Position Details
Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £61,825 to £70,425
Clinical
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 4 years, or CCT, whichever is sooner
Closing date: 14th July 2025
Background
This position will be based in the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, College of Medicine and Health to support the area of endocrinology and diabetes health research and teaching portfolio. The research area has a broad portfolio of clinically based and basic science research across the areas of endocrinology and diabetes.
The successful applicant will undertake research within the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, University of Birmingham. The Department of Metabolism and Systems Science (MSS) has one of the nation’s leading track records of obtaining prestigious career development and career establishment fellowships by major funders, including clinician scientist and senior clinical research fellowships from MRC, Wellcome Trust and numerous charities. It champions the academic clinical integrated training pathway and hosts trainees in adult and paediatric endocrinology and diabetes throughout their career development.
The Department offers a highly multi-disciplinary collaborative environment that combines leading excellence in endocrine, metabolic and reproductive research. Our researchers employ a combination of in vitro and in vivo models, human in vivo physiology, innovative metabolome and imaging approaches, experimental medicine studies and clinical trials. We provide access to advanced training opportunities in both human in vivo and model-based deep metabolic phenotyping, facilitated by state-of-the-art facilities in our adult and paediatric NIHR Clinical research Facilities and a dedicated metabolic mouse phenotyping facility. Research opportunities are enhanced through our cutting-edge facilities for metabolome analysis (Phenome Centre
Birmingham https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/phenome-centre/index.aspxand Henry Wellcome NMR Facility, Metabolic Tracer Analysis Core, Steroid Metabolome Analysis Core) and the world-leading advanced imaging platforms of the Centre for Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE; https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/colleges/mds/facilities/compare/compare.aspx).
The Department of Metabolism and Systems Science’s website provides an overview of its research which focusses on endocrinology (endocrine tumours; endocrine-related cancer; steroid endocrinology), metabolism (major themes: diabetes, obesity and energy metabolism; cancer and immune-metabolism), and maternal and reproductive health (reproductive endocrinology, endocrine aspects of fertility and miscarriage; metabolic health in pregnancy). In addition, there is ready access to collaboration with mathematical modellers and computer scientists through the research incubator sessions of the Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine (SMQB)that is integrated within the in collaboration with the Schools of Mathematics and Computer Science.
The Department of Metabolism and Systems Science is the academic home to over 40 internationally and world-leading principal investigators focusing on the areas of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Maternal and Reproductive Health; you can find out more about their research here: www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/metabolism-systems/staff/pis.aspx
Our science is translated into health via the Birmingham Health Partners (BHP) Centre of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM). Maternal and Reproductive Research benefits from the National Tommy’s Centre for Miscarriage Care and Research. In addition, the department of MSS is a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Global Women’s Health. We pride ourselves that we can offer research approaches that can cover the entire translational cascade, from cell-based and animal in vivomodel studies through to experimental medicine and clinical trials, providing the opportunity for broad research training and translationally integrated working. The successful applicant will have access to all state-of-the-art technologies and expertise to facilitate the development of their research career at the cutting edge of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine.
Role Summary
Research activity will focus on one of all potential areas of endocrinology and diabetes. The post provides the opportunity for higher and advanced sub-specialist training in Endocrinology & Diabetes alongside pursuing an academic research career and contribution to teaching in the endocrine specialist module of the established teaching programmes (MBChB, BMedSc, MRes).
The clinical duties of the post will rotate between the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Heartlands, Good Hope, Solihull Hospitals, all part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. During the 50% clinical training allocation of the post, the post holder will have responsibilities for the care of inpatients and outpatients with the full range of Endocrinology & Diabetes and general medical problems.
We are looking for a highly motivated early career clinician with an academic track record and aims at an academic clinical career in an area that synergises with ongoing research within the dept of Metabolism and Systems Science. Teaching the nation’s next doctors is a key mission of our College and we expect clinical lecturers to engage with teaching activities but this will be a minor component to facilitate adequate postdoctoral research opportunities.
Main Duties
Clinical and Research activity balance
There will be a 50:50 split between clinical and academic sessions, with the allocation of research time flexibly adjusted to the requirements of the specific research project. Time in post is recognised 100% to contribute to CCT accreditation and clinical competencies will be assessed annually at the ARCP assessments in the usual way. The on-call endocrinology and diabetes commitments will be in accordance with the hospital Residents rota.
The post holder will normally remain in post until CCT is achieved. In line with NIHR, we also offer the opportunity for a 12-month extension beyond CCT, which can be applied for six months prior to the CCT date.
Description of research component of programme
There will be flexibility to allow the successful candidate to develop their research interest within any of the research areas (both clinical and basic science/laboratory based work) in collaboration with any of the principal investigators within the Research section.
It is desirable that prospective candidates have undergone a period of research training and have completed or been awarded a postgraduate degree (usually PhD). The candidate must have a track record with peer reviewed publications and the lecturership will provide the opportunity to prepare for clinical training research fellowship or for a postdoctoral career development fellowship (e.g., Wellcome/MRC/NIHR postdoctoral or clinician scientist fellowships). We offer individually tailored research supervision and mentoring as well as generic skills training and opportunities for leadership training. All our lecturers are encouraged to take up the offer by the Academy of Medical Sciences to provide them with an external mentor and they receive tailormade support in preparing for the submission of an Academy of Medical Sciences Starter Grant for Clinical Lecturers.
Description of clinical training component of programme
The opportunity of exposure to a full range of Endocrinology and Diabetes training opportunities will be offered. Successful candidates will be on an on-call ‘shift’ rota at intervals usually of 1 in 10 and where possible, on-call duties will be arranged to fall outside academic time, with overall reduction of on calls to reflect the 50% rather than 100% clinical commitment of the training post.
Person Specification
Essential
Professional experience
* MRCP (part 2)
* Experience at the level of ST3 or greater Hold a NTN
Education
* Experience of teaching medical undergraduates
Training/Specialist skills
* Computer literate with Word, Excel, EndNote
Research
* Have good quality publications
Specialist aptitudes/abilities
* Ability to work in a team-orientated environment and to work without friction with colleagues
Motivation and disposition
* Committed to a career in academic medicine
* Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team
* Bright committed and able to produce consistently high quality work within deadlines
* Excellent communication skills
Desirable
Professional experience
* MRCP (Part 3)
* Higher degree (PhD or MD) or about to complete a higher degree in a subject area pertinent to endocrinology and diabetes
Education
* Experience in small group teaching
* Experience in the development of innovative teaching approaches
Training/Specialist skills
* Experienced in the use of Prism/GraphPad or other relevant software
Research
* Demonstrate the ability to attain funding from peer review grant bodies (i.e., MRC, HTA, etc)
Specialist aptitudes/abilities
* Ability to develop new techniques and assess their worth
OH and DBS required
The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.
Further particulars can be foundhere
Informal enquiries to Professor Niki Karavitaki, email: N.Karavitaki@bham.ac.uk
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