Fleming Initiative Clinical Research Fellow

Imperial College London - Department of Infectious Disease

Location: Hammersmith Campus (with cross-site working at St Mary’s, Charing Cross, and Chelsea and Westminster)

About the role:

Are you a physician ready to bridge clinical practice and academic medicine? Staphylococcus aureus causes life-threatening infections worldwide. With rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), new preventive strategies are urgent. As a Fleming Initiative Clinical Research Fellow in Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group, you will be integral in the clinical delivery of a pioneering controlled human infection study to understand immune responses to this pathogen.

You will help establish a novel human challenge model involving the administration of S. aureus in the presence of a surgical suture - a world-first study essential for advancing vaccine and therapeutic development.

We are looking for a motivated doctor with a strong interest in infectious diseases, vaccines, and academic medicine. Ideally suited for securing an MD(Res) or expanding your research portfolio, this role places you at the heart of the Fleming Initiative, a transformative partnership between Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. If you are ready to develop clinical and laboratory skills in a supportive, world-class environment, we want to hear from you.

What you would be doing:

Based in Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group, you will serve as a key clinical lead for the S. aureus controlled human infection model. You will:

• Contribute to protocol development, regulatory compliance, and safety reporting, ensuring high standards of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Work with the multidisciplinary team to screen and recruit eligible participants.
• Provide medical care and supervision for healthy volunteers undergoing S. aureus skin challenge, managing participant safety and monitoring infection during inpatient quarantine.
• Contribute to viral upper respiratory tract challenge models run by Prof Chris Chiu, gaining exposure to diverse experimental medicine.
• Participate in the analysis of immune responses, bacterial genomics, and microbiome determinants to identify susceptibility factors.

What we are looking for:

We seek an academically gifted and driven physician demonstrating clinical excellence and collaborative skills. To succeed, you will need:

• Medical degree with full GMC registration/license. Experience managing general medical problems, emergencies, and infections (specifically S. aureus and surgical sites).
• Interest in academic medicine, vaccines, or microbiology. Prior trial experience is desirable, but initiative and willingness to learn are essential.
• Ability to exercise initiative, make independent clinical judgments, and provide appropriate participant care.
• Excellent verbal/written skills to explain research to volunteers and collaborate with scientific and industry partners.

What we can offer you:

• The chance to contribute to the Fleming Initiative, a transformative partnership between Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust dedicated to tackling AMR.
• Opportunity to enroll for an MD(Res) with expert supervision.
• Development of high-level skills in microbiology (genomics/microbiome), immunology, trial management, and governance.
• You will be embedded in Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group and be fully supported by Prof Chris Chiu’s team, gaining exposure to world-leading research.
• A diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

Expected start date: flexible start date available

This is a full-time post. This role is for a fixed-term contract for 12 months in the first instance.

For further details about the role, please contact: Dr Dinesh Aggarwal (d.aggarwal@imperial.ac.uk)