Professor of Medicine (King's College London )

# Job description The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College London seeks to appoint to a senior Faculty position an outstanding clinical investigator with an internationally recognised programme of work in experimental medicine and a proven record of scientific leadership. Human experimental medicine - including the development of advanced therapies - is a major strategic priority within the Faculty. It includes a wide range of internationally leading programmes across numerous clinical disciplines (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular, dermatology, immunology, imaging, women’s health, genetics and more). Our current research in experimental medicine spans human studies that translate basic discoveries, investigation of disease mechanisms in humans, risk stratification, early detection, precision therapies and monitoring, and the initial development of new therapies. This work is supported by an outstanding array of infrastructure platforms and facilities (see below). Moreover, our Academic Health Sciences Partnership with 3 major London NHS Trusts (forming King’s Health Partners) provides a superb ecosystem with seamless bi-directional collaboration across the clinical-research interface as well as supporting a strong focus on commercialisation and clinical impact. Strengthening translational research capabilities across the whole research pathway is a key strategic priority for King’s Health Partners. Our environment was rated top in the UK for clinical medicine in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise. Subsequent to REF, there has been further strengthening of the environment through the integration of the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust hospitals into King’s Health Partners as part of Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust. As the appointee to this post, you will pursue a personal programme of internationally recognised work that complements existing activities. It is also envisaged that you will play a significant leadership role in the strategic growth of our ambitions in this area. The post holder will be based within one of the six Schools in the Faculty (based on their research focus) but with a role that extends across the Faculty and beyond. Candidates will have an excellent track record of experimental medicine research as well as proven scientific leadership, for example through leadership of multi- disciplinary teams or a large network. In this position, you are expected to contribute to the strategic growth of world-class research teams that work synergistically across the academic-clinical-industry interface, identifying and growing promising early career researchers, and supporting the involvement of clinical colleagues in research. We also wish to maximise the relevance of our work to our highly diverse catchment population in inner city London as well as more widely. The post holder will engage with students, delivering education in experimental medicine and innovation, educating and inspiring the leaders of the future. Our world-class infrastructure and platforms include: - NIHR Clinical Research Facilities on all main hospital campuses including an adult MHRA Phase I accredited unit at the Guy’s hospital site; adult, paediatric and imaging units at the St Thomas’ Hospital site; adult general and neuropsychiatric units at the King’s College Hospital site; cardiorespiratory unit at the Royal Brompton Hospital site. - Embedded Advanced Therapies Manufacturing (GMP) Platforms (including a Gene Therapy Innovation Hub and cell therapy hub) focused on pre-clinical therapy development. - Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult at Guy’s. - World leading in vivo imaging including nine advanced MRI systems (0.064T, 0.55T. 1.5T, 3T, 7T), PET, PET/CT, PET/MR, cyclotron and radiochemistry facilities. The newest addition is a total body PET scanner which will be fully installed and tested for use in 2024. - Robotic high content high-throughput screening facility. - Artificial Intelligence Centre for Value Based Health. - A bespoke platform for research on electronic health records. Additional excellent infrastructure is based within several externally funded research centres such as the Cancer Research UK City of London Cancer Centre, GSK KCL oncology hub, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Wellcome Trust Medical Engineering Centre and the EPSRC Digital Health Hub. This post will be offered on an indefinite contract. This is a full-time post# Key responsibilities - As a principal investigator, the post holder is expected to deliver research excellence in experimental medicine including high quality publications and supervision of PhD students. In addition, the expectation is that the post holder will: - Secure large-scale research grant funding to support an internationally leading research programme. This will include productive collaborations within academia, the NHS and industry. - Provide leadership in establishing a positive and supportive work environment. - Attract and nurture the most promising early career researchers. - Take a leadership role in the strategic development of the Experimental Medicine research agenda, including funding opportunities and initiatives, business development opportunities, and leading large-scale infrastructure/network awards in the area of experimental medicine. - Work as part of a diverse leadership team to drive forward an ambitious vision for experimental medicine aligned to the Faculty’s ambitions. - Contribute to the teaching of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students in topics related to experimental medicine and according to the post holder’s area of expertise. - As a clinical academic, it is expected that the post holder will undertake some clinical activities which are aligned with their research interests. They will hold an Honorary Consultant contract with the relevant Trust(s). The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. ## Skills, knowledge, and experience Essential criteria 1. Clinically qualified and CCT in a relevant area, with evidence of clinical innovation, excellence and eminence 2. PhD (or equivalent higher degree) in a relevant subject 3. Previous significant academic leadership (e.g., Senior Investigator, lead of large network, Director or similar) 4. Evidence of an international recognition of creative practice in the delivery of high quality education, enhancing the student experience and pedagogy at a high level 5. An internationally-recognised and established research track record 6. Outstanding record of attracting research funding 7. Past successful interactions in an integrated clinical-academic environment between University/Research Institute and Hospital 8. Evidence of the ability to lead and function within a multi-disciplinary team and to plan and prioritise workload ## Further information Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine is one of the largest and most successful centres for biomedical research and education in the UK. The Faculty has internationally leading expertise in basic, translational and clinical research, which is deployed to inform and deliver our education programmes, enhance clinical innovation and serve our communities, which are highly diverse both ethnically and socioeconomically. The Faculty’s activities embody the King’s ambition to serve our society – both at a local and global level which underpins the King’s Vision 2029. People The Faculty employs over 2000 staff, of which there are 470 FTE academic staff and 710 FTE research staff. The Faculty is configured as six Schools and the cross-cutting Centre for Education. The Faculty holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, achieved in October 2018. It has a comprehensive programme of initiatives to support an inclusive environment and culture, and promote diversity across our staff and student communities, as well as the leadership of the Faculty. Against the main benchmarked metrics of gender, disability and ethnic minorities the diversity of our student and staff community looks strong; however, we are aware that more needs to be done in specific areas. Structure & Location The Faculty is located on four sites – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Waterloo and Denmark Hill on the King’s College Hospital site – reflecting our strong partnership with clinical centres of excellence. The six Schools are: - School of Basic & Medical Biosciences - School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences - School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences - School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences - School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences - School of Life Course & Population Health Sciences. Each provides a scholastic environment to pursue research and to train the next generation of researchers and practitioners through postgraduate research programmes and short courses, as well as contributing to the delivery of the undergraduate and postgraduate taught education programmes. Education With an undergraduate student body of around 4,800, the Faculty’s School of Bioscience Education and the Guy’s King’s & St Thomas’ (GKT) School of Medical Education deliver a comprehensive biomedical education portfolio, including professional health programmes (Medicine, Nutrition & Dietetics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy) and a wide range of BSc programmes in biomedical sciences. The Faculty also has 1,710 students registered on our ~40 Masters programmes covering basic science through to programmes for health and allied health professionals. Our education portfolio aligns to the King’s Education Strategy’s ambition to inspire our students, through research-enhanced education. Embedded in research groups in our Schools, there are currently 1,069 postgraduate clinical and non-clinical research (PhD/MDRes) students enrolled, of whom i) 15% study part-time; ii) 22% are submitting or writing up their thesis. Alongside these education programmes is our short course and continuing professional development provision which supports professionals to gain or refresh their skills and knowledge. Overall, the Faculty’s education programmes currently generate in the region of £90M per annum in tuition fee income, with additional UK Government annual core support of £17.2M for education. Research The Faculty is recognised as having major strength in a wide range of research areas relevant to life sciences and medicine, from fundamental to applied research. There are several nationally awarded Research Centres hosted within the Faculty. Assisted by our close collaboration with clinical colleagues in the King’s Health Partner Trusts and outstanding infrastructure, the Faculty’s research findings are able to impact directly on the clinical setting and on health outcomes for patients. One of 8 Academic Health Science Centres, KHP brings together more than 46,000 NHS staff with 31,000 students and academics from across our four partners, to deliver real-world benefit for our people, patients and populations through integrating excellence in research, education and training, and health and care delivery. Having our academic staff based alongside their NHS counterparts further strengthens this dialogue between clinical and basic science, helping to accelerate the uptake of novel diagnostics, treatment and therapies. KHP partners are King's College London, and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts. Our three partner NHS Trusts serve a local population which is among the most ethnically, socially and economically diverse in the world. Together they provide a full range of medical and healthcare services, from acute and specialist medical care, local and highly specialised mental healthcare, and services that promote physical and psychological wellbeing with nearly 4.8 million patient contacts each year. The Faculty’s research excellence is reflected by the outcomes of REF2021, with 94.1% of the Faculty submission rated 4\* (world leading) or 3\* (internationally excellent). The breadth of the Faculty’s research is reflected by the fact it submitted returns to six units of assessment. Allied Health (UoA2) was ranked top (first) in UK for quality of research; this UoA plus Clinical Medicine (UoA1) achieved 100% 4\* ranking for research environment, while Sport & Exercise Sciences achieved 100% 4\* ranking for impact. Clinical Medicine and Engineering ranked fifth and twelfth (respectively) in the UK in terms of the proportion of our overall submission that was ranked 4\* or 3\*. This work is only possible due to the wide range of funding that the Faculty attracts: it currently has an annual research grant income of about £90M from a range of research council, charitable funding sources and research contracts, with the UK Government’s core support (including UKRI funding) for research being in the region of £34.7M per annum. The interview panel will include representation from the relevant NHS Trust(s) and Royal College. As these will be bespoke dependent on the shortlisted candidate expertise, shortlisted candidates will be notified that they are selected for interview, prior to the panel date being finalised. We particularly welcome applications from female and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the university at this level. We understand that flexible working arrangements or career breaks may be necessary in certain circumstances and welcome the opportunity to discuss this possibility upon appointment and throughout the contractual period. This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Medicinoxy

# Job description

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College London seeks to appoint to a senior Faculty position an outstanding clinical investigator with an internationally recognised programme of work in experimental medicine and a proven record of scientific leadership.

Human experimental medicine - including the development of advanced therapies - is a major strategic priority within the Faculty. It includes a wide range of internationally leading programmes across numerous clinical disciplines (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular, dermatology, immunology, imaging, women’s health, genetics and more). Our current research in experimental medicine spans human studies that translate basic discoveries, investigation of disease mechanisms in humans, risk stratification, early detection, precision therapies and monitoring, and the initial development of new therapies. This work is supported by an outstanding array of infrastructure platforms and facilities (see below). Moreover, our Academic Health Sciences Partnership with 3 major London NHS Trusts (forming King’s Health Partners) provides a superb ecosystem with seamless bi-directional collaboration across the clinical-research interface as well as supporting a strong focus on commercialisation and clinical impact. Strengthening translational research capabilities across the whole research pathway is a key strategic priority for King’s Health Partners. Our environment was rated top in the UK for clinical medicine in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise. Subsequent to REF, there has been further strengthening of the environment through the integration of the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust hospitals into King’s Health Partners as part of Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust.

As the appointee to this post, you will pursue a personal programme of internationally recognised work that complements existing activities. It is also envisaged that you will play a significant leadership role in the strategic growth of our ambitions in this area. The post holder will be based within one of the six Schools in the Faculty (based on their research focus) but with a role that extends across the Faculty and beyond.

Candidates will have an excellent track record of experimental medicine research as well as proven scientific leadership, for example through leadership of multi- disciplinary teams or a large network. In this position, you are expected to contribute to the strategic growth of world-class research teams that work synergistically across the academic-clinical-industry interface, identifying and growing promising early career researchers, and supporting the involvement of clinical colleagues in research. We also wish to maximise the relevance of our work to our highly diverse catchment population in inner city London as well as more widely. The post holder will engage with students, delivering education in experimental medicine and innovation, educating and inspiring the leaders of the future.

Our world-class infrastructure and platforms include:

- NIHR Clinical Research Facilities on all main hospital campuses including an adult MHRA Phase I accredited unit at the Guy’s hospital site; adult, paediatric and imaging units at the St Thomas’ Hospital site; adult general and neuropsychiatric units at the King’s College Hospital site; cardiorespiratory unit at the Royal Brompton Hospital site.
- Embedded Advanced Therapies Manufacturing (GMP) Platforms (including a Gene Therapy Innovation Hub and cell therapy hub) focused on pre-clinical therapy development.
- Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult at Guy’s.
- World leading *in vivo* imaging including nine advanced MRI systems (0.064T, 0.55T. 1.5T, 3T, 7T), PET, PET/CT, PET/MR, cyclotron and radiochemistry facilities. The newest addition is a total body PET scanner which will be fully installed and tested for use in 2024.
- Robotic high content high-throughput screening facility.
- Artificial Intelligence Centre for Value Based Health.
- A bespoke platform for research on electronic health records.

Additional excellent infrastructure is based within several externally funded research centres such as the Cancer Research UK City of London Cancer Centre, GSK KCL oncology hub, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Wellcome Trust Medical Engineering Centre and the EPSRC Digital Health Hub.

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract.

This is a full-time post# Key responsibilities

- As a principal investigator, the post holder is expected to deliver research excellence in experimental medicine including high quality publications and supervision of PhD students. In addition, the expectation is that the post holder will:
- Secure large-scale research grant funding to support an internationally leading research programme. This will include productive collaborations within academia, the NHS and industry.
- Provide leadership in establishing a positive and supportive work environment.
- Attract and nurture the most promising early career researchers.
- Take a leadership role in the strategic development of the Experimental Medicine research agenda, including funding opportunities and initiatives, business development opportunities, and leading large-scale infrastructure/network awards in the area of experimental medicine.
- Work as part of a diverse leadership team to drive forward an ambitious vision for experimental medicine aligned to the Faculty’s ambitions.
- Contribute to the teaching of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students in topics related to experimental medicine and according to the post holder’s area of expertise.
- As a clinical academic, it is expected that the post holder will undertake some clinical activities which are aligned with their research interests. They will hold an Honorary Consultant contract with the relevant Trust(s).

*The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.*

## Skills, knowledge, and experience

**Essential criteria**

1. Clinically qualified and CCT in a relevant area, with evidence of clinical innovation, excellence and eminence
2. PhD (or equivalent higher degree) in a relevant subject
3. Previous significant academic leadership (e.g., Senior Investigator, lead of large network, Director or similar)
4. Evidence of an international recognition of creative practice in the delivery of high quality education, enhancing the student experience and pedagogy at a high level
5. An internationally-recognised and established research track record
6. Outstanding record of attracting research funding
7. Past successful interactions in an integrated clinical-academic environment between University/Research Institute and Hospital
8. Evidence of the ability to lead and function within a multi-disciplinary team and to plan and prioritise workload

## Further information

**Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine**

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine is one of the largest and most successful centres for biomedical research and education in the UK. The Faculty has internationally leading expertise in basic, translational and clinical research, which is deployed to inform and deliver our education programmes, enhance clinical innovation and serve our communities, which are highly diverse both ethnically and socioeconomically. The Faculty’s activities embody the King’s ambition to serve our society – both at a local and global level which underpins the King’s Vision 2029.

**People**

The Faculty employs over 2000 staff, of which there are 470 FTE academic staff and 710 FTE research staff. The Faculty is configured as six Schools and the cross-cutting Centre for Education. The Faculty holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, achieved in October 2018. It has a comprehensive programme of initiatives to support an inclusive environment and culture, and promote diversity across our staff and student communities, as well as the leadership of the Faculty. Against the main benchmarked metrics of gender, disability and ethnic minorities the diversity of our student and staff community looks strong; however, we are aware that more needs to be done in specific areas.

**Structure & Location**

The Faculty is located on four sites – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Waterloo and Denmark Hill on the King’s College Hospital site – reflecting our strong partnership with clinical centres of excellence. The six Schools are:

- School of Basic & Medical Biosciences
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences
- School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences
- School of Life Course & Population Health Sciences.

Each provides a scholastic environment to pursue research and to train the next generation of researchers and practitioners through postgraduate research programmes and short courses, as well as contributing to the delivery of the undergraduate and postgraduate taught education programmes.

**Education**

With an undergraduate student body of around 4,800, the Faculty’s School of Bioscience Education and the Guy’s King’s & St Thomas’ (GKT) School of Medical Education deliver a comprehensive biomedical education portfolio, including professional health programmes (Medicine, Nutrition & Dietetics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy) and a wide range of BSc programmes in biomedical sciences. The Faculty also has 1,710 students registered on our ~40 Masters programmes covering basic science through to programmes for health and allied health professionals. Our education portfolio aligns to the King’s Education Strategy’s ambition to inspire our students, through research-enhanced education.

Embedded in research groups in our Schools, there are currently 1,069 postgraduate clinical and non-clinical research (PhD/MDRes) students enrolled, of whom i) 15% study part-time; ii) 22% are submitting or writing up their thesis. Alongside these education programmes is our short course and continuing professional development provision which supports professionals to gain or refresh their skills and knowledge. Overall, the Faculty’s education programmes currently generate in the region of £90M per annum in tuition fee income, with additional UK Government annual core support of £17.2M for education.

**Research**

The Faculty is recognised as having major strength in a wide range of research areas relevant to life sciences and medicine, from fundamental to applied research. There are several nationally awarded Research Centres hosted within the Faculty. Assisted by our close collaboration with clinical colleagues in the King’s Health Partner Trusts and outstanding infrastructure, the Faculty’s research findings are able to impact directly on the clinical setting and on health outcomes for patients.

One of 8 Academic Health Science Centres, KHP brings together more than 46,000 NHS staff with 31,000 students and academics from across our four partners, to deliver real-world benefit for our people, patients and populations through integrating excellence in research, education and training, and health and care delivery. Having our academic staff based alongside their NHS counterparts further strengthens this dialogue between clinical and basic science, helping to accelerate the uptake of novel diagnostics, treatment and therapies. KHP partners are King's College London, and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts. Our three partner NHS Trusts serve a local population which is among the most ethnically, socially and economically diverse in the world. Together they provide a full range of medical and healthcare services, from acute and specialist medical care, local and highly specialised mental healthcare, and services that promote physical and psychological wellbeing with nearly 4.8 million patient contacts each year.

The Faculty’s research excellence is reflected by the outcomes of REF2021, with 94.1% of the Faculty submission rated 4\* (world leading) or 3\* (internationally excellent). The breadth of the Faculty’s research is reflected by the fact it submitted returns to six units of assessment. Allied Health (UoA2) was ranked top (first) in UK for quality of research; this UoA plus Clinical Medicine (UoA1) achieved 100% 4\* ranking for research environment, while Sport & Exercise Sciences achieved 100% 4\* ranking for impact. Clinical Medicine and Engineering ranked fifth and twelfth (respectively) in the UK in terms of the proportion of our overall submission that was ranked 4\* or 3\*. This work is only possible due to the wide range of funding that the Faculty attracts: it currently has an annual research grant income of about £90M from a range of research council, charitable funding sources and research contracts, with the UK Government’s core support (including UKRI funding) for research being in the region of £34.7M per annum.

The interview panel will include representation from the relevant NHS Trust(s) and Royal College. As these will be bespoke dependent on the shortlisted candidate expertise, shortlisted candidates will be notified that they are selected for interview, prior to the panel date being finalised.

We particularly welcome applications from female and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the university at this level. We understand that flexible working arrangements or career breaks may be necessary in certain circumstances and welcome the opportunity to discuss this possibility upon appointment and throughout the contractual period.

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Medicinoxy

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Professor of Medicine King's College London United Kingdom

Professor of Medicine
King's College London
United Kingdom