Job summary Applications are invited for a clinical research fellow (CRF) for 24 months as 0.8 whole time equivalent position at ST4+ onwards to support the local recruitment of babies with moderate-severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) to a Phase I neonatal neuroprotection trial. The ACUMEN Study is an international, multicentre Phase I, non-randomised dose escalation neonatal trial funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC). The Primary objectives are: Safety Profile Assessment: to assess the safety profile of melatonin across all dose levels being studied based on the occurrence of dose-limiting events (DLE). The attainment of putative therapeutic plasma melatonin levels (in the range of 15-30mg/L) across dose levels being studied. The attainment of putative ethanol safety (BAC levels < 0.25g/L) across dose levels being studied. To identify the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Babies with moderate-severe HIE who are eligible for therapeutic hypothermia will be recruited from ten tertiary neonatal units in London (UCLH, Royal London Hospital), Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin (Coombe and Rotunda Hospitals), Cork, Sheffield, Melbourne (Monash Medical Centre) and Adelaide. This post is suitable for a paediatric or neonatal trainee, holding an allocated NTN number or equivalent looking to develop research experience and complete a higher degree. Main duties of the job Professor Nikki Robertson and Dr Ajit Mahaveer will provide research and clinical supervision to the successful applicant. The CRF position is funded for a period of 24 months. The research time will give the successful applicant an opportunity to pursue research studies related to neonatal neuroprotection and neurocritical care. It is likely that this work at the cutting edge of neonatal research will lead to presentations in national and international meetings and publications in peer reviewed journals. For those who wish, completion of a higher degree could be possible. Applicants must possess a minimum of six months of previous experience in Neonates at the Tier 2 level, and a full MRCPCH or equivalent level is mandatory. While this post is not accredited for training purposes, it may be appropriate for a trainee seeking Out-of- Programme opportunities for research or experience. The trainee must secure approval for OOP(R)/OOP(E) from their Postgraduate Dean. About us MFT is England's largest NHS Trust with a turnover of £3bn & is on a different scale than most other NHS Trusts. We're creating an exceptional integrated health & social care system for the 1 million patients who rely on our services every year. Bringing together 10 hospitals & community services from across Manchester, Trafford & beyond, we champion collaborative working & transformation, encouraging our 30,000 workforce to pursue their most ambitious goals. We set standards that other Trusts seek to emulate so you'll benefit from a scale of opportunity that is nothing short of extraordinary. We've also created a digitally enabled organisation to improve clinical quality, patient & staff experience, operational effectiveness & driving research and innovation through the introduction of Hive; our brand-new Electronic Patient Record system which we've launched in September 2022. We're proud to be a major academic Research Centre & Education provider, providing you with a robust infrastructure to encourage and facilitate high-quality research programmes. What's more, we're excited to be embarking on our new Green Plan which will set out how MFT continues to play its part in making healthcare more sustainable. At MFT, we create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development that are fair, open and transparent, protecting your health and wellbeing, and shaping the future of our organisation together. Details Date posted 29 July 2025 Pay scheme Hospital medical and dental staff Grade Doctor - other Salary £61,825 a year Pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 24 months Working pattern Part-time Reference number 349-SMH-7269280-RL4 Job locations Saint Mary's Hospital Oxford Road Manchester M13 9WL Job description Job responsibilities To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form. Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity, and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at resourcing@mft.nhs.uk. Were looking forward to hearing from you! Job description Job responsibilities To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form. Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity, and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at resourcing@mft.nhs.uk. Were looking forward to hearing from you! Person Specification Other requirements Essential Full registration (or eligible for full registration) with the General Medical Council and License to Practice Qualifications Essential Medical Degree Qualifications: MRCPCH or MRCOG Certificate in Good Clinical Practice Experience and Knowledge Essential Comprehensive understanding of UK Clinical Trials Regulations, ICH Good Clinical Practice, the European Directives on Clinical Trials and Good Clinical Practice and the Department of Health's Research Governance Framework Appreciation/knowledge of NHS Plan in related areas Desirable Previous experience of neonatal research Publications as first or last author in internationally refereed journals on topics mentioned in Job Description Clinical and Research Governance application in clinical service delivery Good knowledge of neonatal neurocritical care Skills and Abilities Essential Ability to work both independently and collaboratively demonstrating good organisation and management skills Demonstration of excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills Ability to present data publicly in poster and platform form Desirable Proven ability to attract grant funding to support research Ability to design and implement research studies Ability to develop new techniques and projects Ability to supervise academic work by undergraduates, masters and doctorate students Personal attributes Essential Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and collaborate with clinical researchers and basic scientists Commitment to academic research Person Specification Other requirements Essential Full registration (or eligible for full registration) with the General Medical Council and License to Practice Qualifications Essential Medical Degree Qualifications: MRCPCH or MRCOG Certificate in Good Clinical Practice Experience and Knowledge Essential Comprehensive understanding of UK Clinical Trials Regulations, ICH Good Clinical Practice, the European Directives on Clinical Trials and Good Clinical Practice and the Department of Health's Research Governance Framework Appreciation/knowledge of NHS Plan in related areas Desirable Previous experience of neonatal research Publications as first or last author in internationally refereed journals on topics mentioned in Job Description Clinical and Research Governance application in clinical service delivery Good knowledge of neonatal neurocritical care Skills and Abilities Essential Ability to work both independently and collaboratively demonstrating good organisation and management skills Demonstration of excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills Ability to present data publicly in poster and platform form Desirable Proven ability to attract grant funding to support research Ability to design and implement research studies Ability to develop new techniques and projects Ability to supervise academic work by undergraduates, masters and doctorate students Personal attributes Essential Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and collaborate with clinical researchers and basic scientists Commitment to academic research Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) . From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) . UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) . From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) . UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Address Saint Mary's Hospital Oxford Road Manchester M13 9WL Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab) Employer details Employer name Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Address Saint Mary's Hospital Oxford Road Manchester M13 9WL Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab). Location : Saint Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, M13 9WL Manchester, United Kingdom