Clinical Research Fellow in Translational Brain Surgery Research

Applicants are invited to apply for a new vacancy at Clinical Research Fellow level in Translational Brain Surgery Research. During the course of the appointment the Clinical Research Fellow will undertake studies leading to a higher research degree (MD / MPhil-PhD). The appointee's research work will also take place at the Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery. Clinical work will include Neuro-oncology Clinic attendance and appropriately supervised operating. It may also include participation in the on-call neurosurgical rota if desired. The appointee cannot undertake any clinical work outside the employing organisation. The post is funded by an MRC DPFS grant, led by Dr Giannarou and Prof Elson. The project focuses on the integration of multiple imaging modalities and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques inside the operating theatre, with a goal to improve brain tumour resection and patient outcomes. This project will for the first time integrate cellular tissue morphology and multispectral tissue analysis into a surgical platform for simultaneous brain tumour identification and neurological functionality assessment.

• Multi Spectral Imaging (MSI) will be used during macroscopic tissue assessment to improve tumour identification and detect eloquent brain areas by visualising changes in tissue oxygenation.
• probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE) will allow direct visualisation of the tissue on a microscopic scale to unveil cellular morphology and identify tumour remnants and infiltration.
• Artifical Intelligence (AI) algorithms will be developed to assist intraoperative surgical navigation, guide precise tissue scanning, and support real-time diagnosis.
The post holder will be required to undertake a leading role in the research project as directed by Miss Sophie Camp, along with any other nominated academic supervisors. The research will entail project design, and translational experimental work, in addition to data analysis and reporting the results in peer-reviewed journals.
• To plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims
• To maintain the highest standards of research ethics, safety, and risk assessments
• To generate and display the results and interpret their physical implications
• To write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination via presentations and peer-reviewed journals
• To present research findings to colleagues and at national and international conferences
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings with data backup
• To comply with rules and regulations of the GDPR framework
• To liaise, as appropriate, with industrial partners
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the Department / Division / Faculty and wider academic community in order to further the project aims
• The post holder may be asked to undertake some teaching duties or to collaborate in other departmental research projects, and to demonstrate research projects to Departmental visitors.
The post holder is the Clinical Research Fellow in Translational Brain Tumour Surgery research and as such will need to embed themselves not only in the Department of Surgery, but also the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Department of Neurosurgery, and the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. It is envisaged that this symbiotic relationship will both help the CRF(with access to patient pathway, brain tumour patients, cancer journey, high volume neuro-oncology surgeries, survivorship challenges etc), and the Unit in terms of some assistance with service provision. An honorary contract / license to attend at the appropriate level will be issued by the hospital. The key clinical duties are as follows :
• To provide un-banded middle grade registrar' cover, including participation on the general surgical on call rota, approximately 1 : 7 on call commitment
• To participate in a maximum of x2 Neuro-oncology Clinics per week
• To participate in Neuro-oncology operating lists (supervised and / or assisting as appropriate)
• To provide urgent and immediate clinical support for patients in response to verbal or written requests by relevant Consultants and / or Registered nursing staff
  
  Degree in Medicine or equivalent
• Full GMC registration
• MRCS or equivalent
• ST3 level or above neurosurgical registrar
• Evidence of an interest in Research
• Proven analytical skills
  
  The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
• Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
• Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various and resources designed to support your personal and professional .