Senior Clinical Research Practitioner

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the evolving Clinical Research Unit (CRU) at the Bristol Eye Hospital. We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic individual as a Senior Clinical Research Practitioner.

The post holder will be in contact with a broad professional group, as well as members of the public and research sponsors, therefore excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills are paramount.

We are seeking a flexible, motivated team player with considerable research experience and an interest and enthusiasm for research.

Experience in clinical research is required and ophthalmology experience would be advantageous.

The post holder will be an integral member of the CRU senior team, involved in the line management, support and training of staff as well as more complex trial developments, including early phase and advanced therapy trials.

Main duties of the job

Working closely with the Clinical Research Unit Manager and as a member of the senior team, the post holder will support colleagues and researchers throughout the research process, including the delivery of some clinical aspects associated with our protocols.

The postholder will be responsible for line managing junior members of the coordination team and will be expected to demonstrate leadership skills.

You will manage an ongoing portfolio of studies, (including more complex trials such as early phase trials), performing a variety of tasks such as completing case report forms, maintaining study documentation, processing amendments, and planning and organising patient appointments.

A component of this role is the requirement to perform some clinical work, for example, including assisting in the informed consent procedure, venepuncture, vital signs, urine testing and ECGs. Full training will be given, with an opportunity to gain accreditation as a Clinical Research Practitioner, which is now identified as an occupational group in health and care in the UK by the UK Professional Standards Authority (PSA).Training and development features high on our list of priorities.

Therefore the post holder will be a flexible, motivated team player willing to further develop their understanding of clinical trials.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in health/research related subject or substantial relevant experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development (A/I)
• Current ICH GCP (A/I)

Desirable

• Clinical Research Practitioner Registration (A/I)

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of, and previous experience of the clinical research process, ICH-GCP and research governance (A/I)
• Knowledge of Data Protection Act 1984, GDPR and Caldicott principles (A/I)
• Current knowledge and experience of patient safety management and reporting processes (A/I)
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills (A/I)
• Able to use initiative and be innovative within the appropriate scope of the job (A/I)
• Accuracy and attention to detail (A/I)
• To be able to prioritise workload (A/I)
• Evidence of good teamwork skills (A/I)
• Good IT skills. Proven ability to use Microsoft Office and related packages, including databases, spreadsheets (A/I)
• Reliable and capable of working with confidential and sensitive information (A/I)
• Strong problem-solving skills (A/I)
• Ability to plan, manage, adjust, and deliver complex projects, involving multiple agencies and individuals and a broad range of activities, to tight deadlines (A/I)
• Good understanding of workforce planning (A/I)

Desirable

• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations and reports to a high standard (I)

Experience

Essential

• Recent and significant clinical research experience in NHS / academic / pharmaceutical setting (A/I)
• Post Grad qualification in research or Management, or equivalent experience (A/I)
• Previous research data management experience and experience coordinating CTIMP's (A/I)
• Previous experience of medical terminology (A/I)

Desirable

• Management Experience (A/I)
• Experience of leading teams (A/I)

Personal qualities

Essential

• Interested in clinical research
• Ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate patience and deal tactfully with people
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines
• Flexible approach to working
• Enthusiasm for and desire to embed research within clinical practice
• Proactive in professional development for self and others
• Ability to make quick decisions
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team and be approachable
• Highly motivated, with ability to demonstrate leadership, influence and inspire others

About the employer

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations,operatingfrom three main sites at Southmead, Bristol citycentreand Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that theSouth Westhas to offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit andretaina workforce whichrepresentsthe rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your applicationin order toensurewe'remeeting our pledge.