King’s College London calls application Clinical Research Fellowship Program. This is a Clinical Research Fellow position to be appointed from 1st April 2021 on a 3-year project which is a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of the physiology of healthy human aging. In-depth physiological phenotyping of both sedentary and highly active younger and older individuals will be performed. The post is located within the Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, within the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine at King’s College London.

Position Summary

The post-holder will be a medical doctor (GMC registered) and be expected to undertake a broad range of physiological testing procedures including cardio-pulmonary exercise testing. He/she will also be responsible for the taking of tissue samples (muscle, skin, fat). The successful candidate may have a background in a variety of specialties (e.g. respiratory, cardiovascular, care of the elderly, sports medicine) and will be able to register for a PhD. He/she will join a team of researchers working on the project under the supervision of Prof Stephen Harridge. The work will be conducted on Guy’s Campus of King’s College London.

Role

The clinical research fellow will work on a cross-sectional and longitudinal project investigating the healthy human aging process through in-depth physiological phenotyping of both sedentary and highly active older and younger individuals. The project will utilize in vivo protocols for the assessment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and cognitive function. This will require the post holder to receive training in cardiopulmonary exercise testing, pulmonary and resting cardiovascular function testing (ECG and Finometery). In addition, the post holder will be trained to assess the bone mineral density and fat/lean mass (DXA), strength and power (dynamometry and functional assessment) and neuromuscular function (motoneuron excitability, voluntary activation and balance). The broader project will also involve in vitro analysis of muscle, fat and skin biopsy samples as well as serum, PBMC, plasma, saliva, fecal and urine samples. The post holder will be responsible for making muscle, skin and fat biopsy samples. The successful candidate will join a team of researchers working on the project under the supervision of Prof Stephen Harridge. The work will be conducted on Guy’s Campus of King’s College London although occasional trips to our collaborators at the University of Birmingham and Washington University in St Louis may be required.

Key Duties 

• Undertake research of high quality consistent with making an active research contribution in line with the aims of the project.
• Perform physiology testing procedures (including cardiopulmonary exercise testing), including participant assessment/enrolment, informed consent, clinical examination, where appropriate, and research record keeping.
• Perform biopsy sampling procedures (muscle, fat skin).
• Take responsibility for specific study-related medical decisions within their expertise, and, where appropriate, in consultation with the Study Investigators.
• Be responsible for participant recruitment and screening with the assistance of other team members.
• Be familiar with the specialized equipment and techniques associated with the project.
• Comply with the College’s Health and Safety regulations and policies and good laboratory practice.
• Carry out the research project with appropriate supervision to an agreed timeline.
• Work towards obtaining a Ph.D. based on the research project being conducted.
• Attend and, as appropriate, present research findings at internal meetings and external conferences.
• Contribute to publications arising from the research project.
• Meet the formal requirements for postgraduate training for the School of Basic and Medical Biosciences.

Requirements 

• Full GMC Registration.
• The UK recognized a medical degree.
• Intercalated degree (e.g. BSc)/other qualifications.
• Presentation of research findings at international meetings.
• ALS (or equivalent) certified.
• Word processing skills and basic statistical knowledge.
• Ability to manage acute cardiorespiratory emergencies.
• Knowledge of cardiorespiratory & exercise physiology.
• Ability to provide clinical oversight for cardiopulmonary exercise testing and tissue biopsies.

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