Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a resident doctor to gain experience in clinical research in motor neurone disease, while continuing training in neurology.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare neurological condition that causes the degeneration (deterioration and loss of function) of the motor system (the cells and nerves in the brain and spinal cord which control the muscles in our bodies). This results in weakness and wasting of the muscles which can result in progressive weakness in the arms, legs, speech and swallowing and sometimes breathing. MND is progressive and symptoms worsen over time. Sadly, MND severely reduces life expectancy and most people with MND die within five years of the onset of symptoms.

The aim is to provide excellent and equitable access to clinical care and research across the regions. The network is led by two consultant neurologists with an interested in MND. We are fortunate in South West London and Surrey to have many practitioners in community neurorehabilitation teams and hospices and in ventilation and nutrition services who have experience and expertise in supporting people with MND and a band 7 MND Care Navigator  who ensures people living with MND, families, carers and with health and non-health professionals in a timely manner and provide education in MND care throughout the region to ensure equity of high quality care for all. 

Main duties of the job

The role will be split 50:50 between research and clinical duties. A detailed timetable will be agreed with the postholder. 

The Clinical Research Fellow will be supporting clinical research studies in motor neuron disease. They will be responsible for recruitment and maintaining governance of trials as well as helping set up new studies.

• To undertake appropriate clinical evaluation of the patients and other tasks for effective running of the research e.g., informed consent, administering rating scales, lumbar punctures
• To attend research meetings and seminars within the group and at scientific conferences
• To assist the Band 7 research nurse in governance and set up of clinical trials
• To undertake any necessary training and/or development
• To plan and contribute to the writing of future research proposals for funding and fellowship applications
• Attend relevant clinics e.g. MND, neuromuscular or dementia, for clinical and research development advances

The Clinical Neurology role will depend on the rotation in the post.  There will be opportunity for clinic-based work, acute stroke unit care as well as acute and regional neurology work through the year.

Working for our organisation

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC). 

 After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.