Job Description
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious trainee surgeon to gain experience of delivering clinical research under the supervision of Mr. Edward St.John (Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon & Honorary Reader) and Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr (Professor in Biomechanics and Head of the Research Group in Breast Health, University of Portsmouth).
This will be for a full-time post for 12 months, with the option of a second year for the appropriate candidate who wishes to pursue a higher degree (MD, self-funded or grant-funded).
The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Breast Unit is one of 15 nationally accredited Oncoplastic Training Centres in the UK and is well supported by a highly regarded team of on-site breast and plastic surgeons.
Note: there is no oncall commitment or scheduled time in theatre, this role is designed to maximise research opportunities.
What the role is:
* Clinical Research Fellow position (self funded possibilities include MRes (1yr), MD (2yr), PhD (3yr)
Core Project title:
A mixed-methods study of the effects of breast surgery and treatment on breast and body biomechanics
What the core project is:
This research project is novel and exciting, It involves building on the expertise of the UoP Breast Research Group & their knowledge of breast biomechanics and translating this to clinical practice. The UoP Breast Research Group is internationally leading in the field of breast biomechanics and bra science. Numerous major sports apparel and lingerie companies (e.g. Nike, Addidas, Under Armour, M&S) test their products via the groups laboratory. The breast unit @ Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is one of the largest units in the countries, offers breast & plastic surgery onsite and is research active.
A large range of operative procedures and radiotherapy treatments have been developed to enable breast reconstruction and breast conserving surgery. During shared decision making, surgical options are frequently considered focussing on patient choice from a cosmetic point of view. PROMS data are frequently the main outcome measure. The biomechanics of the normal breast is well understood, but has not yet been translated to clinical practice. Breast biomechanics may provide an objective measure against which surgical & radiotherapy procedures can be compared. Furthermore, understanding the alterations to breast biomechanics post-surgery and post-radiotherapy may enable improvements in post-operative bra design and prescription.
Where it is based, and with whom:
The project will be hosted together with the Breast Unit Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust & the Research Group in Breast Health, University of Portsmouth. Supervision will be from Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr & Edward St John (Consultant Oncoplastic Breast surgeon & Honorary Reader).
Qualifications
Qualifictations
Essential
* A GMC registered medical practitioner
* Successful completion of medical training to IMY2 level or equivalent and pass achieved for part 2 written component of the MRCS examination.
Desirable
* Full Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons
* A specialist training number
* A candidate wishing to pursue a career in breast surgery
* Good Clinical Practice certificate
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
* An interest in clinical research
* Demonstration of enthusiasm and interest in a career in a surgical specialty
* To have a good understanding of breast surgery
* The ability to interact well intellectually and personally with colleagues and patients
* The ability to communicate with patients clearly
* The ability to complete work on time and work to deadlines
* Self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work both independently and as part of a busy team
* Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
* 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
Desirable
* Critical appraisal and analytical skills for interpreting qualitative and quantitative information
* Previous experience working within the NHS
* Evidence of interest in research with prior publications & presentations
Additional Information
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.