31 Jul 17. Clinical research fellow (040638)

Clinical research fellow in studies of cerebral small vessel diseases - 040638

The post is funded by the Medical Research Council as part of the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI). The studies address mechanisms of brain damage in Small Vessel Diseases and the clinical impact using advanced MRI neuroimaging, systemic vascular function, cognitive and clinical assessment tools.   

Job Purpose

The clinical research fellow will work on studies of how cerebral small vessel diseases (SVD) lead to different lesion outcomes seen on magnetic resonance brain imaging (MRI), different clinical presentations, and effect of interventions. The studies use advanced MRI, retinal imaging and systemic vascular measures to assess small vessel function, including MRI diffusion, blood-brain barrier, cerebrovascular reactivity, pulsatility, blood flow, and spectroscopy, supported by a large multidisciplinary team of imaging and SVD experts.

The post is funded through the Edinburgh Dementia Research Centre in the UK MRC Dementia Research Institute, and is central to a portfolio of studies investigating SVDs funded by Fondation Leducq (Perivascular Spaces Transatlantic Network of Excellence), EU Horizon 2020 (SVDs@Target), British Heart Foundation (LACI-2 trial) and Stroke Association/BHF/Als Soc (R4VaD study). The post is funded for 3 years and provides a superb opportunity to obtain a PhD.

Main Responsibilities

• Recruit, assess and consent patients against pre-defined criteria, keeping the patients and all study staff informed of progress. 20%
• Perform and supervise, with other relevant staff, study-related procedures including advanced MR imaging, pulse wave velocity and other physiological measurements. 25%
• Assist with establishing study databases and data entry and verification access requests, curation and analysis processes. 15%
• Assist with preparation of ethics amendments, reports to funders, conference abstracts and papers for publication. 10%
• Prepare papers describing the results of the research for publication in high quality journals, prepare reports for funders, and present data at relevant conferences. 20%
• Participate in the NHS stroke service applicable to the requirements for continued professional development. 15%

Application details

Candidates should demonstrate clear motivation towards research, have a good medical degree, full registration with the GMC, MRCP or equivalent, a clear interest in small vessel diseases in stroke and dementia and interest in undertaking a PhD.  You should have excellent organisational skills, good oral and written communication skills, and be able to work flexibly in a large multi-disciplinary international team.

This is a 3 year post at AMN2 (£33,131 - £49,091)     For further information please contact – moira.henderson@ed.ac.uk.   

Closing Date: 29th August 2017

For full job description and to submit an application visit our website www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk.  Ref: 040638