Research Support Officer

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE:

This exciting role will provide Research Support to the research team and be responsible for the coordination and administration of research within the Centre for Excellence.

The Research Support Officer will work as part of a team of staff, led by the Research Lead. The post-holder will be responsible for working to national best practice and research management processes within the Centre for Excellence, as directed by Research Manager.

The post holder will support research studies at all stages, from research idea, funding application, expressions of interest and feasibility, to regulatory submissions, operational setup and through to delivery. Led by the Research Manager they will be responsible for facilitating and/or project managing study setup, engaging with sponsors, clinicians and academics. The post holder will use a number of data management tools to ensure that study information is accurate and up-to-date. They will also provide general administration to the research team as required.

The role will:

• Support the research team and deliver effective, confidential, and proactive administrative support for research activities.
• Support the development of systems and processes to ensure a timely and effective delivery of research
• Provide general administration to contribute to the wider activities of the Centre for Excellence as required.
• Research study support
• Data management and reporting

Study Support and Governance Administration

• Ensure and maintain an understanding of the frameworks for research governance and help develop and implement policies and SOPs to aid compliance with this.
• Develop and maintain a good understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the associated requirements necessary to assure compliance within the team and the organisation.
• Set up and maintain study site files to the standards required by GCP.
• Ensuring that all studies at the end of their lifecycle are archived appropriately, undertaking relevant processes and maintaining effective and accurate records.
• Assist with the preparation for visits by external organisations for monitoring/audit purposes.
• To provide study specific administrative support as directed.

Coordinate external research staff and students undertaking research at LOROS, providing support and guidance including site and computer access as needed.

Ensure the accuracy of data entry in various information systems, including Local Portfolio Management System (LPMS), and any other required study trackers

Ensure that study records are kept up-to-date in both local and national databases, identify discrepancies and refer for correction in a timely manner

Maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, participants, families and staff.

Communicate as delegated with staff and agencies such as ethics committees, Universities, commercial companies, and Research Networks, as part of the governance process

Support the Research Manager in providing assurances and evidence that research management & governance processes are compliant with the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, any applicable legislation, including but not limited to the UK Medicines for Human Use (Clinical trials) regulations, Human Tissue Act, Mental Capacity Act (MCA), and all relevant regulations.

Ensure the Edge database is completed accurately and maintained appropriately.

General Administration

• Act as a first point of contact, both internally and externally, for advice on research matters signposting as appropriate.
• Being the first point of contact for the research team, including managing the research phone and e-mail boxes and dealing with all enquiries and queries in an efficient and timely manner.
• Organise and service research meetings, including all pre-meeting arrangements, liaising with internal and external attendees and taking accurate and concise notes. Key meetings will include, but are not limited to, the Research Committee, and Research Team Meetings.
• Coordinate and support the creation of research articles and reports, ensuring compliance with both internal and external standards, in partnership with the broader team.
• Plan, manage and prioritise workload by responding to the work requirements of line manager or the department.
• Design, develop and maintain research databases, inputting and extracting data as required.
• Log and follow up IT issues with the IT team to resolution.
• Assist with the preparation and review of presentations, and posters and other research outputs.
• Develop and maintain the research contacts database and distribution lists.
• Undertake training relevant to role as required.

Finance Administration

Monitoring and assisting with the management of the research finances including:

• Assist with costings and workon research grant applications
• Work with LOROS Finance Department and Research Managerto ensure accurate accounts and budgeting. Organise regular meetings between the research team and finance department.
• Support the management and tracking of individual research project finances
• Liaise with external finance departments, such as the CRN, as necessary

• Ensure that Raisers EDGE is completed for contacts and leads as appropriate.

Events Management

• Support the Research Team in the development and delivery of research events
• Responsible for the coordination and set up of research project workshops and meetings including sourcing possible venues and resource and arranging transport / refreshments etc.
• Support activities and meeting preparation which involves any member of the Team, including sourcing venues, making meeting arrangements including purchase order requisition and ordering of refreshments and equipment, preparing and circulating papers and agenda, taking minutes/actions and following up with post meeting papers.

Liaison and Networking

• Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on routine matters.
• Develop internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding.

Teamwork

• Attend, participate and actively contribute to relevant meetings both internal and external as appropriate.

• Provide support to the LOROS Research Team and wider Centre for Excellence Team as directed by the Research Manager.
• Adapt to changing circumstances and have a flexible approach
• Work collaboratively, with clear and open communication.

Person Specification

Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Good organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Proficient in Microsoft office packages, including Excel.
• Professional telephone manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage/prioritise own workload.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet multiple deadlines.
• Attention to detail

Desirable

• Use of Microsoft Teams and publisher

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in related area (e.g. Science, Social Services, healthcare) or relevant experience
• ECDL and equivalent IT Skills

Desirable

• Administration qualifications
• Project Management Qualification
• GCP Training.
• NVQ Level 2 in Administration or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a busy administration environment.
• At least 2 years experience of managing multiple projects / assignments in the NHS/Healthcare Sector or Commercially relevant environment (e.g. CRO)
• Working with Databases and using reporting tools
• Experience of producing and delivering presentations
• Proven track record of working with the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research
• Knowledge of research with the NHS/Healthcare Sector
• Experience of research study administration and research governance.
• Experience of working in and for a team.
• Experience of note taking and action logging at meetings.

Desirable

• Handling sensitive calls including those from patients
• Experience of attending Ethics Committees
• Experience with working with Higher Education Institutions

Knowledge

Essential

• Use of Microsoft Office
• Diary management
• Requirements of GDPR

Desirable

• Minute taking

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.

Employer details

Employer name

LOROS Hospice

Address

Groby Road

Leicester

LE3 9QE