Job overview
This Clinical Research Practitioner role has been created to support clinicians conducting research into Structural Heart Disease and other cardiac conditions.
The post sits within the clinical research team at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. Under supervision, the post holder will have responsibility for managing observational/non-medicinal designated research studies in the field of Structural Heart disease, including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR), Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR), Patent Formal Ovale (PFO) and Left atrial appendage Occlusion (LAAO) procedures.
Main duties of the job
Duties include building, managing databases, data entry, supporting successful recruitment and retention of patients, strict protocol adherence, data collection, organisation of relevant tests and procedures, assisting with screening patient medical notes for eligible patients; the collection and input of data returns, patient research trial follow up activities, liaison with external trial monitors to provide timely responses to requests for information.
Work collaboratively with the other members of the research team to support the management of clinical research undertaken in the Trust, maintaining an accurate account of own designated projects status and records as required.
Work collaboratively with multi-professional groups within and outside the NHS and develop professional relationships with other relevant organisations including non-commercial bodies and pharmaceutical sponsors that promote the delivery of quality clinical research within University Hospitals Sussex.
Proactively manage change in a manner which achieves results and drives initiatives forward along a continuum of improvement in keeping with current and forthcoming organisational strategies and health trends
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Screen patients for suitability of entry to research studies in compliance with research protocols.
2. Record patient follow-up data in source documents and study case report forms as required.
3. Recognise deviations from clinical trial protocol and report to senior manager/ principal investigator/trials centre any serious adverse events or concerns regarding patient safety as defined by GCP Guidelines.
4. Use own judgement to resolve day-to-day queries from trial practitioners and trial centres regarding the day-to-day activity of existing trials and the set-up of new clinical trials and procedures and organise meetings.
Planning and Organisational skills
5. Organise the best use of patients’ and research and clinical staff’s time when planning clinical trial patient care and arranging outpatient visits and follow up.
6. Manage own time and workload to ensure efficient and timely data entry and study management.
7. Ensure regular clinical trials reporting deadlines, etc. are maintained and data is collected and managed in a timely manner.
Patient/ Client Care
8. Safeguard the wellbeing of patients by ensuring that clinical research is managed according to the UK Policy Framework for Health & Social Care and other relevant regulations such as ICH GCP.
9. Ensure patient privacy and dignity is maintained when discussing or managing care of patients within clinical trials including safe handling and storage of clinical trials data or other patient identifiable documents.
10. Maintain competency in required clinical skills such as venepuncture to support patient participation, support service and reduce inconvenience for patients.
11. Refer patients promptly to other members of the multi-centre research team or clinical care team where appropriate.
12. Request and retrieve patient medical notes as required.
Communication
13. To communicate with Trust staff at a range of levels, and with a broad range of external agencies.
14. To provide trial patients with required clinical trials information to support informed consent, in lay terms, and to provide them with reassurance and support.
15. To communicate sensitively with patients during collection of trial follow-up data.
16. To maintain good working relationships with all members of staff of the Research Department, Consultants and other clinical staff, Medical Records and Clinical Trials Co-ordinating Centres and research networks.
17. To liaise with other departments e.g. pharmacy, radiology, outpatients and other hospitals to ensure protocol related investigations and assessments are conducted at specific time points to ensure continuity of care and adherence to clinical trial protocols.
Service Delivery and Improvement
· Follow policies in own role and propose changes to working practices or procedures for own work area.
Assist in the production of standard operating procedures and work instructions to support the facilitation processes for research.
· Appraise, interpret and apply suggestions, recommendations and directives to improve services and quality.
People Management and Development
· There are no direct reports to this post.
· Optional supervision of apprentices may be offered.
Learning and Development
· Attend mandatory training updates as required.
· Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
· Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
· Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
· Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
18. Educated to degree level or equivalent level of work experience.
19. Previous clinical research experience.
20. Experience of using and entering data into databases
21. Previous employment within NHS/ healthcare environment
22. Excellent oral and written communication skills
23. Ability to communicate effectively with range of staff and patients
24. Ability to work closely with clinical, academic and other staff at all levels and across the partner organisations and to develop effective working relationships.
25. Ability to communicate healthcare research information in an easily understood manner
26. A positive, proactive attitude
27. Ability to work well as part of a team and on own initiative with minimal supervision
28. A flexible and co-operative approach to team working
Desirable criteria
29. Health professional qualification
30. ICH GCP training
31. Experience in a research role in the NHS.
32. Familiarity with medical terminology.
33. Experience or an interest in working with cardiac patients
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
34. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
35. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications