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Job summary

Main area
Rheumatology
Grade
Clinical Research Fellow
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (From Start Date)
Hours
Full time - 40 hours per week
Job ref
390-DoM-SO-3404-A
Employer
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Southend
Town
Westcliff-on-Sea
Salary
£44,170 - £67,610 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
08/02/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust logo

Clinical Research Fellow - Rheumatology

Clinical Research Fellow

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.

Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.

We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.

 

Job overview

*Previous Applicants Need Not Apply*

This exciting fixed‑term post is funded by the Research and Development Department and offers a unique blend of 70% research and 30% clinical Rheumatology. The role provides protected time for clinical duties, research activity, and teaching and training.

Based at Southend Hospital, the Clinical Fellow will join a dynamic and supportive Rheumatology team in which all consultants are actively research‑engaged. The department hosts a thriving clinical trials unit, staffed by two experienced research nurses and dedicated administrative support, creating a strong culture of innovation and collaboration.

Although the post does not carry formal educational approval, it offers training opportunities equivalent to those provided within the East Anglia registrar training programme. This role is ideal for someone wishing to develop subspecialty skills in rheumatology, gain significant research experience, or prepare for a future training number.

The balance of service and research commitments can be tailored to support the fellow’s professional development, ensuring a rewarding and personalised training experience.

Main duties of the job

Clinical and Research Duties:

The post holder will support recruitment to NIHR portfolio commercial and non-commercial studies with support from research nurses and trial practitioners from the R&D Department, and the activities of the Rheumatology service. The Clinical Fellow is expected to complete GCP training and become involved in the clinical management of patients on research trials.

Carry out feasibility assessments of NIHR portfolio and non-portfolio commercial and non-commercial studies

Screen and actively participate in the consent process according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

Provide dedicated clinical trials support for treatment and follow-up for participants recruited to trials alongside the R&D and health care teams.

The Rheumatology Department has an active audit programme and the post holder would be expected to contribute to the audit. In particular audit projects are pertinent to the research that will be undertaken.

The Research Fellow will be involvement in specific projects with the aim to produce peer reviewed papers for publication. A consultant rota is in place that offers support to the research team

Undertake outpatient clinics 

Inpatient Care: To see rheumatology ward referrals at Southend Hospital and liaise with the consultant on call to plan investigations and treatment.

Working for our organisation

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For more information on this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached Job Description.
 
We look forward to your application!
 
Please be aware that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a high number of applications be received.

*Previous Applicants Need Not Apply*

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • 1-2 years post-graduation experience in General (Internal) Medicine
  • Previous NHS Experience
  • Evidence of Rheumatology experience

Research/Audit Expereince

Essential criteria
  • Knowledge of the principles of research/audit and ability to interpret and apply clinical research.
Desirable criteria
  • Recent published clinical research in peer reviewed journal.

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • MRCP Part 1
  • Full GMC Registration
Desirable criteria
  • MRCP Part 2

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDNHS Employers Diversity and Inclusion PartnersApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerArmed Forces Covenant Gold Awardhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesStonewall Silver 2022Disability confident employerNHS Rainbow badgeNHS Pastoral CareNHS 75th Birthday

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Dr Gowrie Koduri
Job title
Consultant Rheumatology
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0300 44 30113
Additional information

Alternative contact: 

Andrew Smith

Deputy General Manager 

[email protected] 

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