Title of Post s2

TITLE OF POST: Research Fellow in Nephrology LOCATION: University Hospital Limerick REPORTS TO: Professor of Medicine CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose SALARY SCALE: €51,716 - €56,442 p.a.

JOB DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATIONS:

 Recognised Medical Degree (MB BCh BAO or MB BS) and MRCPI or MRCP or MRCGP or equivalent

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Overview of the role

This new post affords excellent opportunities for candidates to join a dynamic research team in the Department of Renal Medicine at University Hospitals Limerick and the Graduate Entry Medical School, University Limerick. The UL Kidney health consortium is leading a number of national and international clinical studies that are designed to better understand the development, progression and clinical outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI) and their links with cardiovascular disease (http://www.ul.ie/gems/prof-austin-stack). The candidate will be primarily involved in the HRB funded research study: Assessing the burden and progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in the Irish Health System. Led by Professor Austin Stack this 3-year research programme will improve our understanding of chronic kidney disease and its clinical impact in the Irish health system. The candidate will also have opportunities to conduct ancillary research studies through access to major international datasets including the US Renal Data System, the US National Health and Examination Surveys (NHANES) and the UK Clinical Research Databases. Successful candidates will be encouraged to enrol for a higher degree (MD or PhD) and assigned projects are expected to lead to publications in peer- reviewed journals. The post will be based at University Hospital Limerick and prospective applicants will have the opportunity to maintain and enhance clinical skills while conducting research within a rich collaborative research environment. Successful candidates will have a modest clinical commitment to the nephrology programme at UHL and participate in the teaching and assessment of UL medical students.

Research

 To participate as a member of the UL Kidney Health Consortium  To participate in the design and execution of clinical studies under the mentorship of the lead principal investigator  To participate in the design and completion of case report forms, data management and analysis.  To participate in screening and imaging of patients according to the protocol.  To participate in ongoing research workshops, research meetings and formal courses in research methodology at UHL  To liaise with ethical and regulatory bodies.  To present results as a verbal presentation or written report.  To maintain up to date, complete, accurate, organised study files. Job description

 To act at all times in the interests of the department and report to the Lead PI on the progress of assigned research projects.  To be accountable for personal and professional conduct within the project.  To ensure that work in the department is conducted safely, legally and accords with the highest standards of Data Protection.  To support the teaching of UL medical students under the academic leadership of the Professor of Medicine  To support the assessment of UL medical students and preparations for student examinations  To support the UL hospitals Senior House Officer (SHO) teaching programme and preparations for the MRCPI examinations

Clinical Responsibilities

 To act as clinical registrar in Nephrology under the supervision of designated Consultants  To attend ward rounds and outpatient clinics with the medical team.  To review patients on a regular basis in accordance with the plan of care made and inform the consultant of any issues or problems.  To ensure that continuity of patient care is provided  To contribute to quality improvement; risk management initiatives and policy development so that the overall Internal Medicine Service is of the highest quality  To act and behave professionally and perform one’s duties in a manner that optimises patient care and protects and enhances the reputation of UL Hospitals  To adhere to UL Hospitals Policies and Procedures  To comply with Health and Safety Regulations, ensuring safe working practices in a safe working environment.

DESCRIPTION:

Essential  The appointee must hold a medical degree from a recognised University or medical school and be in good standing with the General Medical Register of the Irish Medical Council.  Is a Member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland or equivalent  Has at least three years’ previous experience in clinical practice.  Able to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  Able to demonstrate and is fully competent with Microsoft Office/Mac IT computer systems.  Able to evidence and has the ability to work well independently as well as part of a team.  Able to evidence fluency in both written and spoken English.  Able to demonstrate excellent communication skills with internal and external customers  Able to evidence self-motivation and the ability to use initiative.  MRCPI or MRCP or MRCGP or recognized equivalent.

Desirable  Keen to pursue a career in the field of nephrology and seeking to provide publications in peer reviewed journals.  Previous experience of working within a clinical research environment operating within an interdepartmental/diverse team of researchers.  An understanding of research methodology or formal training in research methods  Sound understanding of nephrology, dialysis and transplantation.

Job description

 Has the flexibility to work from other locations as and when required, including own access to transport facilities.  Well developed organisational and administrative skills  Excellent facilitation and communication skills  Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.  Basic IT skills  Experience in assessment of medical school students  Enthusiasm and flexibility.  MRCPI or MRCP or recognized equivalent.

This post is subject to Garda Vetting/Police Clearance

To apply: see www.ul.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications is 12noon on Thursday 31st July 2014

Job description