The search is on for the first joint chair in clinical sciences at University College London and the Francis Crick Institute.
“This is not about appointing people on the basis of esteem; it’s about appointing people on the basis of their scientific credentials and potential,” says John Tooke, vice-provost for health at UCL.
Although Tooke acknowledges that the new recruit will need a strong track record, he stresses that candidates must have “their best contribution before them—we’re looking for the future stars of clinical science”. The post is of critical importance, he says, because of its role in bridging the gap between discovery and clinical science. There is also the potential to influence the direction of research at the Crick, which is set to open in London in 2015.
Tooke hopes for a role model who can show junior scientists that it is possible to combine high-quality science with clinical ambition, saying that an interest in or experience of mentoring would also be useful.
The candidate, who must be a clinician, will be an honorary consultant at one of UCL’s associated hospitals, such as Great Ormond Street or Moorfields Eye Hospital. They will split their time between clinical sessions and running a major research project at the Crick.
Although the Crick is still under construction, the team are keen for the candidate to start as soon as possible; the closing date for applications is 8 July. “We’re doing it now so they have time to form their clinical base and build relationships with colleagues at UCL and those coming to the Crick,” Tooke explains. “That way they’re firing on all cylinders when they get in and can make the maximum contribution.”
They can also use this time to build up a research group, perhaps including people from their current lab. Tooke expects high-calibre candidates to come with talented people and says the Crick would consider retaining some of them.
There is no preferred research area for this post, but Tooke says that as further appointments are made “it may be that we’re more specific”.
He adds that applicants must be able to demonstrate their successes in winning grants and have a thorough understanding of the Crick’s aims and objectives—in particular, bringing together interdisciplinary scientists to research human health.