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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated clinical trainee with a background in data science, to join our Motor Neurone Disease/Neurodegeneration clinical research programme. You will have the opportunity to be part of the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (Translational Neuroscience for Chronic Neurological Disorders) Junior Academy and gain an appreciation of a wide variety of translational neuroscience research programmes. 

The focus of the role will be analysis of large clinical datasets from PRECISION-ALS (n~20,000) and PRO-ACE to develop prediction models for MND which could be translated into the clinic. The idea is to use cutting edge machine learning to create clinically actionable predictions such as the time from diagnosis to requirement for a particular intervention. This is exemplified by our recent paper: “Optimised machine learning for time-to-event prediction in healthcare applied to timing of gastrostomy in ALS: a multi-centre, retrospective model development and validation study” published in EBioMedicine. The predictions will likely have other biological implications, for example a subset of patients with rapid progression may have a distinct genetic unpinning; to explore this further there will be opportunity to integrate predictions with ALS disease models (such as iPSC-derived motor neurons) and large whole genome sequencing datasets (we are a leading member of the Project MinE consortium; https://projectmine.com/). All of these areas of expertise are represented within the MND group providing significant opportunity for collaboration. 

You will also have the opportunity to develop your own research project aligned to the interests of the MND group. This could include new machine learning models or exploring a particular aspect of MND biology. 

Main duties and responsibilities

●    Design, develop and refine prediction models for the clinical course of MND. 
●    Prepare papers for journals / presentations either in-house or at national / international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings. 
●    Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences 
●    Contribute to research group planning. 
●    Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress. Supervise research team/activities if required. 
●    Continuously monitor and check results with daily planning to accommodate new developments. 
●    Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences. 
●    Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Research and Teaching

●    Contribute to the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes of the school.
●    Develop specific research interest to achieve the status of a national / international expert. Applications from candidates with an interest in motor neuron disease/ neurodegeneration are particularly welcome.
●    Contribute to the conduct of experimental medicine studies in neurodegeneration.
●    Secure peer-reviewed competitive funding for research projects.
●    Achieve an optimal standard of academic contribution by publishing research findings in high ranking scientific and specialty journals, and routinely appraising the literature.
●    Aim to obtain funding for a senior research fellowship towards the end of training
●    Gain experience and expertise in giving academic seminars and lectures.
●    Develop time-management skills, and achieve a balance between clinical, research and teaching duties throughout the appointment and beyond.

Person Specification 
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information
Grade: Clinical Academic Trainee
Duration: 24 months with a start date flexible within 2026
Line manager: Professor Christopher McDermott
Direct reports: None

For informal enquiries about this job contact 
Johnathan Cooper-Knock j.cooper-knock@sheffield.ac.uk or on 07702 742 612

Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 3 weeks of the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within a week of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jen Newton at 
foh-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk (0114 222 8712)

Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer
●    A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
●    Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
●    Generous pension scheme.
●    A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
●    A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
●    Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
●    A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
●    A range of generous family-friendly policies
o    paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
o    support for those going through the menopause
o    paid time off and support for fertility treatment
o    and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record 
An enhanced DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.