Job summary
Are you passionate about clinical research and improving patient care through innovation?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time, Research Practitioner to join the Research and Innovation (R&I) Department at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, based at Heartlands Hospital within the Core Research Delivery Team.

You will support the set-up and delivery of a portfolio of clinical research studies, working closely with patients, research teams and multidisciplinary clinical teams to ensure research is delivered safely, effectively and in line with study protocols and regulatory requirements.

The role will include supporting participant recruitment, research procedures, data collection and study documentation. You will work closely with Research Nurses and Principal Investigators and will be supported to develop your research and clinical skills.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised with good prioritisation skills
• A confident and effective communicator
• Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Competent in Microsoft Office and IT systems
• Experienced in a research and/or clinical environment, or keen to develop a career in clinical research

In return, we offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for professional development and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, patient-focused research.

For further information, please contact
Ayo Dada, Senior Research Nurse
Ayokunnumi.Dada@uhb.nhs.uk
0121 424 3845

Main duties of the job
Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the set-up and delivery of clinical research studies, including recruitment and follow-up of participants.
• Identifying, screening and consenting eligible patients and research participants where appropriately trained and delegated.
• Undertaking research visits and study procedures within the post holder's training, competence and delegated responsibilities.
• Collecting and maintaining accurate research data, source documentation and study files.
• Supporting the collection, processing and management of research samples.
• Monitoring participant safety and escalating adverse events, concerns or protocol issues appropriately.
• Acting as a point of contact for research participants and liaising with Research Nurses, Principal Investigators, clinical teams and study sponsors.
• Supporting study recruitment targets, identifying barriers to recruitment and contributing to solutions.
• Supporting study monitoring, audit and inspection activities.
• Maintaining mandatory, research and clinical training and relevant competencies.
• Contributing to the promotion of research and a positive research culture within the Trust.

The post holder will work independently within their scope of practice and as part of the wider research team, seeking advice and support from senior colleagues where required.

About us
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.

Job responsibilities

• Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• O' Levels / 'GCSE's specifically English and maths at grade C or above
• Educated to degree level or diploma level plus relevant experience to degree level in Healthcare, Science or Research.

Desirable

• Registered Clinical Research Practitioner (CRP)
• Completion of Care Certificate

Experience
Essential

• Significant relevant experience in clinical trial /research data management
• Experience of research in a healthcare setting
• Understanding of current legislation regarding research governance Issues
• Knowledge of International Council for Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP)

Desirable

• Previous experience of line managing staff, completing appraisals and a basic understanding of the HR requirements of managing sickness and absence etc.
• Knowledge of National policies, procedures and initiatives or current issues facing the NHS

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Travel as required by the Trust across the organisation.
• Work flexibly to meet service demands

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.