Job summary
Please note that these posts are permanent contracts at 37.5 hours per week.
We are looking to appoint a Research Practitioner (Band 4) in the Lung Cancer Research team within The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The research teams form part of the Research and Innovation division and are made up of a multi-disciplinary group of staff who are dedicated to cancer research and treatment. This is a fixed-term contract for 2 years with possibility to extend thereafter.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and experienced individual who will be responsible for assisting the translational research team, research nurses, consultants and trial management team with the delivery of clinical research projects and clinical trials. We are looking for an individual who is able to demonstrate work experience in data management involving clinical trials, good understanding of clinical research, GCP and clinical trial governance. Strong candidates will have excellent organisation and communication skills, work well both in a team and using their own initiative.
Applicants should meet all the essential criteria on the job description as a minimum. We are looking for a candidate with good organisational and communication skills, with the ability to multi-task. Due to the vital nature of our work and the impact on patients and the research community, attention to detail is an essential skill.
Main duties of the job
The role will work across the clinical and administrative areas of the Lung research team. This will require working in clinical areas under the supervision of clinical research nurses and translational research facilitators and working in administrative areas under the supervision of the trial coordinators and research managers. The post-holder will provide clinical support for patients, within the boundaries of their own competence, and under the supervision and delegation of investigators and nurses. This will include tasks such as collecting biological samples, observations, data and quality of life questionnaires from trial participants. The administrative role will involve the management of a portfolio of clinical projects with support from other colleagues. This includes entering data from patient visits, responding to trial queries, completing trial-related records, filing key trial documents, assisting with invoicing, working with members of the core Research and Innovation team, liaising with pharmaceutical contacts, and assisting colleagues with other administrative tasks.
Post holders will be expected to participate fully in their personal development and review process in order to achieve the objectives for this post. They should be in possession of, or working towards, the National Care Certificate
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide clinical care for research participants, as delegated by PIs and research nurses, within the boundaries of own knowledge, competence and skill level.Ensure that all research is undertaken according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Trust policies.Planning and organising day- to-day research and other activitiesConduct delegated data collection with participants, such as questionnaires and interviews.Collection of biological samples as required for the clinical protocol, this may include blood, urine, sputum etc.Preparation of sampling kits as described in study laboratory manuals, maintaining laboratory stock and shipping & tracking of research samples.Undertake research-related activities as required such as clinical observations and NEWS2, blood glucose monitoring, blood sampling (venepuncture and other venous access), PK sampling, cannulation and ECGs.Attend individual project meetings as required.Contribute to clinical and research governance processes, including adverse event and incident reporting, supporting any investigations.Understand and deliver care in accordance with regulatory approved clinical research protocols.Ensure all clinical activities are recorded in appropriate systems in a timely manner.Evening and weekend shifts may occasionally be required to meet the clinical needs of the service RESEARCHAct as a point of contact for the core Research and Innovation team, study sponsors, clinical research organisations and specific research teams, communicating directly with them regarding data queries, monitoring visits and other enquiries relevant to trial set up and general trial conduct.Maintain investigator site files and essential documentation in accordance with ICH GCP and Trust SOPs to ensure they are kept inspection ready at all times.Process trial amendment submissions in accordance with ICH-GCP and Trust SOPs and timelines. Research Practitioner- Band 4 June 2025Complete case report forms as per sponsor requirements, and liaise with clinical trial monitors to ensure the data sent is valid and their requirements are met at site monitoring visits.Cross check, confirm data and complete query resolution with sponsors and third parties in a timely manner.Completion of clinical trial specific databases with data from various sources such as questionnaires, hospital records and other electronic and paper sources.Liaise with internal and external NHS staff regarding case notes, data collection, archival tumour blocks, mortality data, and other general trial activities, which may be confidential and sensitive in nature.Ensure that data is available and up to date for any meetings related to a clinical trial.If required attend project related meetings, investigator meetings (abroad or teleconferences, as necessary) to convey the relevant information to the study team.Undertake general administrative tasks related to clinical trials as delegated by your line manager.Assist with preparation for audit and inspections within assigned teams. KEY VALUES Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour.
OTHER
We have a strong team working ethos and you will be required to work closely with different members of staff. The role comes with full training, and the opportunity for additional training to support career development within the Trust.
The Lung team works on studies including early phase, biomarker trials, real-world data, radiotherapy and biobanking research projects. The Christies research teams contribute towards pioneering research and innovation, and we constantly work towards improving cancer care and patient outcomes. A role within our team is challenging but rewarding; we are a hard-working and friendly team with a passion for research and patient care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide clinical care for research participants, as delegated by PIs and research nurses, within the boundaries of own knowledge, competence and skill level.Ensure that all research is undertaken according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Trust policies.Planning and organising day- to-day research and other activitiesConduct delegated data collection with participants, such as questionnaires and interviews.Collection of biological samples as required for the clinical protocol, this may include blood, urine, sputum etc.Preparation of sampling kits as described in study laboratory manuals, maintaining laboratory stock and shipping & tracking of research samples.Undertake research-related activities as required such as clinical observations and NEWS2, blood glucose monitoring, blood sampling (venepuncture and other venous access), PK sampling, cannulation and ECGs.Attend individual project meetings as required.Contribute to clinical and research governance processes, including adverse event and incident reporting, supporting any investigations.Understand and deliver care in accordance with regulatory approved clinical research protocols.Ensure all clinical activities are recorded in appropriate systems in a timely manner.Evening and weekend shifts may occasionally be required to meet the clinical needs of the service RESEARCHAct as a point of contact for the core Research and Innovation team, study sponsors, clinical research organisations and specific research teams, communicating directly with them regarding data queries, monitoring visits and other enquiries relevant to trial set up and general trial conduct.Maintain investigator site files and essential documentation in accordance with ICH GCP and Trust SOPs to ensure they are kept inspection ready at all times.Process trial amendment submissions in accordance with ICH-GCP and Trust SOPs and timelines. Research Practitioner- Band 4 June 2025Complete case report forms as per sponsor requirements, and liaise with clinical trial monitors to ensure the data sent is valid and their requirements are met at site monitoring visits.Cross check, confirm data and complete query resolution with sponsors and third parties in a timely manner.Completion of clinical trial specific databases with data from various sources such as questionnaires, hospital records and other electronic and paper sources.Liaise with internal and external NHS staff regarding case notes, data collection, archival tumour blocks, mortality data, and other general trial activities, which may be confidential and sensitive in nature.Ensure that data is available and up to date for any meetings related to a clinical trial.If required attend project related meetings, investigator meetings (abroad or teleconferences, as necessary) to convey the relevant information to the study team.Undertake general administrative tasks related to clinical trials as delegated by your line manager.Assist with preparation for audit and inspections within assigned teams. KEY VALUES Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour.
OTHER
We have a strong team working ethos and you will be required to work closely with different members of staff. The role comes with full training, and the opportunity for additional training to support career development within the Trust.
The Lung team works on studies including early phase, biomarker trials, real-world data, radiotherapy and biobanking research projects. The Christies research teams contribute towards pioneering research and innovation, and we constantly work towards improving cancer care and patient outcomes. A role within our team is challenging but rewarding; we are a hard-working and friendly team with a passion for research and patient care.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma or relevant experience
Desirable
- A research qualification / clinical research training
- Degree in science or healthrelated discipline
- National Care certificate (Christie Care Certificate)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a research environment Or At least 12 months working in a healthcare environment
Desirable
- Data management experience Clinical research experience, phlebotomy skills
Skills
Essential
- IT skills. Experience of using Email, Excel, Word and Outlook
Desirable
- Evidence of IT training Intra-venous access training, or a willingness to undertake this
Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of ICH "Good Clinical Practice".
- Knowledge and understanding of patient observations
Desirable
- Knowledge of the clinical trial process.
- Understanding of medical terminology and cancer.
- Knowledge of patient information systems
Values
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
Other
Essential
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Able to work flexibly and to tight deadlines.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma or relevant experience
Desirable
- A research qualification / clinical research training
- Degree in science or healthrelated discipline
- National Care certificate (Christie Care Certificate)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a research environment Or At least 12 months working in a healthcare environment
Desirable
- Data management experience Clinical research experience, phlebotomy skills
Skills
Essential
- IT skills. Experience of using Email, Excel, Word and Outlook
Desirable
- Evidence of IT training Intra-venous access training, or a willingness to undertake this
Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of ICH "Good Clinical Practice".
- Knowledge and understanding of patient observations
Desirable
- Knowledge of the clinical trial process.
- Understanding of medical terminology and cancer.
- Knowledge of patient information systems
Values
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
Other
Essential
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Able to work flexibly and to tight deadlines.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
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.
