Clinical Research Fellow in Respiratory Viral Infections

About the role

We are looking for a highly motivated clinician in training (Internal Medicine/Specialty Registrar Grade or equivalent) with a strong interest in infectious diseases and their prevention to investigate immunity in clinical volunteer studies involving rhinovirus and RSV controlled human infection.

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team focusing on human immunity against respiratory viral infections using exciting and unique studies designs alongside cutting-edge laboratory techniques. You will join a dynamic group of clinical fellows, research nurses and scientists led by Prof Chris Chiu People in the Department of Infectious Disease, to characterise the response to respiratory viruses in older adults. This will accelerate the development of improved prophylactic interventions respiratory viruses, while providing you with unparalleled experience in translational research, experimental medicine and laboratory analyses.

What you would be doing

You will work closely with research nurses, clinical programme manager, other clinical fellows and laboratory scientists to set up and implement human challenge studies to identify determinants of susceptibility and protection against rhinovirus and RSV in older adult volunteers. You will manage the clinical studies, working with research nurses and other clinicians to recruit and screen and care for volunteers, administer virus, and obtain samples.

What we are looking for

• You should have a degree in Medicine and full GMC registration.
• It is essential that you are confident and skilled in practical clinical procedures and management of medical emergencies.
• You will have a strong background in acute medicine and, ideally, in one of the following disciplines: infectious diseases, virology, microbiology, immunology, ENT or respiratory medicine.
• You should also have good written and verbal communication skills, analytical and proven problem solving/project completion abilities, demonstrable ability to work to deadlines and to work in a team.

What we can offer you

You will be appointed on an honorary contract with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. There will be no fixed clinical duties and no on-call, but as part of the Academic Health Science Centre you may be able to participate in clinical activities to maintain your skills and support the clinical respiratory or infection services (up to 6 hours per week maximum), which will facilitate delivery of the research programme. Training will be provided for all aspects of your role, from the clinical skills required to the organisational responsibilities and research skills that will allow your development as a clinical academic. In addition, you will

• Grow in your career with tailored training programmes for clinical staff including dedicated support with navigating your career and managing research as well as a transparent promotion process.

• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week). It is available to start in February/March 2027 and based mainly at the Hammersmith Campus with some travelling to the St Mary’s and Charing Cross Campuses or Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as required.

This role is for a fixed-term contract for 24 months.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Prof Chris Chiu (c.chiu@imperial.ac.uk; profiles.imperial.ac.uk.