Overview
The Research and Development department are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive, process driven Band 4 Senior Research Support Facilitator to join our busy, dedicated research support team. You will support a team of band 2 (trainee) and 3 Research Support Facilitators, working with the Research Operations Manager. You will be responsible for day-to-day study setup in collaboration with clinical teams for prioritisation, in line with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) research strategy. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word) is required.
You will be part of a dedicated team where excellent communication, a willingness to learn, strong organisation, and the ability to manage a diverse workload are key. We are looking for someone with a positive, can-do attitude who is committed to a career in research administration and management. For informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Elinor Pegg, Research Operations Manager, or call reception on 01752 432842 and ask for Elinor Pegg or Corinna Mossop.
Main duties of the job
The Facilitator assists researchers by identifying appropriate potential researchers and driving the feasibility process, ensuring support services are correctly identified and that all relevant information and local governance are in place prior to final R&D confirmation of capability and capacity. The Facilitator maintains project records to track study progress, creates accurate information and ongoing data reporting. Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who demonstrate recent relevant experience as outlined in the Person Specification.
R&D Approvals Facilitation
Identify different types of R&D projects (CTIMPs and non-CTIMPs, Device studies, GMO, ATMPs, Phase I, Commercial and Academic) to determine appropriate governance requirements. Drive the study feasibility process, disseminate potential study information to delivery teams and researchers, and gain timely feedback on Expressions of Interest. Ensure study setup and amendments align with national and local targets and timelines, considering impact on delivery teams’ other commitments. Complete governance checks and administration tasks as studies progress through setup, archiving, and ensure documentation is up to date in the R&D study e-files and EDGE. Identify when external researchers may require letters of access or honorary contracts and facilitate accordingly. Work with R&D Office, Governance, Finance, Clinical teams and South West Peninsula colleagues to collate full document sets. Maintain R&D study files per Trust SOPs, ICH GCP and regulatory requirements. Manage completeness of EDGE documentation and reporting extracts. Draft and issue Confirmation of Capability and Capacity emails to relevant parties in a timely manner. Liaise with R&D Finance to ensure Clinical Trials Agreements are in place and studies are fully costed before confirmation of capability & capacity. Communicate potential delays to Finance and delivery teams. Coordinate with R&D Governance for senior manager signoff, oversee amendment processes and manage complex amendments. Demonstrate understanding of study status and escalation of issues.
Meetings and Reporting
Lead weekly setup meetings to discuss progress of commercial and non-commercial studies and follow up on actions. Support R&D clinical teams, ensuring local projects are delivered to time and target, and represent the Research Operations Manager when unavailable. Populate the EDGE database with setup information, delays and reasons, to support statistical analysis against internal and external objectives. Collaborate with South West Peninsula trusts and UK RDNs to deliver a high-quality R&D service regionally and nationally. Facilitate SW Peninsula-wide updates of feasibility studies and verify data accuracy with the RDN SWP; maintain an effective office filing system for studies from setup through completion. Assist the R&D Office team in maintaining the portfolio of active studies with the R&D and trials teams and related regional groups.
Study Data Management
Understand the function and use of R&D office databases. Identify, collate and enter accurate information using electronic and historic paper-based filing systems. Be responsible for complex data collection for an association with Good Clinical Research Practice (GCP).
General
Participate in R&D Office team meetings and contribute to process and procedural improvements. Respond promptly to enquiries, directing them to the most appropriate team member. Assist in preparation of accurate research reports and presentations. Adhere to policies and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR). Perform general clerical duties, provide cover for other Research Support Facilitators as needed, and participate in regular personal development reviews. Support R&D office managers with additional duties as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Diploma level or equivalent demonstrable work experience
* OCR III or equivalent
* ECDL or proven evidence of equivalent competency
Desirable
* Health-related degree or equivalent demonstrable work experience
Knowledge
Essential
* Previous demonstrable experience of research project management in a commercial, large clinical or University setting
* Experience supporting clients through IT systems
* Working knowledge of databases, including creating databases and reporting systems
* Advanced IT skills including Microsoft Office and reporting
* Understanding of the HRA clinical research process, ethical submissions, GCP and governance
Desirable
* Understanding of medical terminology
* Experience in a large clinical setting
* Understanding of Quality Improvement processes
Disclosures and Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to the DBS. Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. For details see UK Visas and Immigration. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement. See Criminal records checks for overseas applicants for guidance.
Employer details: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Research Office, Level 2 MSCP, Bircham Park, 1 Roscoff Rise, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 5FP. Employer's website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
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