Breckland Alliance Primary Care Network

Research Assistant (full or part time)

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Job summary

ResearchAssistant (22.5 to 37.5 hours per week over a minimum of three days)

We have an established dedicated research team within the Breckland Alliance based in Thetford/Watton, Norfolk. We are expanding and now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant, or someone who would like to train.

This is a role for a highly organised, flexible candidate who is keen to develop a good understanding of clinical trials. They need to be prepared to take on a variety of tasks, maintaining high standards of record keeping and attention to detail and manage their portfolio of work with limited supervision, after a training period. They will be in contact with a broad professional group, as well as members of the public and research sponsors. They will be expected to represent the team and good communication skills are essential.

A current driving licence and access to a vehicle for work-related business is required.

Starting salary:Band 3 equivalent, plus generous NHS Pension Scheme and holiday allowance

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide administrative support and organisation for clinical research projects, assisting and liaising with other research project staff as appropriate. They will act as the first point of contact for specific research projects for enquiries from research participants and will support the general administrative functions of research projects. They will input, process and maintain data and resources and support overall research project activity. In addition, other contract/project work may be completed as and when required.

This role is primarily based at the Healthy Living Centre, Croxton Road, Thetford. It may be necessary to travel to other sites as required for the research team and the Alliance.

Full details of the role and responsibilities can be viewed in the attached Job Description.

About us

The Breckland Alliance Primary Care Network comprises School Lane Surgery and Grove Surgery, both in Thetford, and Watton Medical Practice. The Breckland Alliance was formed in 2019, working together to delivery high quality, sustainable primary health care to the population of Thetford, Watton and the surrounding area, and currently serves a total practice patient list of approximately 45,000.

We have recently expanded the role of our Alliance and own a provider company which focuses on clinical research and the delivery of non-primary care NHS services. Additionally, we share a number of staff and processes across our Alliance.

Date posted

19 February 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Generous NHS Pension Scheme

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

A4737-24-0000

Job locations

Thetford Healthy Living Centre

Croxton Road

Thetford

Norfolk

IP24 1JD

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post-holder will be responsible for:

Overview of Essential Responsibilities:

1.Assists the Research Nurses/Local Research Investigators/Research Project lead to ensure that the project activities are carried out in an accurate and timely fashion

2. Communicates routine information relating to research projects to research participants and members of the research study team

3. Liaises with academic and clinical researchers, external organisations and other staff within the Alliance and ensures that accurate data is recorded and correctly maintained related to research projects

4. Plans activities to ensure that information, requests and enquiries are delivered to the time requirements of specific research projects

5. Organises and co-ordinates meetings and activities related to the research

6. Booking appointments for research participants

7. They will assist in the preparation of meeting reports and data related to the research

8. Maintain stock and order supplies for research projects

9. Maintain research equipment so that it can be returned in good condition at the end of the study

10. Works to standards of good clinical practice (GCP) for research.

11. Undertakes training specifically related to projects as required and may be required to demonstrate these skills to other users

12. To organise and maintain efficient filing systems

13. To book and organised patient transport and courier of specimens, when required

14. Maintain up-to-date records and databases on research activity

15. To set up as needed by each study any technical equipment as supplied by the sponsor

16. To liaise with NHS IT team to ensure all relevant research software is downloaded.

17. To assist where required and appropriate with the recruitment of patients into clinical research studies

18. To provide on-going support to patients involved in clinical research studies.

19. To assist with internal and external audits as required

20. To assist with telephone enquiries from patients, clinical monitors and outside research agencies, providing information and taking appropriate action as required

21. To take minutes for the various meetings of the R&D department

22. Assist clinical research staff with the maintenance of investigational files

23. General office duties including filing, scanning and photocopying

24. Attend relevant educational and training days

25. To be aware of the work and the role of the NIHR Clinical Research Networks

26. To remain in contact with local and national organisations in order to keep up to date with relevant trials and data managements issues

27. Participate in departmental and Trust training courses as appropriate to ensure skills and knowledge are maintained

28. To ensure confidentiality on all matters and information obtained during the course of employment

29. Good computing skills- email and Microsoft Excel and use of databases

30. Effective communication with patients from all ages and backgrounds

31. Undertake any other additional duties appropriate to the post as requested by the Research Team or the Practice Manager

32. Maintain all research spreadsheets to ensure project progress and patient visits are up to date for invoicing and assessing teams capacity

33. To ensure patient expenses are paid in a timely manner

34. To support finance processes relating to recruitment into research, financial invoicing, patient expenses and other types of reporting

35. To liaise with surgery counterparts across the Alliance.

Specific Additional Responsibilities:

1. May be required to assist the Clinical Research Nurse Team, Research & Development (R&D) team in the R&D office and the Clinical Research and Trials Unit to support Research Governance activity as required

2. Will be assigned to specific research projects by the Clinical Research Nurse/Clinical Research Manager

3. Excellent communication skills and patience

4. Ability to use own judgment, resourcefulness and be able to work under pressure without direct supervision

5. To be reliable and flexible

6. To observe strict confidentiality on all matters relating to this project.

This job description outlines the major responsibilities of the post, but it is not exhaustive or exclusive and the duties may be varied from time to time, but this would not change the general character of the job.

Full details of the Role and Responsibilities can be viewed in the attached Job Description