Clinical Research Associate at Newcastle University

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Clinical Research Associate to work on our flagship programme, Autologous Tolerogenic Dendritic cells for Rheumatoid Arthritis (AuToDeCRA), which investigates the potential of a cellular therapy, derived from a rheumatoid arthritis patient’s own peripheral blood, to intercept the disease process.

We are now preparing for our second human trial of this therapy, AuToDeCRA-2. This study will compare different routes of administration, using immune monitoring to track the impact of this novel cellular therapy over a period of three months. This role is linked to a Versus Arthritis project, Autologous Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells for Rheumatoid Arthritis-2 (AuToDeCRA-2).

This post provides a unique opportunity to develop a practical understanding of experimental medicine research.

You will be responsible for delivering AuToDeCRA-2 and will play a central role in the AuToDeCRA-2 team, acting as a liaison between the research laboratory team, the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) advanced therapies laboratory, the NHS rheumatology team and the NIHR Clinical Research Facility.

You will be responsible for identifying potential participants, via face-to-face and telephone consultations, explaining the study to them, and obtaining consent. You will also be responsible for overall trial management and logistics, including oversight of study visits, preparing study reports and manuscripts.

We have a well-staffed laboratory infrastructure and there may also be the possibility to develop laboratory skills, dependent on further funding.

You will be a conscientious, self-motivated team player, with a thirst for new knowledge and an appetite for discovery.

This is a full time post, funded for two years and will provide an excellent platform for a research fellowship, potentially leading to a higher degree.

You will work closely with various members of the Musculoskeletal Research Group, particularly Professor John Isaacs and Dr Arthur Pratt, to whom informal enquiries can be made (john.isaacs@ncl.ac.uk, Arthur.pratt@ncl.ac.uk)

Candidates should attach a statement to their application that describes their research interests and, in particular, highlights their relevant experience.