Job summary
We are seeking an
experienced and detail-oriented Clinical Research Administrator to support the
delivery of high-quality clinical research across our network of general
practices. This role plays a key part in managing and coordinating a portfolio
of NIHR and non-NIHR studies, ensuring full compliance with research governance
frameworks, regulatory standards, and sponsor requirements. Working across
multiple sites, the postholder will be responsible for study setup, ongoing
coordination, and closure activities, while supporting the day-to-day
operational, financial, and administrative aspects of clinical trials in a
primary care setting.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an
experienced and detail-oriented Clinical Research Administrator to support the
delivery of high-quality clinical research across our network of general
practices. This role plays a key part in managing and coordinating a portfolio
of NIHR and non-NIHR studies, ensuring full compliance with research governance
frameworks, regulatory standards, and sponsor requirements. Working across
multiple sites, the postholder will be responsible for study setup, ongoing
coordination, and closure activities, while supporting the day-to-day
operational, financial, and administrative aspects of clinical trials in a
primary care setting.
About us
SSP Health Ltd is one of the largest providers of NHS primary care services in the North West of England, operating over 40 GP practices and serving more than 150,000 patients. The organisation follows a federated GP model that centralises administrative functions to relieve pressures on individual practices, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care. Headquartered in Wigan, SSP Health employs over 500 staff and is known for its commitment to quality, with the majority of its practices rated "Good" or "Outstanding" by the CQC. The company places a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, flexible working, and professional development, with 97% of employees recommending SSP as a workplace. SSP also champions inclusive healthcare, and continues to support innovation, service improvement, and equitable access to primary care across diverse communities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Study Management
- Manage and oversee a portfolio of academic and commercial research studies across multiple therapeutic areas, from feasibility through to close-out.
- Lead study setup activities, including feasibility assessments, site initiation visits, and trial logistics.
- Coordinate daily research operations across 31+ GP practices within the NIHR North West Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN).
- Ensure studies are delivered on time, within scope, and according to budget.
Data & Compliance
- Track and monitor study performance, including recruitment, retention, and compliance metrics.
- Accurately enter data into Case Report Forms (CRFs) and electronic data capture (EDC) systems.
- Resolve sponsor and third-party queries, maintaining full audit trails and documentation.
- Maintain Investigator Site Files (ISFs) to inspection-ready standards.
- Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, GDPR, and all relevant local research governance policies.
Stakeholder & Team Coordination
- Liaise with NIHR RRDN, NHS Trusts, CROs, universities, and external sponsors to meet all regulatory and contractual obligations.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all research activities conducted within SSP Health.
- Facilitate communication across multidisciplinary teams and external collaborators.
- Organise study-related meetings (e.g., initiation, monitoring, close-out) and accurately document minutes.
Administrative & Financial Oversight
- Work closely with internal departments including Finance, Governance, Data Quality, and Purchasing.
- Manage study-related finances, including invoicing, tracking payments, and monitoring budgets.
- Organise and maintain study documentation, correspondence, and internal reporting systems.
- Manage participant communications (e.g., SMS, GP invitation letters) to support recruitment.
Research Development
- Support Principal and Sub-Investigators in fulfilling their regulatory responsibilities.
- Assist in the preparation of RSI and national funding applications, supporting site readiness and delivery plans.
- Identify and assess feasibility of new research opportunities to grow the local research portfolio and maintain Level 4 RSI accreditation.
- Support procurement and management of clinical equipment and study-related supplies.
- Ensure data protection and patient confidentiality is upheld across all research processes and systems.
Qualifications & Skills
Essential
- Prior experience in a clinical research setting, ideally within primary care or NHS environments.
- Strong knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, GDPR, and NHS research governance processes.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple studies concurrently.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally at all levels.
- Competence in using electronic data capture systems and research management platforms.
- Experience maintaining accurate and audit-ready documentation and regulatory files.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across sites.
- High level of IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience managing study budgets and financial reporting.
- Involvement in funding applications or RSI submissions.
- Understanding of research delivery targets (e.g., NIHR metrics).
- Knowledge of clinical equipment procurement and supply management.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Based at Head Office, Wigan
Office hours (e.g. Monday to Friday, not including Bank Holidays) flexibility may be considered
Training and supervision provided
NHS or healthcare environment experience not required but would be advantageous
Job description
Job responsibilities
Study Management
- Manage and oversee a portfolio of academic and commercial research studies across multiple therapeutic areas, from feasibility through to close-out.
- Lead study setup activities, including feasibility assessments, site initiation visits, and trial logistics.
- Coordinate daily research operations across 31+ GP practices within the NIHR North West Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN).
- Ensure studies are delivered on time, within scope, and according to budget.
Data & Compliance
- Track and monitor study performance, including recruitment, retention, and compliance metrics.
- Accurately enter data into Case Report Forms (CRFs) and electronic data capture (EDC) systems.
- Resolve sponsor and third-party queries, maintaining full audit trails and documentation.
- Maintain Investigator Site Files (ISFs) to inspection-ready standards.
- Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, GDPR, and all relevant local research governance policies.
Stakeholder & Team Coordination
- Liaise with NIHR RRDN, NHS Trusts, CROs, universities, and external sponsors to meet all regulatory and contractual obligations.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all research activities conducted within SSP Health.
- Facilitate communication across multidisciplinary teams and external collaborators.
- Organise study-related meetings (e.g., initiation, monitoring, close-out) and accurately document minutes.
Administrative & Financial Oversight
- Work closely with internal departments including Finance, Governance, Data Quality, and Purchasing.
- Manage study-related finances, including invoicing, tracking payments, and monitoring budgets.
- Organise and maintain study documentation, correspondence, and internal reporting systems.
- Manage participant communications (e.g., SMS, GP invitation letters) to support recruitment.
Research Development
- Support Principal and Sub-Investigators in fulfilling their regulatory responsibilities.
- Assist in the preparation of RSI and national funding applications, supporting site readiness and delivery plans.
- Identify and assess feasibility of new research opportunities to grow the local research portfolio and maintain Level 4 RSI accreditation.
- Support procurement and management of clinical equipment and study-related supplies.
- Ensure data protection and patient confidentiality is upheld across all research processes and systems.
Qualifications & Skills
Essential
- Prior experience in a clinical research setting, ideally within primary care or NHS environments.
- Strong knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, GDPR, and NHS research governance processes.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple studies concurrently.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally at all levels.
- Competence in using electronic data capture systems and research management platforms.
- Experience maintaining accurate and audit-ready documentation and regulatory files.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across sites.
- High level of IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience managing study budgets and financial reporting.
- Involvement in funding applications or RSI submissions.
- Understanding of research delivery targets (e.g., NIHR metrics).
- Knowledge of clinical equipment procurement and supply management.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Based at Head Office, Wigan
Office hours (e.g. Monday to Friday, not including Bank Holidays) flexibility may be considered
Training and supervision provided
NHS or healthcare environment experience not required but would be advantageous
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths
- Experience in administration role
- Experience in a research environment
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths
- Experience in administration role
- Experience in a research environment
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.
