being compromised
protect and promote the health of patients and of the public
treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity
work in partnership with patients
work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients interests
be honest and open and act with integrity
never discriminate unfairly against patients or colleagues
never abuse your patients trust in you or the publics trust in the profession.
Demonstrates awareness of the basics of managing medical/surgical conditions, including emergencies.
Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
Evidence of competence in management of emergencies and in-patients through continuous work-based assessments, and portfolio evidence
Evidence of achievement of ST4 competencies in medicine or Surgery (as defined by the curricula relating to Core Medical training or Core Surgical Training)
Ability to apply sound clinical knowledge and judgement to problems
Ability to prioritise clinical need
Ability to maximise safety and minimise risk
Recognition of, and ability to undertake the initial management of, an acutely ill patient
Demonstrates understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues
Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence-based practice, patient safety, and clinical quality improvement initiatives
Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-informed practice
GCP
Demonstrate current ALS certification or equivalent
Please see the full person specification

Desirable

Attendance clinical training courses
Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate
Additional clinical skills (i.e. obstetric or gynae ultrasound)
Research and audit skills:
Evidence of relevant academic and research achievements, e.g. degrees, prizes, awards, distinctions, publications, presentations, other achievements
Evidence of involvement in an audit project, a quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity which:
focuses on patient safety and clinical improvement
demonstrates an interest in and commitment to the specialty beyond the mandatory curriculum
Teaching:
Evidence of interest in, and experience of teaching
Evidence of feedback for teaching
Instructor status (or a recommendation for instructor status) in an advanced life support course (ALS, ATLS, EPLS, APLS) or equivalent course

C9298-MED-820

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

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Clinical Research Fellow in Obstetrics