Job overview
We are seeking a Clinical Trials Support Officer (CTSO), to support the busy Cancer Research team. You will be able to apply an interest in science, to the practical tasks that support the safe and effective delivery of clinical trials.
This will include the processing of trial participant blood samples according to set procedures laid out in the trial lab manual, working with the CTSO and nurse teams to ensure timely delivery and collection of lab samples and completing daily safety checks on the equipment used, on a rota basis.
With your help, we can improve healthcare through research and innovation.
Main duties of the job
Providing support with set up and management of trials will also be a key part of this role, and you will be able to demonstrate attention to detail, organisational and computer skills, as the role would require regular data management and clerical work. You will have a flexible approach and be able to balance competing demands through effective prioritisation and excellent communication skills.
As a member of our team you will have access to high quality training and continued professional development. You will be part of a supportive team with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. You will be provided with a comprehensive induction programme and have a personal development plan tailored to your training and development needs.
We are committed to leading improvements in healthcare through research and innovation. The Centre for Health Research and Innovation is a dynamic environment for the support and development of health research, innovation and clinical trials. We employ a large multi-disciplinary team of enthusiastic and committed staff who work alongside the health care teams to offer our patients the opportunity to be involved in research.
You will work in close partnership with the local Clinical Research Networks and together we have developed a broad portfolio of high quality research. We are excited to be strengthening our academic and industry links and building on the success of our existing programme of original research.
Working for our organisation
We have 9000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.
Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.
You’ll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you’d never have done. You’ll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path.
You’ll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care and enhancing their experience which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Role Summary:
You will assist with the coordination of blood sampling and processing for active clinical trials across the Trust research portfolio and will maintain effective systems for stock control of clinical trial kits. You will work closely with Research Nurses, study investigators and the Research Governance Team to support robust feasibility and screening process.
Role Duties:
1. Assisting research nurses with preparation for clinical visits and taking of blood samples.
2. Supporting research nurses with the processing of tissue samples for clinical trials as per individual trial protocol
3. Liaising with external trial coordinating centres and research sponsors to ensure safe and timely transfer of samples as required
4. Managing stock control of clinical trials consumables
5. Maintaining clear and accurate records pertaining to samples and stock for clinical trials
6. Supporting research practitioners in the set up and management of clinical trials
7. Working with clinical support team to manage own workload across a wide range of specialities
8. Adhering to Trust and appropriate trial sponsor standard operating procedures
9. Being responsible for complex data collection, transcribing information into case report forms in accordance with good clinical practice
10. Communicating effectively with patients and all disciplines of staff involved in each research study
11. Liaising closely with support services and clinical coding in supporting the feasibility process
12. Responding promptly to requests for information to support local and national reporting obligations of the Trust as required
13. Meeting regularly with the research teams to ensure all required parties are aware of the current status of on-going projects
14. Contributing to communication materials including activity reports, presentations, posters and newsletters for distribution throughout the Trust
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria
15. NVQ level 3 or equivalent
16. ECDL or equivalent experience of using computer systems on a regular basis
Desirable criteria
17. Health related qualification or Degree level in a science related subject
18. Microsoft office qualification or equivalent experience, including Word, Excel and Outlook
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
19. Taking notes and recording information accurately
20. Knowledge and accomplishment in the processing of blood samples
21. Communication at different levels within a large organisation
22. Processing complex information
Desirable criteria
23. Previous experience of supporting clinical trials
24. Previous experience of phlebotomy
25. Operation of a centrifuge for spinning blood samples