Clinical Research Fellow in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Are you an ambitious clinical researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have experience in treating autoimmune connective tissue diseases such as SLE? Are you interested in undertaking a research degree? Do you have excellent organisational skills and attention to detail? Do you want to be part of a successful, highly-talented and leading research team? Are you keen to expand knowledge into this field and work collaboratively across research themes? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK's leading research-intensive Universities?

SLE is one of a group of connective tissue diseases characterised by inflammation in multiple organs, type I interferon activity, autoantibodies, and poor quality of life. Musculoskeletal manifestations are among the most common and impactful to patients but poorly treated. We have previously worked extensively in the phenotyping of SLE arthritis using imaging and development of better outcome measures.

Our current work in this field has several aims. We want to advance understanding of the role of imaging using both ultrasound and MRI. We want to obtain blood and musculoskeletal tissue samples to analyse pathogenic processes and potential therapeutic strategies. The work will extend from pure musculoskeletal involvement to broader assessment of therapeutics in SLE. Systematic literature review is likely to be required. Patient-public engagement is essential.

You will have relevant experience in assessing and extracting data for patients with a range of connective tissue diseases, expertise in musculoskeletal imaging, conduct of clinical trials, some statistical analysis, and experience in publication. The skills developed during the work will include more advanced statistical and causal inference methods using R, advanced use of imaging, and clinical trials expertise.

The ability to manage your time effectively and work under pressure is essential, along with effective interpersonal, communication, and team working skills.

This is a 24-month appointment that will include the opportunity to undertake a research degree (i.e. PhD).

What we offer in return:
- 26 days holiday plus approximately 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) — that's 42 days a year!
- Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes