Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Governance Officer - Human Tissue within the Joint Clinical R&D Core Services team. This role will support the Governance & Operations Team and researchers in both The Royal Marsden and our academic partner the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
The ideal candidate will have an exceptional understanding of human tissue governance and its application in clinical research, with a passion for solving complex problems and comfortable in navigating ambiguity to provide clear advice.
Main duties of the job
- Lead on the governance, coordination and approval of research involving human tissue throughout the life course of the study. Review and understand complex research protocols and assess these for compliance to the relevant regulations.
- Liaise regularly with staff across all levels of the organisation, providing guidance and advice to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements including the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care, UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act, and Human Tissue Act.
- Be responsible for improving processes and procedures for human tissue-based research, recommending and leading system change and development, and sitting on relevant committees.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
- What we will give you:Job satisfaction. Your work will make a direct impact on people with cancer, improving and saving lives in the NHS and beyond. You will see those that benefit on a daily basis.
- Professional development. Your professional growth is one of our top priorities, with a wide range of internal and external courses available, including funding/support to undertake higher degrees, and the option to attend national conferences.
- Flexibility. We embrace different perspectives, work styles, health and wellness approaches, care of families and productivity.
- Outstanding facilities. The core clinical research and development team is based in the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton, a new £70M investment providing a modern and welcoming working environment within a hub of innovation and discovery.
- Benefits package. Our generous holiday entitlement is 27 days per year, rising to 29 days after five years service and 33 days after 10 years service, plus bank holidays. You will be automatically enrolled to the NHS pension scheme, widely acknowledged as one of the best pension schemes available. As an NHS employee you can subscribe to a number of benefits/services and save money with hundreds of discounts at retailers locally and nationally.
- Psychological safety. We support an environment of fearlessness to push the boundaries of cancer research. We want you to share your ideas, speak candidly and take data-informed risks to help push the boundaries.
- Commitment to diversity. We strive to foster a welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and are committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
- What we will give you:Job satisfaction. Your work will make a direct impact on people with cancer, improving and saving lives in the NHS and beyond. You will see those that benefit on a daily basis.
- Professional development. Your professional growth is one of our top priorities, with a wide range of internal and external courses available, including funding/support to undertake higher degrees, and the option to attend national conferences.
- Flexibility. We embrace different perspectives, work styles, health and wellness approaches, care of families and productivity.
- Outstanding facilities. The core clinical research and development team is based in the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton, a new £70M investment providing a modern and welcoming working environment within a hub of innovation and discovery.
- Benefits package. Our generous holiday entitlement is 27 days per year, rising to 29 days after five years service and 33 days after 10 years service, plus bank holidays. You will be automatically enrolled to the NHS pension scheme, widely acknowledged as one of the best pension schemes available. As an NHS employee you can subscribe to a number of benefits/services and save money with hundreds of discounts at retailers locally and nationally.
- Psychological safety. We support an environment of fearlessness to push the boundaries of cancer research. We want you to share your ideas, speak candidly and take data-informed risks to help push the boundaries.
- Commitment to diversity. We strive to foster a welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and are committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Degree qualification (e.g. BSc) in a relevant subject
- Recognised Good Clinical Practice certification.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
Desirable
- Higher degree qualification (e.g. MSc) in a relevant subject.
- Project management qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of human tissue-based research (including research tissue banks).
- Experience of working in an NHS or HEI environment in a clinical research governance role.
- Experience of working with staff from a range of backgrounds and different levels of seniority.
Desirable
- Experience of developing a strong culture of customer service
- Experience of working across organisations.
- Experience of delivering training sessions
- Experience of project management
Skills / knowledge
Essential
- Expert knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act (DPA), and Human Tissue Act (HTA), and best practice from the Human Tissue Authority.
- Exceptional understanding of human tissue governance and application in healthcare.
- Ability to work constructively as an individual; as part of a closeknit team; and as part of a wider research community.
- Ability to summarise and explain complex issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Willing and able to coach and train others.
- Ability to work in a proactive manner to identify new risks and issues and flag upwards appropriately.
- Excellent communication, persuasion, listening and strong interpersonal skills as well as attention to detail and a sharp analytical mind and an ability to think laterally
- Able to work under pressure, methodical in approach, with effective problem-solving ability
- Excellent IT literacy: evidence of competence with MS Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams and Access.
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of research funding streams and award bodies.
- Understanding of issues relating to intellectual property and ensuring fair value for the NHS relating to human tissue based research
- Awareness of international differences in human tissue legislation and legal requirements for research.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Degree qualification (e.g. BSc) in a relevant subject
- Recognised Good Clinical Practice certification.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
Desirable
- Higher degree qualification (e.g. MSc) in a relevant subject.
- Project management qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of human tissue-based research (including research tissue banks).
- Experience of working in an NHS or HEI environment in a clinical research governance role.
- Experience of working with staff from a range of backgrounds and different levels of seniority.
Desirable
- Experience of developing a strong culture of customer service
- Experience of working across organisations.
- Experience of delivering training sessions
- Experience of project management
Skills / knowledge
Essential
- Expert knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care, UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act (DPA), and Human Tissue Act (HTA), and best practice from the Human Tissue Authority.
- Exceptional understanding of human tissue governance and application in healthcare.
- Ability to work constructively as an individual; as part of a closeknit team; and as part of a wider research community.
- Ability to summarise and explain complex issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Willing and able to coach and train others.
- Ability to work in a proactive manner to identify new risks and issues and flag upwards appropriately.
- Excellent communication, persuasion, listening and strong interpersonal skills as well as attention to detail and a sharp analytical mind and an ability to think laterally
- Able to work under pressure, methodical in approach, with effective problem-solving ability
- Excellent IT literacy: evidence of competence with MS Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams and Access.
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of research funding streams and award bodies.
- Understanding of issues relating to intellectual property and ensuring fair value for the NHS relating to human tissue based research
- Awareness of international differences in human tissue legislation and legal requirements for research.
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.
