
Full-time fixed term post for 12 months - MT04
The Trust has a reputation for award-winning research and innovation. Last year our research teams recruited over 16,000 participants into clinical trials and this effort led to PHU being ranked the top recruiting large acute trusts.
This post represents an exciting opportunity to work in a busy eye department with a focus on delivery of our clinical academic portfolio comprising of both research and education activities.
This will include delivery of undergraduate medical education in PHUT in strategic partnership with King's College London (KCL) to deliver a Branch of the KCL MBBS GEM course at the University of Portsmouth (UoP). You will support Consultant colleagues with delivery of teaching sessions and placements within the unit. You will also co-develop and help coordinate a number of student projects.
In addition, the post holder will be required to deliver delegated research responsibilities, under the supervision of our Principal Investigator(s). This portfolio will primarily sit within Ophthalmology however, the post holder will also have opportunity to support other commercial trials as directed by the Head of Research/Clinical Supervisor.
Key Responsibilities:
Supporting the coordination and management of trial activities
Submitting applications for relevant Regulatory, Ethics and Governance permissions to conduct Clinical Trials within the Trust/University.
Identifying, screening and assessing the suitability of local patients to take part in research, according to specified inclusion/exclusion criteria.
Providing specialist information to patients about taking part in Clinical Trials, including the risks and benefits of participation in specific protocols. Initiating and facilitating the process of gaining their informed consent.
Ensuring trial specific investigations and sampling are undertaken as per the Protocol to establish eligibility and to ensure safe entry into trials.
Develop and oversee student projects (research/audit) within the department in line with course requirements
Maintaining accurate documentation in an auditable format and accurately record data as required by each project.
Identifying barriers to recruitment and performance, communicating these to the wider team, and help facilitate their resolution.
Ensuring all activities undertaken meet the standards set out in the Principles of Good Clinical Practice and National Research Governance Framework for Health & Social Care (DH, 2005).
The post holder will be encouraged to present findings at national meetings as well as publishing in peer reviewed journals.
Actively participate in team meetings, including research fellows, research nurses and department consultants and University staff.
Promote a culture of academic excellence through peer-peer learning and education sessions
Develop relevant teaching materials and work with University colleagues to ensure teaching sessions are covered on site and at the University
Identifying barriers to recruitment and performance, communicating these to the wider team, and help facilitate their resolution.
Ensuring all activities undertaken meet the standards set out in the Principles of Good Clinical Practice and National Research Governance Framework for Health & Social Care (DH, 2005).
The post holder will be encouraged to present findings at national meetings as well as publishing in peer reviewed journals.
Actively participate in team meetings, including research fellows, research nurses and department consultants and University staff.
Promote a culture of academic excellence through peer-peer learning and education sessions
Develop relevant teaching materials and work with University colleagues to ensure teaching sessions are covered on site and at the University
Qualifications
Full GMC registration with a licence to practice
PG Certificate in Clinical Education (Desirable)
Good Clinical Practice
Associate PI Scheme (Desirable)
Experience
Prior NHS experience in eye department
Delivery of teaching/training within the specialty
Development of documents for regulatory approval submission
Clinical Skills
Demonstrable skills and experience of glaucoma clinic/use of specialist equipment
Understanding of clinical risk management
Knowledge
Able to demonstrate appropriate level of clinical knowledge
Knowledge and use of evidence based practice
IT skills
Effective, confident presentation ability
Experience in and outside speciality
Other
Demonstration of enthusiasm and interest in a career in Ophthalmology
The ability to interact well intellectually and personally with colleagues, students and patients
Ability to motivate others and engage different staff in activities
Self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work both independently and as part of a busy team
Evidence of prioritising and organisational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation and report writing skills
Good attention to detail
Evidence of participation in audit
Publications
Prizes and honours
Logical thinking, problem solving and decision making
We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is the first NHS trust on the English mainland to provide community, mental health and acute hospital services. We work with health and social care partners in Somerset to ensure that we deliver outstanding services that meet the needs of our population, and this was highlighted at the Health Service Journal Awards 2021, where we were awarded Mental Health Trust of the Year.
Our trust was formed on 1 April 2020 when Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust merged, bringing together innovative and successful teams who have a track record of providing community and mental health services across the whole of Somerset and acute hospital services in the north, west and centre of the county and beyond.
We are privileged to work with over 9,000 colleagues who deliver or support our patient services. From therapists to nurses, doctors, researchers, scientists, porters, cleaners, kitchen staff, accountants, those who teach the next generation of clinicians and the receptionists who welcome our patients, the contribution of all our colleagues is invaluable.
Working together we provide services from the cradle to the grave, including:
• Services delivered in your own home such as Somerset’s Rapid Response service that cares for patients to support them during a period of crisis and avoided over 1,000 patients going to hospital in its first year
• Primary care from three GP practices
• A range of services from 13 community hospital including outpatient and diagnostic services, 190 inpatient beds and seven Minor Injuries Units.
• A range of specialist mental health services
• Specialist healthcare for adults with learning disabilities
• Community dental health services
• Regional, specialist and hospital services from Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton including medical and surgical care, maternity services and cancer treatment services