New Posts -2 Associate Surgical Specialty Leads for Cardiothoracic Surgery

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08 October 2021

Letter to Trainees

Dear Trainees,

As part of the Royal College of Surgeons of England Surgical Trials Initiative applications are requested for the post of 2 Associate Surgical Specialty Leads for Cardiothoracic Surgery. The aim is to provide training and mentorship opportunities for the next generation of surgical trialists who will be supported to become leaders of an expanded surgical trials portfolio over the next 5-10 years.

This post will support the activities of the existing Surgical Specialty Lead in Cardiothoracic Surgery (Professor Gavin Murphy), through the leadership of trainee research initiatives, clinical trials, and contribution to the RCS Surgical Trials Initiative activities. The post is only open to trainees with a National Training Number and will be for two years in the first instance. Trainees with an interest in any of the major subspecialties are invited to apply. Extensive trials experience is not an absolute requirement but applicants should be committed to a career in research. Funds are available to support research activities including travel and subsistence costs required for the role. 

For expressions of interest please contact:

Professor Gavin Murphy

British Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiac Surgery Royal College of Surgeons Speciality Lead for Cardiothoracic Surgery Director, Leicester Clinical Trials Unit NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – Cardiovascular Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Life Sciences University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences Wing Glenfield General Hospital, Leicester LE3 9QP University P.A. Mrs Sue Page, Tel: 0116 252 2188, Email: sp504@le.ac.uk

To apply please forward a complete CV plus a letter of no more than one side of A4 describing your existing research activity and plans for the next 5-10 years. All applications should be submitted to the email address scts@le.ac.uk no later than 31st October 2021. Appointments will be by competitive interview in November.

Job Description

Associate Surgical Specialty Lead - Role Description

The Royal College of Surgeons of England, with support from partners, launched the RCS Surgical Trials Initiative in December 2012. To date, Surgical Specialty Leads (SSLs) have been appointed across most specialties and seven Surgical Trials Centres have been recruited and form the core of the initiative. Since launch, one of the overriding objectives of the initiative has been to develop trainee involvement in surgical clinical research by engaging with trainees, supporting trainee research collaboratives and hosting numerous events across all specialties. The SSLs will be responsible for leading and carrying out the recruitment process for the Associate Surgical Specialty Lead (Associate SSL), in their specialty. The post-holder will work closely with the SSL to develop and deliver surgical clinical research in their discipline. This is a unique opportunity for a trainee to be involved in this successful initiative and have the opportunity to shape the course of research in their specialty

Opportunity

1. An opportunity for a surgical trainee within the subspecialty of the SSL to learn about trial design and conduct

2. To learn about systematic reviews

3. Trainee to attend SSL +meetings in London and where appropriate, joint SSL and Surgical Trials Centre meetings

4. Trainee to be party to correspondence re SSL work

5. Trainee to be on a trial management group/steering committee

6. Expenses will be paid by SSL allocation

7. Trainee to be co-applicant on a new grant

8. To liaise with surgical clinical trial units and research design service

9. To champion work with other trainees

Requirements

1. Trainee to have an NTN

2. Trainee to liaise with collaboratives within their field to co-ordinate pre-trial work to inform new trials

3. Trainee to work with at least one trial

4. Trainee to attend meetings and consider attendance at systematic review meetings

5. To apply and work with the RCS opportunities for systematic reviews

6. Demonstration of ability to team work with other trainees, and create or re-enforce established trainee research networks

7. To support the RCS Surgical Trials Initiative

8. Act as a focus to promote research opportunities amongst trainees including funding and training opportunities

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