Research Assistant/Administrator

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

To provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Research & Innovation Central Office (RICO) and Clinical Trials Unit. The postholder will assist in ensuring Trust-wide compliance with research governance standards, support study setup and delivery, and contribute to the development and implementation of research processes and systems.

Organise, prepare, and minute internal and external R&I meetings.

Manage diaries for the Senior Management Team.

Maintain multiple email inboxes and the RICO phone line.

Order stationery, raise purchase orders, invoicing, and support meetings/events.

Manage internal and external post and disseminate urgent information.

Support Patient & Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) activities.

Assist with training preparation and coordination.

Support RICO with administrative tasks around study setup and amendments including letters, emails, and updating databases.

Work in accordance with R&I Standard Operating Procedures and Policies.

Contribute to the overall goals of the department and support the R&I strategy.

Support adherence to research governance and regulatory standards.

Assist with the Capacity and Capability process and study setup.

Maintain accurate records on EDGE and other systems.

Support monitoring and audit activities.

Assist with Sponsor responsibilities and approvals.

Support RICO in guiding Investigators to apply for and gain correct approvals from authorising bodies.

Assist with study setup, data management systems, archiving and destruction processes for hosted clinical trials.

Support risk assessments and ensure documentation is uploaded and monitored.

Collaborate with support departments and delivery teams to facilitate risk management.

Act as a point of contact for general research enquiries.

Communicate effectively with internal teams, external sponsors, regulatory bodies, and patients.

Oversee the R&I generic email account and respond or redirect emails appropriately.

Communicate respectfully with HRA, Research Ethics Committees, clinicians, research nurses, administrative staff, university researchers, and pharmaceutical companies.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Educated to A-level or equivalent experience in a relevant administrative or scientific field
• Proficient Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to complete Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training upon appointment.

Desirable

• Degree or diploma in a relevant subject (e.g. life sciences, health, administration).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Completed GCP training or research governance training

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience in an administrative or research support role.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload with minimal supervision.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with data entry and maintaining accurate records.
• Experience organising meetings, managing diaries, and taking minutes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Have a flexible and adaptive approach

Desirable

• Data management experience
• Familiarity with research databases or systems (e.g. EDGE, IRAS, REDCap).
• Experience of working in the NHS
• Research experience

Governance

Essential

• Awareness of clinical research within the NHS
• Understanding of data protection

Desirable

• Awareness of research governance and regulatory standards.

Personal/professional attributes

Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Professional, respectful, and proactive approach to work.

Other Requirements

Essential

• Willingness to travel between sites if required.
• Commitment to NHS values and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Road

Canterbury

CT1 3NG

Employer's website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)