Job summary
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to become part of the Rheumatology research team in the Specialist Ambulatory Services Directorate at Guy's Hospital.
This team supports a large portfolio of national and internationally important non-commercial and commercial clinical trials and observational studies. The post holder will lead on a portfolio of trials and coordinate participation. This requires liaising with the clinical team to organise and ensure that trial specific investigations are undertaken according to the protocol, paying particular attention to accurate data collection and dissemination and version control of essential documentation.
The successful candidate will be based within a team of research nurses and will need to be able to work well within a team, and autonomously at times to ensure the effective management and delivery of the research portfolio.
We are looking for an individual with excellent planning, organisational and communication skills; with the ability and initiative to work autonomously and as part of a wider team. The role is ideal for individuals with previous clinical trials experience, who are keen to develop their career further in clinical trials.
Ability to develop clinical skills required to support clinician while collecting samples in synovial biopsies will be required.
Main duties of the job
Acting as patient and participant advocate at all times, the post holder will be expected to co-ordinate research clinics and organise study related care. They will implement and evaluate strategies to identify and assist in the enrolment of research participants. The post-holder will lead on a portfolio of research studies and perform a range of clinical assessments in line with accepted standards of practice. They will communicate proactively with the study and clinical teams to ensure good participant experience and adherence to study protocols. The post holder will be responsible for case report form completion, site file management, implementation of amendments and maintenance of databases. They will act as mentor and support for new and junior team members. They will contribute to quality assurance processes within the team. The post holder will ensure the well-being of participants by adhering to study protocols, relevant regulations and local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
About us
The R&D Department at Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTFT) is one of the focal points for innovative research in London through its nationally recognized research portfolio and research infrastructure. Research is a top priority for the Trust in relation to establishing outstanding research infrastructure as well as in relation to the recruitment of participants into research studies. The Trust is currently the top recruiting organization for 2014/15 with over 26,000 subjects in studies, and recruits over 45% of the total number of participants of research studies within our Local Clinical Research Network in South London. The broad ranging research portfolio includes one of only five National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre awarded in 2007-2012 in partnership with our academic partner King's College London, and one of only 11 NIHR Biomedical Research Centre receiving funding from 2012-2017. The R&D Department also supports the Clinical Research Facilities both at St Thomas' Hospital and Guy's Hospital based within the Experimental Medicine Hub which was awarded NIHR funding in 2012. The Trust has also been awarded the contract to host the Local Clinical Research Network in South London (LCRN) - 1 of only 15 NHS organizations in England to host the one of the Local Clinical Research Network.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please review detailed Job description and person specification available for this job. Job description and main responsibilities included in both documents.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
1. Demonstrable theoretical knowledge equivalent to degree/NVQ Level 6 qualification in life sciences or related field
2. Evidence of continuous professional development
3. GCP training/certificate
Desirable
4. Relevant course to clinical area
5. HTA Certificate
Experience
Essential
6. Experience of working in a relevant research setting
7. Experience of working on own and in multidisciplinary team
8. Experience of working in a patient/participant facing role with clinical duties
9. Experience of working on interventional studies or complex/ large scale observational studies
Desirable
10. Experience with electronic case report forms and computer packages
11. Experience supervising others
12. Experience of working on clinical trials of drugs
Skills
Essential
13. Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills and ability to communicate well (written and verbally)
14. Ability to work as an effective team member and using own initiative
15. Up to date knowledge relevant to clinical research and good clinical practice
16. Excellent organisational skills for self and others - Ability to co-ordinate clinics and participant visits in conjunction with multidisciplinary team
17. Able to conduct clinical tasks such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiratory observations and collect blood samples via venepuncture
18. Ability to develop clinical skills required by the research protocols for example cannulation and serial sampling and processing biologic samples according to protocols
19. Ability to develop clinical skills required to support clinician while collecting samples in synovial biopsies
Desirable
20. Ability to co-ordinate others