Research Support Assistant

Job responsibilities

Link closely with Trust services and departments, clinicians and external partners to identify opportunities for new research. Assist with expressions of interest for new research studies within the pre-designated timeframes, by liaising with suitable clinicians and teams to collect accurate information to support successful site selection. Assist in the set-up and review of new research across a wide variety of specialties; closely liaising with governance, the research delivery team & service support departments to ensure swift study set-up. Arrange feasibility and site initiation meetings, staff training, and co-ordinate any resource requirements, e.g., room bookings and equipment.

Support the assessment of new study feasibilities with the Principal Investigator and Research Nurse/Midwife/AHP, by reviewing the protocol, assessing any resource implications, and seeking specialist advice where required. Work with the Principal Investigator and Research Nurse/Midwife/AHP to decide on an achievable recruitment target for new studies, to ensure recruitment to time and target and adherence to performance metrics. Communicate effectively and provide regular communications to clinicians, research delivery team, trial sponsors, ethics committees etc regarding all aspects of new research. Circulate study information and co-ordinate training internally by linking with the research delivery team and research champions. Provide timely responses to queries and requests. Display a professional, polite, and presentable approach to all researchers and others who contact the research office and develop good networking skills and engagement with external partners. Assist in the preparation, review, and finalisation of essential documents for new studies. Set-up and maintain comprehensive electronic and paper files as appropriate for individual research projects, ensuring that contractual, legal and policy requirements are complied with and provide training to the research delivery team where required. Assist with the acquisition and distribution of study equipment and tools and ensure relevant safety checks are conducted in accordance with trust policy, by medical engineering if required Assist in the maintenance of the EDGE database and the Trusts own research projects database to ensure that the project records are kept up-to-date and accurate. Assist in the production of ad hoc reports, independent project work and performance reports using EDGE, local databases, and national information systems e.g. ODP and CPMS as requested. Provide support for the internal monitoring of studies. Have an awareness of the financial arrangements for clinical research, associated costs, and invoicing systems in line with internal processes (training provided) and consult with finance to ensure timely and accurate invoices are raised to ensure study costs are recovered. Provide support to research committees and groups as required by the Research Manager. Have an awareness of the structure, roles, and function of the R&D department and all Trust service support departments. Have an awareness of the importance of NIHR performance objectives for initiating and delivering clinical research. Seek advice from the Research Facilitator, Research Manager, colleagues in the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber CRN, and other R&D staff within the Trust where appropriate. Always follow and comply with R&D/Trust policies, procedures, and protocols.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

• English and Math GCSE grade 9-2 (A*-E) or equivalent

Desirable

• A level/BTEC/Diploma-level qualifications or equivalent relevant experience
• NIHR Good Clinical Practice training

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Essential

• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and take responsibility for the management of own day-to-day work.
• Ability to recognise own learning needs and maintain up to date knowledge.
• Ability to use own initiative and make sound judgements and decisions.
• Excellent levels of concentration to produce accurate work.
• Ability to complete all tasks to a high standard, ensuring diligence, creativity and thinking divergently
• Excellent organisational skills and accuracy
• Ability to be flexible & cope with multiple demands
• Ability to work under pressure balancing conflicting workloads and deadlines
• Maintain professional conduct, including appearance
• Ability to review complex documents with mindfulness.
• Competent with IT packages, Microsoft applications and web applications
• Have knowledge and understanding of research design and methodology and the requirements for HRA, MHRA, research governance and ethics review procedures
• Demonstratable experience of working in an office environment

Desirable

• An understanding of medical terminology
• Experience in the set-up and/or delivery of clinical trials within the NHS

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with internal colleagues and external organisations
• Ability to negotiate in a tactful and confident manner to achieve the desired results.
• Enthusiastic, professional manner and respectful of others
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Willingness to learn and develop presentation skills.
• Experience of working effectively within a team

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Calderdale Royal Hospital

R&D Department

Halifax

HX3 0PW

Employer's website

https://www.cht.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)