Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology (OGN) research team of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT – Jessop Wing as a Clinical Trials Assistant (CTA). The post holder will actively assist in the delivery of the Generation Study, as well as other research studies on the OGN portfolio, when required.
The Generation Study aims to test babies for over 200 rare genetic conditions using cord blood samples collected at birth. This ground-breaking study is sponsored by Genomics England and is running in maternity units across England. Potential participants are approached during their pregnancy, informed of the study and consented if they are happy to sign up.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated CTA with excellent people skills and a passion for improving the care of patients through research.
Main duties of the job
As a member of the team, you will work alongside our lead research midwives for the Generation Study to ensure it runs successfully. This will include approaching patients in clinic and via phone to discuss the study, facilitating and engaging patients to take part through an informed consent process, keeping the study database and logs up to date, liaising with maternity staff to ensure cord blood samples are taken, logging samples, and more. In addition to Generation Study, you will be expected to work as part of the team to assist on other studies with the OGN portfolio as required. The post holder must always work in accordance with study protocols and other ethically approved study documentation, Good Clinical Practice and all relevant regulatory standards. You will need to possess good IT skills and be proficient in the use of Microsoft excel as well as have good organisation, time management and communication skills. You must also be comfortable working in both clinical and office environments.
This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 12 months due to the post being externally funded. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts taking into consideration the ongoing source of the external funding and the requirement for the post to be maintained.
Please also note any secondment must first be agreed with your current line manager.
Working for our organisation
You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.
CTAs are involved in the delivery of clinical research across STH. They support the delivery of a wide range of studies, including studies from within the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and NIHR Sheffield Clinical Research Facility (CRF).
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.
When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Educated to GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above or equivalent qualification/experience..
2. Educated to ‘A ‘ level standard or equivalent-Diploma level 4 qualification/BTEC level 4/Access to higher education diploma/advanced apprenticeship/AS level/international Baccalaureate diploma/T Level
Desirable criteria
3. Good Clinical Practice Certificate
4. Evidence of study on a research course or equivalent
5. Possess or be working towards a degree, preferably health science or science related
Experience
Essential criteria
6. Experience of working in a healthcare setting as a clinical support worker/healthcare assistant or similar role
7. Experience of working in a clinical research/ research environment
Desirable criteria
8. Experience of Data Entry
9. Experience of Lab processes
10. Completion of the STH 5-Day Healthcare Support Worker Programme
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
11. Demonstrates insight/understanding into the role applied for in delivering research trials within a clinical setting
12. Understands the importance of confidentiality and demonstrates a knowledge of how it can be maintained
13. Ability to communicate effectively with both patients and colleagues, including the ability to discuss sensitive issues demonstrating tact and empathy
14. Able to follow verbal and written instructions in order to complete assigned tasks
15. Numerate with good IT skills, including use of databases and competence in standard PC packages
16. Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise and work to conflicting deadlines
17. Excellent attention to detail
18. Ability to understand and follow complex Laboratory Manuals and Standard Operating procedures (SOPs)
19. Ability to work effectively as part of a Team
Desirable criteria
20. Skills and experience in undertaking clinical skills: Phlebotomy ECG Recording
21. Experience of handling biological samples
Please note that in order to comply with the UK Government’s rules on Skilled Worker sponsorship, any applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements or concessions on salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa will not be eligible to receive sponsorship from the Trust. Please keep this in mind when submitting your application. Further details on these concessions, and who qualifies for them, can be found here.
Candidates are advised to read the attached guidance on using AI technology. When you complete your application, you are required to declare that the information in your application form is true and complete. The personal statement is exactly that; personal.
When selecting to apply via NHS Jobs, you will be redirected to our preferred recruitment system called Trac. You will be asked to create and submit your application via the Trac recruitment system.
You will not be able to track the progress of your application or receive messages through the NHS Jobs website, and furthermore, as an employer, we will not be able to respond to any e-mails sent to us via the NHS Jobs website. All communications should be sent via your Trac system account.
If you are offered employment at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals your information will be transferred from the Trac recruitment system into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. In addition, in submitting an application form, you authorise our Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the ESR IAT process should you be appointed.
Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email sent via the Trac recruitment system, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.
The Trust is committed to its obligations in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, and we positively encourage applications from all sections of the community. Should you require any assistance in applying for the position please contact the General or Medical Human Resources Departments on the number identified on the NHS Jobs page for the organisation.
Job Share applicants are welcome for all full time posts unless indicated but cannot be guaranteed. In addition for Fixed Term Contracts, internal secondments may be considered, please seek the approval of your current line manager before applying for the position.
All employment with the Trust is subject to a number of NHS Employment Checks being met to a satisfactory standard including verification of identity, eligibility to work in the United Kingdom, references and qualifications in addition to professional registration, a disclosure and barring records check and occupational health check if these are deemed to be a requirement for the position to be undertaken.
For more information about our organisation and the opportunities available, please visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
22. Job Description (PDF, 144.4KB)
23. Person Specification (PDF, 208.6KB)
24. Candidate Application Best Practice Guide - please read before completing your application (PDF, 236.3KB)
25. Information for Candidates (PDF, 496.3KB)
26. Getting to Work at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (PDF, 501.0KB)
27. Applicants - How We Use Your Information (PDF, 87.4KB)
28. Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders (PDF, 124.0KB)
29. Staff Benefits (PDF, 2.7MB)
30. A Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence and With Your Personal Statement (PDF, 163.6KB)
Apply online now
Further details / informal visits contact
NameDonards Kim TanedoJob titleSenior Research Charge NurseEmail addressd.tanedo@nhs.netTelephone number0114 2268514