Assistant Research Coordinator, Band 4

Assistant Research Coordinator, Band 4 (15 hours a week)
We are looking for an Assistant Research Coordinator to join the Research Delivery Teams within our Trust Research and Innovation Department. This is an exciting opportunity to join our expanding team of staff who manage the care of patients taking part in clinical research studies. We are looking for patient facing staff with an interest in research, particularly in breast imaging/breast cancer. This post is to provide maternity leave cover and previous experience in breast screening is desirable. Essential research skills training will be given.
Our Assistant Research Coordinators work alongside our research nurses / coordinators and senior research nurses / coordinators, our administration staff, and clinical teams across multiple specialties to deliver high-quality patient care in both in-patient and out-patient settings.
The post holder will contribute to the patient recruitment process to include blood/specimen collection, undertaking basic clinical observations, and receiving informed consent. Main duties and responsibilities will also include administration, data collection and data input, liaison with clinical staff, service users and support services.
The post of Assistant Research Coordinator is to provide support to a Research Delivery Team based within Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and research clinics within the Research Facility Centre. The post holder will be responsible for supervision of junior members of the team. The majority of the workload will be managed by the individual and not closely supervised.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required (see job description for full details):

• Minimum of 3 A Levels at Grade C or above or equivalent
• Substantial years’ experience working in a healthcare or clinical research environment.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to retrieve specified data on a study-by-study basis
• Responsible for following policies surrounding clinical data, particularly confidentiality.
• The ability to use / create databases and spreadsheets and proficient in the use of computer programmes
• Ability to supervise junior members of the team.
• Able to demonstrate a general understanding of patient pathways

This job description is an outline only and does not contain an exhaustive list of duties; the post holder may therefore be required to undertake additional responsibilities.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest employer in the county and with over 8,000 staff, we are one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK. We offer a generous annual leave allowance, excellent bank rates, access to the excellent NHS Pension Scheme, discounts for local shops, restaurants and services, access to our health and well-being hub, access to our two on-site nurseries, flexible working options, discounted public transport, reward and recognition schemes, exercise and activity classes and membership to our popular hospital choir.
Study Delivery/Monitoring:

• Participation in patient identification, recruitment and data collection for observational studies. This may include receiving informed consent and completion of questionnaires on a limited range of research studies as deemed appropriate and following specific training.
• Pro-actively assist in the organisation of investigations, assessments and clinic appointments for patients in accordance with trial protocols. Be a direct contact for patients and deal sensitively and confidentially with any patient enquiries.
• Perform basic clinical observations, assessments, venepuncture and specimen collection once trained and competent.
• Preparation for, assisting with, and follow up of regulatory and monitoring visits.

Data Management:

• Transcribe trial information from source data into paper and electronic Case Report Forms and relevant databases ensuring accuracy and completeness. Acquire additional clinical trial data from medical notes, hospital computer systems, GPs and external hospitals and organisations. Liaise with Clinical Trials Units and ensure data is reported to trials units in a timely manner.
• Organise and take notes of study meetings, Site Initiation Visits, and attend meetings for the research team and others. Be willing to travel to any external meetings, training events and training courses.
• Ensure trial records are accurately maintained, including but not limited to, records in nursing/medical electronic and paper notes, case report forms, trial site files.
• In collaboration with the research nurses set up spreadsheets/databases for tracking patient pathways and maintain/update as amendments are made by the Sponsor. Report on data collection/patient recruitment as required using the EDGE database system to record patient recruitment data and to compile reports.
• Ensure the secure handling of personal and sensitive data.
• Identify and report any protocol violations or issues of concern relating to patients and/or staff to line manager.

Support:

• To provide administrative support to the team. Prepare and collate relevant documentation and equipment for patient visits including source data forms, questionnaires, investigation request forms, blood/tissue collection equipment etc. Maintain sufficient stocks of documentation and equipment required for research studies.
• Supervise junior members of the team, providing effective role modelling and support.
• Assist with close-out of studies and preparation for archiving of studies.
• Support a Research Delivery Team with the day to day running of a trial. Liaison with participating clinicians and researchers.
• Maintain a good knowledge of protocols and associated trial documentation. Ensuring study protocols are followed and studies are conducted according to research legislation and Good Clinical Practice. Maintain patient confidentiality following the relevant GHNHSFT polices, research SOPs and UK legislation.

Communication and working relationships:
Work closely with all key stakeholders on all levels across the Trust and Research Networks, including:

• The wider Research & Innovation Team
• Supporting consultants, nurses and other healthcare professionals
• Working with support departments to facilitate the smooth running of clinical trials
• Liaise with Clinical Trials Units across the UK.
• Liaise with patients and carers

The post holder will be expected to work unsupervised on occasion once competence has been achieved. They will be expected to work to Trust policies, Research Standard Operating Procedures and individual clinical study protocols, referring to the local research team, consultants or external bodies for advice when appropriate.