Clinical Research Associate

The Role

We are excited to launch this new opportunity for a Clinical Research Associate in Rheumatology and Dermatology to join us in the Faculty of Medical Sciences to work on the COMBAT-PsA experimental medicine investigation into psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

PsA is a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting an estimated 0.3-1% of the general population and up to 30% of people with psoriasis. While targeted disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including those targeting IL-17 have revolutionised the management of PsA, most patients fail to achieve low disease activity or long-term disease control; this is particularly the case for those living with obesity. Recent trial data suggests drugs shown to be effective in treating obesity via glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) may themselves have a beneficial therapeutic effect on PsA disease activity, The successful applicant will help deliver a multi-centre, prospective, longitudinal experimental medicine study deploying an IL-17 inhibitor and a GLP-1RA as molecular scalpels for evaluating tissue and peripheral molecular signatures associated with weight loss and immunomodulation in obese people with PsA,

This post provides a unique opportunity for an ambitious clinician to develop a practical understanding of experimental medicine research in Rheumatology and Dermatology, The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) will be responsible for delivering the aforementioned study but will also have opportunities to contribute to other early phase and experimental medicine trials and explore their own research interests.

You will join a diverse community of colleagues spanning the Musculoskeletal Disease and Inflammation Medicine and Skin, Oral and Immunogenomics Themes of the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre. Contributing to our world-leading translational research programme. Based in the William Leech Building of Newcastle Universitys Medical School, your clinical work will take place across Newcastle Hospitals, including the NIHR Newcastle Clinical Research Facility. (NCRF). You will play a central role in the team undertaking this important experimental medicine study, acting as a liaison between the research laboratory team, the NHS rheumatology/dermatology teams and the NCRF. The postholder will be responsible for identifying potential participants via face-to-face and telephone consultations, explaining the study to them, and obtaining consent. You will develop skills in minimally invasive skin, joint and adipose biopsy techniques. You will also have responsibility for local study management and logistics, including oversight of study visits, preparing study reports and manuscripts. We have a well-staffed laboratory infrastructure and there may also be the possibility to develop laboratory skills, dependent on further funding.

You will hold a medical degree, General Medical Council registration and a license to practice in the UK. You are a conscientious, self-motivated team player, with a thirst for new knowledge and an appetite for discovery. This post is funded for one year but will provide an excellent platform for a research fellowship, potentially leading to a higher degree, depending on the successful candidate. You will work closely with various members of our collaborating teams, particularly Dr Arthur Pratt, to whom informal enquiries can be made

The post is fixed term for a period of 12 months

For informal enquiries contact NIHR Newcastle BRC MIM Theme Co-Lead Dr Arthur G Pratt.

Interviews are expected to be held in November 2026.

Advert information