Job summary
Research Governance Officer Fixed Term Contract
Department Research and Development
Band 5 £29,970 - £36,483 Per annum, pro rata
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a degree-level qualification in life sciences or healthcare, who has some knowledge and experience of clinical trials.
We are looking to recruit a Research Governance Officer to support our Research Governance Coordinators. The successful candidate will work closely with clinical teams and support departments to assess the feasibility of new research studies. The role involves facilitating the dissemination, review, and support for studies, alongside ensuring adherence to research regulations and governance requirements. You will also contribute to capacity and capability assessments and support the review and approval of research contracts.
We are seeking a proactive, values-driven individual who is highly organised, able to prioritise tasks independently, and confident using digital tools such as Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
If you're passionate about improving research delivery and supporting collaborative, patient-focused work, we'd love to hear from you!
For an informal discussion, please contact the Research Governance Coordinator Soma Hajdu - 01908 996744
Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interviews held on 9th July 2025
Main duties of the job
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
A good working knowledge of clinical trial regulations, including GCP and the HRA approval process, is required.
The post holder will work within the Research and Development (R&D) Team at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MKUH), with the primary aim of supporting the Research Coordinators with assessing governance and adherence to regulations for all trials hosted within the Trust. The post holder will work closely with clinical teams and support departments to assess the feasibility of new research studies. They will work in collaboration with the East of England Regional Research Delivery Network. The purpose of the post is to undertake research governance activities, support capacity and capability assessments, review study feasibility and supporting the review and approval of research contracts.
The post holder will be expected to work autonomously and to have effective communication skills to liaise with relevant clinical teams and external parties. The ability to enthuse, motivate and involve clinicians and support departments is essential as well as a high level of IT proficiency. In addition, the post holder must be proficient at multitasking, with the ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time. It is expected that the post holder will be proactive in their approach to the role and provide support to the wider clinical team when required.
About us
'They feel supported in their employers making reasonable adjustments to help them carry out their work, rating an 82.9%' .(NHS Staff Survey 2024).
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free refreshments
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Contracts will be issued by MKUH NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of the EoE RRDN.
Clinical and Research
Plan and coordinate daily activities in collaboration with the research team. Review research protocols with the research clinical team to assess feasibility for trials, considering recruitment targets, capacity, timelines, competing trials, and other implications for the trust.
Administrative and Clinical Data
Creating and maintaining spreadsheets on Excel to aid personnel within the research department, as well as our support departments involved in research. Assisting the Research Nurses with collating data reported to the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), ensuring timely and accurate updating of the recruitment accruals.
Financial
Assisting with building payment schedules for research studies. Assisting the finance team in investigating queries relating to research. payments.
Education
Promote research across the network in relation to clinical trials. Assist in the education and support of clinicians and service users on trial-specific training and NIHR training.
Management
Self-manage workload, seeking managerial supervision if required. Maintain a time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to. Be aware of all Trust procedures and policies and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed. Participate in the Development of Trust procedures and policies as required.
Communication
Maintain a dialogue of progress with the Research Coordinator Team and your line manager to resolve any research governance queries. Liaise with the relevant support services such as the clinical trials pharmacist, concerning the set-up and recruitment of trials.
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Contracts will be issued by MKUH NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of the EoE RRDN.
Clinical and Research
Plan and coordinate daily activities in collaboration with the research team. Review research protocols with the research clinical team to assess feasibility for trials, considering recruitment targets, capacity, timelines, competing trials, and other implications for the trust.
Administrative and Clinical Data
Creating and maintaining spreadsheets on Excel to aid personnel within the research department, as well as our support departments involved in research. Assisting the Research Nurses with collating data reported to the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), ensuring timely and accurate updating of the recruitment accruals.
Financial
Assisting with building payment schedules for research studies. Assisting the finance team in investigating queries relating to research. payments.
Education
Promote research across the network in relation to clinical trials. Assist in the education and support of clinicians and service users on trial-specific training and NIHR training.
Management
Self-manage workload, seeking managerial supervision if required. Maintain a time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to. Be aware of all Trust procedures and policies and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed. Participate in the Development of Trust procedures and policies as required.
Communication
Maintain a dialogue of progress with the Research Coordinator Team and your line manager to resolve any research governance queries. Liaise with the relevant support services such as the clinical trials pharmacist, concerning the set-up and recruitment of trials.
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Degree Level Qualification
- Life sciences or health care qualification
- Knowledge of or undertaken Good Clinical Practice Training
- Knowledge of clinical trials and research regulations
Desirable
- Research Education/Training
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within an office environment
- Experience in working with databases
Desirable
- Experience working within the NHS
- Experience of working within a research environment
- Experience with coordinating meetings
Skills
Essential
- Proficient in using Microsoft software particularly Excel
- Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise
- Able to work with minimal supervision
- Able to work individually or as a team player
- Demonstrates an ability for attention to detail
Desirable
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and proactive work ethics
- Able to organise work to meet deadlines and priorities
- Up-to-date knowledge relevant to clinical research and good clinical practice.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development
- Willingness to undertake any necessary training and development to enhance work performance
- Flexible and positive approach to work.
Communication
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
- Approachable and able to communicate with professionals across the clinical team
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Degree Level Qualification
- Life sciences or health care qualification
- Knowledge of or undertaken Good Clinical Practice Training
- Knowledge of clinical trials and research regulations
Desirable
- Research Education/Training
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within an office environment
- Experience in working with databases
Desirable
- Experience working within the NHS
- Experience of working within a research environment
- Experience with coordinating meetings
Skills
Essential
- Proficient in using Microsoft software particularly Excel
- Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise
- Able to work with minimal supervision
- Able to work individually or as a team player
- Demonstrates an ability for attention to detail
Desirable
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and proactive work ethics
- Able to organise work to meet deadlines and priorities
- Up-to-date knowledge relevant to clinical research and good clinical practice.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development
- Willingness to undertake any necessary training and development to enhance work performance
- Flexible and positive approach to work.
Communication
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
- Approachable and able to communicate with professionals across the clinical team
Desirable
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.
