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Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre
Section of Oncology and Clinical Research
Based at St James’s University Hospital & Leeds General Infirmary
Research Nurse in Neuro-Oncology - part-time (0.6 of full time equivalent)
A motivated and ambitious nurse, you will join an active team involved in clinical and preclinical studies in neuro-oncology.
A Registered Nurse (Adult), you will have relevant post-registration clinical experience
including experience in venepuncture. Your effective interpersonal and communication
skills will be essential for recruiting patients and liaising with hospital staff and colleagues.
Working both independently and as a member of the team you will recruit patients to
relevant local, national and international studies, collect information from consenting
participants using questionnaires, collect/organise blood and tissue samples and obtain
relevant follow-up clinical data where appropriate.
You will have the ability to accurately collect and enter data and will be competent in the
use of word processing and database packages as well as an ability to work on your own
initiative to tight deadlines.
Additional duties will include assisting with related patient support where necessary. You
must be flexible in working hours and be willing to undertake occasional travel away from
home.
The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and
offers a range of family friendly policies (http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies).
The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award.
The School of Medicine gained the Bronze award in 2013. We are committed to
being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider
job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our
employees.
This is a part-time (0.6FTE) fixed term post, which is available from the 14th July
2014 to 31 August 2015 (further funding may be available) and will be based at
Leeds General Infirmary and St James Institute of Oncology, Bexley Wing.
University Grade 6 (£25,513 - £30,434 p.a. including the August pay award)
dependent on qualifications and relevant experience.
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed to Debbie Beirne, Nurse
Consultant, tel: +44 (0)113 2067855, email: [email protected] or Professor Susan
Short, email: [email protected]
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Sharon
Collins, email: [email protected] or tel: 0113 2066949
Job Ref: MHCAP1000
Closing Date: 22 September 2014
BACKGROUND
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Director: Professor Tim Bishop
http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/900/leeds_institute_of_cancer_and_pathology
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology addresses both laboratory based and clinical
research into cancer with a major focus on translational science. LICAP is one of the
largest cancer Institute’s in the country and has major financial support from the cancer
charities. The laboratories and clinical research are all based on the St James’s site with
laboratory activities being located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building and adjacent
buildings while the clinical work is based within Bexley Wing. The Institute consists of
seven Sections: Epidemiology & Biostatistics; Experimental Haematology; Experimental
Oncology; Oncology & Clinical Research (Clinical); Oncology & Clinical Research
(Laboratory); Pre-cancer Genomics; and Pathology, Anatomy & Tumour Biology.
Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre
http://www.cancerresearchukcentre.leeds.ac.uk
The Leeds Cancer Research UK Centre is a partnership between the University of Leeds,
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Cancer Research UK, which aims to harness
the scientific power of Leeds-based cancer researchers to deliver improvements in cancer
care at local, national and international level. It fosters excellence in basic and
translational research and offers services to all cancer researchers in Leeds, irrespective
of their funding source. Beyond research, the Centre is also keen to build stronger
relationships with the local community, with patients undergoing cancer treatment, their
carers, cancer survivors and the wider public.
Section of Oncology and Clinical Research (Laboratory) – Professor Alan Melcher
The Section’s research is centred on i) viruses as causative and therapeutic agents in
cancer, ii) interactions between tumours and the host immune system (with a particular
focus on the role of natural killer cells), iii) neuro-oncology, including glioma stem cells,
the tumour microenvironment in brain tumours, and radiation biology and therapeutics, and
iv) Identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets in renal cancer and other diseases
of the kidney, principally using proteomic techniques. The Section focuses particularly on
translational research, spanning laboratory studies through to early clinical trials, to
provide an iterative ‘bench to bedside and back again’ platform to develop novel
treatments for cancer patients.
Section of Oncology and Clinical Research (Clinical) – Professor Chris Twelves
The Section focuses its research in several areas.
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Early clinical trials of novel agents and combinations (Twelves, Anthoney, Ralph,
Melcher) focusing on hypothesis-driven studies, viral therapeutics and other
approaches developed locally, neuro-oncology, and studies with other ECMCs and
the Cancer Research UK New Agents Committee. Trials are carried out in the NIHR
Leeds Clinical Research Facility, many incorporating translational and
pharmacokinetic studies. The Section hosts the Leeds Experimental Cancer
Medicine Centre.
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Phase III trials are carried out across a wide range of tumour types with an
emphasis on colorectal cancer, melanoma, brain tumours and urological cancers
(Seymour, Short, Vasudev, Melcher). We have been especially successful in trials
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of systemic (Seymour) and local (radiotherapy, Sebag-Montefiore, Short; surgery
Jayne) therapies of colorectal cancer (Seymour, Sebag-Montefiore), many
incorporating translational molecular pathology or genomic studies (Quirke) and
innovative imaging strategies (Sebag-Montefiore, Short).
The use of Patient Reported Outcomes approach to allow patients to self-report
adverse events and symptoms online with immediate integration in their electronic
records to support their care and improve patient experiences (Velikova, Wright) in
the context of chemotherapy, biological treatments, radiotherapy and surgery. With
the CTRU we are also developing a patient toxicity self-reporting system for use in
clinical trials.
Health services research focuses on the application of clinical informatics to the
challenges of genomics and delivery of effective cancer services (Hall), cancer in
teenagers and young adults (Stark) and survivorship (Stark, Wright, Velikova).
JOB DESCRIPTION
Purpose of the Post
This post is funded by The PPR Foundation medical charity as part of their support in
developing neuro-oncology research in Leeds. Providing an effective link between the
neuro-surgical unit, the laboratory and the clinic, the potholder will be involved primarily in
recruiting and consenting patients to clinical studies and to supporting the collection of
biological samples for pre-clinical, biomarker and molecular pathology studies. Additional
duties will also include data collection and assisting other oncology research nurses with
clinical trial-related studies where necessary with training being provided. This will involve
meeting newly diagnosed and relapsed patients who require treatment and being involved
in discussing opportunities for them to take part in clinical studies, including testing of new
drug treatments, novel radiotherapy regimes as well as donating tissue, blood for specific
testing. It will involve cross checking clinical information made available at MDT with trial
criteria and helping other team members identify relevant patients for specific studies. It
may involve explaining the rational and practicalities of specific studies to patients and
carers and facilitating relevant investigations prior to study entry. This post holder will also
be involved in co-ordinating follow up of these patients in studies and recording relevant
clinical, radiological and biochemical data on study proformas. They may also be involved
in informing other members of the oncology department, patient groups or research groups
about the content, success and outcome of specific studies.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
You will:
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Assist in the identification and ethical recruitment of patients and volunteers to the
studies and arrange contact via correspondence and telephone calls where necessary
Gain consent for patients and healthy volunteers, principally for participation in clinical
trials and pre-clinical studies where necessary. This will involve explaining the
rationale, practicalities and relevance of specific studies to these groups.
Ensure effective, sensitive communication explaining the objectives of the research
project before their participation highlighting the benefits to the participants depending
on the nature of their individual situation.
Perform venepuncture where necessary
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Liaise regularly and effectively with all members of the team (members of the neurooncology multi-disciplinary team (MDT), laboratory researchers, lab technicians) to
ensure they are kept fully informed of progress on the project
Organise your own workload as defined by team leader/laboratory head and report
any issues or problems that may impact on the organisation or delivery of project
objectives in a timely manner
Participate in relevant clinical meetings such as the weekly multidisciplinary team
meetings for specific disease areas or project review meetings. This will involve
presenting patient data and information to provide key points and update other groups
members.
Contribute to the longer term planning of the recruitment methods used for the project
and the feasibility of data collection methods.
Maintain up to date activity data records and report this information to the wider team
in appropriate settings as requested
Take a proactive and creative approach in addressing problems or potential barriers
that may occur in the planning or delivery of projects, alongside senior colleagues and
the wider team. Examples may include problems in identifying relevant patient groups
or practicalities in timing of research interventions.
Prepare abstracts and collate relevant clinical data from patient records for study
proformas, summaries and reports. Also contribute to publications as appropriate.
Act as a professional at all times, maintaining strict confidentiality with patient records
and information given
Visit clinics, neuro-surgical theatres and become familiar with tissue and blood
donation practices in and around Leeds as necessary for the effective performance of
the duties and up to date knowledge base
In addition, where involved in assisting with other clinical trials or related studies:
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To ethically recruit patients into studies by ensuring they and their carers are fully
informed of all treatments and procedures through their involvement in information
giving at the time of consent.
To undertake the co-ordination of trial screening procedures to assess patient
suitability by reviewing relevant information from clinical records against trial entry
criteria
To co-ordinate trial visits and specific trial procedures for patients entered into trial
protocols
To assess trial patients during treatment within specific pre-determined protocols
To process, store and despatch blood and tissue samples according to trial protocols
and trust policies and guidelines
To educate patients and their carers with regards to trial medications particularly when
medications require home self-administration
To be cannulation-competent in order to deliver intravenous trial related agents as
necessary
To safely administer some trial medications in adherence to trust policies, including
cytotoxic agents where appropriate
To act as a patient advocate when required, for example when patients wish to raise
concerns or questions with the clinical team.
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To accurately report and document side effects and ensure any modifications required
as a consequence are carried out
To provide ongoing support and information to patients and their carers
To ensure relevant referrals are made when required to other members of the
multidisciplinary team to maintain the safety and wellbeing of patients at all times
To ensure adequate follow up arrangements are made for patients on the cessation of
a trial
To assist the allocated team leader with the set-up of research trials including
preparation of relevant paperwork for the Clinical Management Team, National
Research Ethics Service and Research & Development committees
To ensure that up to date and approved protocols and patient information is available
To prepare relevant worksheets promptly where appropriate
To accurately collate data on relevant trial pro-formas within a pre-determined
timeframe and respond to data queries, for example when data need to be checked or
collected retrospectively as determined by the trial investigators or co-ordinators .
To accurately and promptly report serious adverse events to the relevant authorities
To adequately prepare for monitoring visits from pharmaceutical companies or
regulatory authorities
To prepare and present data when requested at internal and external meetings
To consistently work to the standards required by ICH GCP, the EU directive
regulating clinical research and research governance.
To take an active role in regional research networks
To make changes to working practices as required as new regulations become
relevant to the conduct of ongoing research activity.?
To ensure adherence to all relevant Data Protection Regulations
To actively participate in the development of own personal development plan and
performance review
To take an active role in undertaking audit programmes specific to clinical area
This role requires flexibility around working hours and you may be required to
undertake other duties as required to meet the needs of the study and recruitment
requirements including the occasional travel in and around Leeds
Relationships
The appointment will be made through the Section of Oncology and Clinical Research,
Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP). The appointee will be directly
responsible on a day-to-day basis to Debbie Beirne (Nurse Consultant), Mr Paul Chumas
(Consultant Neurosurgeon) and Professor Susan Short (Professor of Clinical Oncology
and Neuro-oncology), and through them to Head of Institute, the Dean of the School of
Medicine and Dean of Faculty of Medicine and Health.
University Values
All staff are expected to operate in line with the university’s values and standards, which
work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together.
More information about the university’s strategy and values is available at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/
Person Specification
Essential
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Registered nurse (Level 1 - Adult)
Hold current registration with the UK NMC
Experienced and effective in venepuncture
Previous post-registration experience in a clinical environment
Previous experience recruiting patients to clinical trials
Practical experience working within, and an understanding of NHS working practices
A high level of personal organisation and consistent attention to quality and detail.
Demonstrable ability to understand and interpret clinical records
Excellent computer skills including experience using MS Office software
(Word/Access/Excel/Outlook)
Previous experience building effective relationships with health professionals including
medical, nursing, and management and laboratory colleagues.
Ability to demonstrate a professional and patient-focused attitude
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to adapt the
communication dependent upon the situation
Previous experience dealing with patients and sensitive situations.
Previous report writing experience.
Demonstrable ability to work independently, using own initiative to solve non-standard
problems
Demonstrable ability of working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
Demonstrable ability of maintaining confidentiality of records
Willingness to learn new skills
To be self-motivated and have the ability to motivate others within a team.
Willingness to travel in and around Leeds as required.
Desirable
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Experience of participation in research.
Recognised post-registration qualification in speciality
Knowledge/experience of clinical research
Own transport and full, valid, current driving licence
Professional Registration
As a qualified Nurse you should obtain periodic registration with the NMC. You will be
required to maintain such registration so long as you remain employed with the University Of
Leeds, confirming to your line manager that renewal has been carried out as required by the
relevant professional organisation. You should produce documentation giving evidence of
your registration upon request.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Faculty Information
Faculty of Medicine and Health Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £60m, the
Faculty of Medicine and Health at Leeds is bigger than some universities. Leeds has one
of the largest medical and bioscience research bases in the UK, and is an acknowledged
world leader in cancer, cardiovascular, psychiatric, genetic, musculo-skeletal and health
services research. Treatments developed in Leeds are transforming the lives of people
around the world living with conditions such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
The School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of Leeds is a major international centre for
research and education. Our ambition is to improve health and reduce health inequalities,
locally and globally, through excellent scientific research and the translation of that
research into healthcare practice, and through the education of future scientific and clinical
leaders who will advocate and practise an evidence-based approach. Our major strategic
aims are to:
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Deliver outstanding research including basic discovery science through to applied
health research that makes a significant difference to health.
Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and post-doctoral
fellows whose learning has been informed and inspired by our research excellence
and who will form the next generation of academic and clinical leaders.
Develop and support knowledge transfer activities that flow from our academic
activities.
Create and maintain an efficient and sustainable environment for research and
teaching within an organisational culture and management style that enacts and
supports the university’s core values of community, inclusiveness, integrity and
professionalism.
The School of Medicine is organised into seven Institutes. All are committed to high quality
research-led teaching, through their training of postgraduate research students, delivery of
postgraduate taught courses, and its leadership in undergraduate teaching. The School
works closely with the local NHS, having a number of jointly funded clinical posts to ensure
this relationship is effective and strong for both research and student education.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Terms and Conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university, including
information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages
accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/policies
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks
This post falls under the remit of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions)
Order 1975. As such, all applicants are required to declare any convictions, cautions,
reprimands and warnings, including any pending criminal prosecutions and those which
would otherwise be considered 'spent' under the 1974 Act. However, amendments to the
Exceptions Order 1975 (2013) provide that certain ‘spent’ convictions and cautions are
now 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers , and cannot be taken into
account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be
found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service and at
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1198/pdfs/uksi_20131198_en.pdf
Declarations of any such information as described above, should be made in the ‘other
personal details’ section of the application form and details sent to the Recruitment Officer
at [email protected].
Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this
position. The successful applicant will be required to give consent for the University to
check their criminal record status through independent verification (from the DBS).
Information will be kept in strict confidence. Your offer of appointment will be subject to
the University being satisfied with the outcome of these checks.
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Bexley Wing, St James’s University Hospital and Leeds General
Infirmary. Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to
contact the department direct. Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment
Officer, email [email protected] or tel + 44 (0)113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be
covered by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health
conditions is available in the applicant guidance.