Job summary
The Trust is fully committed to conducting high quality clinical research. The post holder will work within the Quality Team to support quality assurance activities across the Trust, with a particular focus on supporting the quality service provided by the Quality Team to the Clinical Research Facilities based at MFT (hereafter "MFT CRF").

The post holder will support the quality management systems of the MFT CRF and R&I, ensuring that standards are adhered to via audit and quality assurance activity. They will provide administrative support in maintaining quality within the MFT CRF. In pursuing this role, the post holder will need to maintain high standards of personal and commercial confidentiality, integrity and use well-judged communication skills.

Main duties of the job
Main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Working within the Quality Team to support quality assurance activities across R&I, with a particular focus on supporting the MFT CRF.
• Conducting a programme of audits to ensure high standards are maintained across the Trust by researchers according to national regulations, guidance and MFT standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Carry out a rolling programme of research study audits conducted at the Trust as directed by the Quality Team.
• Conduct solo audit visits and prepare written reports on findings.
• Visits will involve reviewing and interpreting complex and sensitive clinical information, communicating with key research personnel and auditing research compliance against Trust systems and processes.
• Identify the most serious non-compliances and escalate to relevant managers as required.

About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - a great place to shape your career.With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.

Behind every patient cared for are people like you - keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you're part of something bigger from day one.

Job responsibilities
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place , simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

• Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
• Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
• Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Good Clinical Practice certificate.

Desirable

• Educated to post-graduate level or equivalent.

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of the standards and legislation that govern research in the NHS.
• Knowledge of regulatory issues surrounding the conduct of clinical research, especially Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products and Devices, including Good Clinical Practice principles.

Desirable

• Knowledge of NHS research agenda.

Training and Experience
Essential

• Administrative experience.
• Experience of working as part of a research team.
• Extensive Microsoft Office experience.

Desirable

• Previous NHS experience.
• Experience of research monitoring or audit.
• Experience of delivering training or working in an advisory capacity.

Skills
Essential

• Ability to assess and interpret complicated and conflicting information and use judgement where appropriate.
• Ability to explain and discuss non-compliances with research team members.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and to organise own workload.
• Ability to work well within a team.

Desirable

• Ability to use own initiative where appropriate and to be proactive in approach to work.

Attributes
Essential

• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Effective communication skills, verbal and written.
• Self-motivated.
• Good attention to detail.
• Flexible approach to work, including willingness to work across all MFT sites and visit external research sites as required.
• Good organisational skills with a methodical approach to working.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).