The Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies (RW-ILS) is a world-leading academic research centre integrated with the Clinical Liver Services at King’s College Hospital. We have an established track record of delivering high-quality translational research, developing novel medicinal products that directly impact clinical care, and undertaking innovative research and activities in partnership with the MRC, NIHR and industry. As a vibrant research environment, the RW-ILS brings together a diverse team of principal investigators, fellows, students and technical staff under one institution. Our academic strengths span liver immunobiology, immuno-oncology, immunometabolism, steatotic liver disease, gut microbiome manipulation, liver transplantation & cell therapy and the management of complex acute and chronic liver diseases. We have a strong background in assessment of novel therapeutics and discovery of pathways for drug development with recent novel applications of cell therapy in liver disease development. The CL will have the opportunity to develop a research project aligned with one of our five priority research themes:

Further details:  https://www.liver-research.org.uk/our_research_institute.aspx

 

The Liver Transplant programme, encompassing adult and paediatric services, is the largest (>175 cases per annum) and most prestigious in the country, offering ground-breaking techniques including split liver transplantation, auxiliary liver grafts, and a pioneering living-related transplantation programme. Complimenting the transplant programme is an expanding hepatobiliary surgery (HPB) service.

 

The Liver Intensive Care (LITU) provides the most comprehensive service for the management of critically ill patients with liver disease, including acute liver failure, decompensated chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary surgery and trauma and liver transplantation. The unit has an established reputation for innovative research into novel clinical treatments such as extra corporeal liver support. The LITU facilities are housed in 15 bed area in close proximity to the liver wards, theatres and laboratories.

The ward services have recently expanded to provide 58 inpatient beds for patients with all aspects of liver disease. Patients are admitted as local, regional, supra-regional or international referrals. A dedicated outpatient service supports the ward-based care, providing daily clinics for all patient groups.

 

Endoscopic services form an integral part of the comprehensive care package, with over 2000 endoscopies and 700 ERCPs performed annually on local and nationally referred patients. Endoscopic ultrasound is also offered.

There are close links with other specialist services such as liver radiology and histopathology, supported by regular multidisciplinary meetings. In-house postgraduate education programmes, audit sessions, morbidity and mortality meetings, and journal clubs are all held regularly.

The CL will be incorporated into the 4-year Specialist Gastroenterology Training rotation with run-through Gastroenterology training from ST4 to ST7 or until CCT date.

 

The post-holder will combine clinical training in gastroenterology and hepatology with the relevant research projects to create a world-class clinical research experience, with dedicated academic time and mentorship to support successful fellowship applications. In line with the introduction of Shape of Training in September 2022, it is anticipated that the appointee will spend the first 2 years undertaking core gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition training. During this period, they will develop skills in gastroscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, working towards JAG accreditation in diagnostic gastroscopy. After 2 years, trainees are given the option to pursue hepatology training in their final 2 years of training. It is anticipated that the appointee will undertake dedicated hepatology training during this time to complement their hepatology research programme with a view to becoming an academic hepatologist in the future.

 

Trainees will undertake one year of their clinical gastroenterology and hepatology training at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Trainees will also rotate to undertake clinical blocks of training in the South London rotation which includes potential placements at: Princess Royal Hospital, Bromley; Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital, Croydon University Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, Lewisham Hospital, St George’s Hospital, Kingston Hospital and Epsom and St Helier’s Hospitals.

The Clinical Lecturer (CL) post offers a 50/50 split between clinical and research commitments. Although commonly organised in six-month blocks, the schedule can be tailored to maximize training opportunities and research productivity.

 

This is a full time post (40 hours per week), and you will be offered on a fixed term contract from 4 years.

 

In addition to the King’s job application, please also complete NIHR CL application form parts 1,2 and 3.