Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Clinical Trials Co-ordinator (XN05)

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The post holder will take responsibility for the overall set up, coordination and

data management of clinical trials supporting and facilitating both academic and

commercial clinical trials alongside a lead research nurse. The set up process

and Quality Assurance are key aspects of this post. They will serve as the main

contact point for all internal and external parties involved in set up, maintenance

and close down of all clinical trials within their portfolio. They will be responsible

for coordination of clinical trials, for the team, and also have a role in recruiting

patients into clinical trials ensuring that all trial protocols are adhered to.

The post holder will be familiar with ICH/GCP, and have good all round clinical

trial management skills. Excellent IT skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft

Office software are essential. You should be enthusiastic, and possess excellent

communication, negotiation and organisational skills. Working autonomously,

using your own initiative as well as possessing strong team working skills and an

ability to motivate staff is essential.

Expected Shortlisting Date:01/08//2024

Planned Interview Date:06/08/2024

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for the supervision of support staff i.e. clinical

trials assistants and administrative staff, and will work under the direction of the

research nurses within the team. Clinical Trials support is provided to a number

of Chief and Principle Investigators. They will be working within a busy and

expanding clinical trials department where the trials portfolio includes national

and specialist group studies plus studies from the commercial sector. The post-holder will be expected to show evidence of considerable experience of working

in a research environment.

The number of patients in a trial can range from one to 50+ and the Co-ordinator

will be expected to support the Senior Research Nurse/Midwife/Allied Health

Practitioner (AHP) ensuring that the team meet all reporting and outcome

deadlines. They will undertake regular auditing/monitoring to ensure that

research complies with the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care

Research.

The post holder will be required to work alongside academic and industry

partners, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research

Network (CRN) Yorkshire and Humber (Y&H) and colleagues in neighbouring

establishments, attending regional and national meetings as required.

About us

Research is at the heart of our Trust. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is involved in research at all levels, developing and trialling new treatments for patients. We believe that being involved in cutting-edge research helps us provide better care to our patients. Over the next 5 years, we aim to be the best Trust to deliver high-quality clinical research and to champion research amongst our staff. We also aim to support and grow our world-class clinical infrastructure and assets for research and innovation. We have a very proactive Research Academy. It offers an extensive programme of education and training tailored to meet the needs of individuals, teams involved in clinical research delivery in Health and Social Care. Our five Trust values are part of what make us different. They have been developed by our staff. They are: - Patient-centred - Collaborative - Fair - Accountable - Empowered

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

12 July 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,407 to £34,581 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-DRI-0156

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The post-holder will be educated to degree level or equivalent, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience commensurate with this post. They would be expected to have experience of working in an organisation which includes interaction with multiple departments or organisations. The post holder will be expected to show a thorough understanding of all legal requirements related to trials and must be familiar with GCP/ICH guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki. The post requires evidence of relevant experience of Clinical Trials co-ordination and data management skills. Excellent communication skills and the ability to provide and receive complex information in relation to study design are essential for this role. Excellent organisational, negotiation and presentation skills are essential, as well as the ability to work on their own initiative and as a team player.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS Professional attitude to work, diplomatic and calm under pressure Ability to work as a team in a busy working environment Excellent communication skills, able to communicate at all levels Strong interpersonal skills Effective organisational skills Ability to prioritise and manage time effectively Ability to work autonomously and own initiative Proactive and flexible approach Motivated, friendly personality Commitment to personal development Coach and develop staff Ability to motivate staff.

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

The post-holder will be expected to demonstrate complete understanding of Clinical Trial legal requirements and management. The post-holder will be expected to have knowledge of the complete trials process Experience of staff supervision would be desirable. Whilst a knowledge of Clinical Trials is essential, knowledge of the NHS and clinical area is desirable and would be an advantage

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical Trial Portfolio Management

To be responsible for coordination of clinical trials ensuring that trial protocols are adhered to. This will include management of the trial portfolios consisting of commercial and national studies from trial agreement through to completion of the study. Be accountable for the preparation of clinical trials for conduct in the department, and Innovation (R&I) and support service departments in line with local Trust trial including review of trial protocols, submissions to ethics committees, Research procedures, trial indemnity arrangements and all regulatory requirements To take the lead in all other trial administration procedures i.e. ethics and R&I reports Ensure that all contracts, indemnity agreements and all other trial related documents are in place prior to commencement of studies. Ensure regulatory and governance issues are adhered to Ensure recruitment information is up to date and comprehensive on all relevant clinical trial databases e.g. EDGE Register and randomise patients into trials. Extracting clinical data from medical records onto Case Report Forms (CRFs) in liaison with clinicians, research nurses and medical records staff. Ensure all protocol amendments/addendums are processed and implemented accurately To be the main contact point for all trial related activity within the portfolio and delegate work as appropriate. To work with the relevant research groups to develop specific clinical trials portfolios Liaise closely with research nurses regarding day to day trials management. To regularly review clinical trial activity and assist in analysis of complex clinical trial information Preparing work sheets that highlight the necessary data to be captured for particular trial patient visits, for use as primary source documents when required. Ensure that any queries on the CRFs are logged and dealt with quickly by the relevant clinician/research nurse. Ensure that the data recorded on the CRFs of trial participants are entered onto the computer database completely and accurately in a timely fashion. Identify any problems with entry of data onto database and work with the relevant staff to resolve them. To collate and report the data from all centres participating in the trial on a continuous basis to ensuring that expected and un-expected adverse events are identified early and the appropriate decisions are taken regarding trial recruitment. Responsibility for timely reporting of Serious Adverse Events (SAE) and Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reactions (SUSARS) to the appropriate trial sponsors or regulatory authorities, in liaison with the Research Nurses/Midwives/AHPs and Principal Investigator.

Plan the administrative management of the specific research projects including the establishment and maintenance of office systems. Compile and maintain a master set of source documents and trial master/site file for each specific project.

Responsible for the maintenance of all clinical trials office systems including log books, databases, protocols, and patient information sheets and protocol site files.

Coordinate and prepare necessary papers/documents for key meetings and take minutes at the meeting as required.

Assist in the functioning of the electronic quality management systems utilised within the department, including document uploads and tracking.

Assist in the statistical analysis of clinical trial results as appropriate. Attend trial close down meetings following trial completion and supervise the preparation of documents archiving of study site files All trial functions to be undertaken in accordance with GCP, advise on GCP queries from other centres. Attend regular administration and general team meetings. Attend all trial related meetings. This may involve national or international travel. General administrative duties arising from the clinical trials activity of the unit, as appropriate to this post. Development of Clinical Research Attend academic meetings re protocol developments To advise clinicians on the process of obtaining approval for local trials and to support the submission of applications. To produce clear and well-designed data collection forms, and specify particular requirements for the project database. Work with the relevant staff on the design, validation, production and management of databases and information systems used for the collection, analysis, and presentation of trials data. Facilitate the development of audit projects and present findings at designated meetings as appropriate. Financial Management and Negotiation To negotiate with local Trust service support departments regarding costing of clinical trials, e.g. pharmacy, radiology, and pathology, and negotiate set up contracts Undertake cost comparisons to assess departmental costs. Check eligibility and organise regular payments of travel expenses to patients on clinical trials. Checking eligibility of payments to patients. To liaise closely with the Finance Managers regarding the financial management for each clinical trial, calculating all payments involved, ensuring invoices are raised and keeping a log of all payments made. Communication Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant organisations and individuals; LTHT R&I, other NIHR research teams, other providers of NHS services, Clinical Trials Units, and Industry. Liaise with research staff in other units participating in the clinical trial to ensure accurate recording and timely submission of data to the centre, as per protocol, electronically or by other means in real time. To provide feedback to the relevant research groups on trial recruitment and status and to highlight areas of excellence and concern. To provide information about existing and new trials to clinicians, research nurses and data managers. Liaison with research staff to monitor trial recruitment. Work with the Principal Investigator for each trial to ensure he/she is constantly up to date for the trial. Deliver presentations at meetings as appropriate. Answering telephone queries from trials centres, patients, clinicians and health professionals regarding specific trials. Staff Management Supervise the day to day workload of clinical trials assistants including their trials related data collection and general study administration.

Participate in own and others appraisals The Leeds Improvement Method: has a responsibility to improve the quality and safety of our service. It is expected that in fulfilling a leadership role you will be proactive in promoting and using the Leeds Improvement Method Quality Assurance Involvement in the writing and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) amending in line with changing legislation and circumstances. Undertake regular monitoring visits to ensure that research complies with research governance guidelines. Actively promote and use the Leeds Improvement Method to improve the quality and safety of the service. Professional Development Complete Mandatory and Priority training within the specified timescales To maintain a high level of knowledge concerning clinical cancer research in all the areas covered by the network. To develop and maintain appropriate information technology skills if necessary by attendance at formal training courses. Health and Safety/Risk Management All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

Job description

Job responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The post-holder will be educated to degree level or equivalent, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience commensurate with this post. They would be expected to have experience of working in an organisation which includes interaction with multiple departments or organisations. The post holder will be expected to show a thorough understanding of all legal requirements related to trials and must be familiar with GCP/ICH guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki. The post requires evidence of relevant experience of Clinical Trials co-ordination and data management skills. Excellent communication skills and the ability to provide and receive complex information in relation to study design are essential for this role. Excellent organisational, negotiation and presentation skills are essential, as well as the ability to work on their own initiative and as a team player.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS Professional attitude to work, diplomatic and calm under pressure Ability to work as a team in a busy working environment Excellent communication skills, able to communicate at all levels Strong interpersonal skills Effective organisational skills Ability to prioritise and manage time effectively Ability to work autonomously and own initiative Proactive and flexible approach Motivated, friendly personality Commitment to personal development Coach and develop staff Ability to motivate staff.

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

The post-holder will be expected to demonstrate complete understanding of Clinical Trial legal requirements and management. The post-holder will be expected to have knowledge of the complete trials process Experience of staff supervision would be desirable. Whilst a knowledge of Clinical Trials is essential, knowledge of the NHS and clinical area is desirable and would be an advantage

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical Trial Portfolio Management

To be responsible for coordination of clinical trials ensuring that trial protocols are adhered to. This will include management of the trial portfolios consisting of commercial and national studies from trial agreement through to completion of the study. Be accountable for the preparation of clinical trials for conduct in the department, and Innovation (R&I) and support service departments in line with local Trust trial including review of trial protocols, submissions to ethics committees, Research procedures, trial indemnity arrangements and all regulatory requirements To take the lead in all other trial administration procedures i.e. ethics and R&I reports Ensure that all contracts, indemnity agreements and all other trial related documents are in place prior to commencement of studies. Ensure regulatory and governance issues are adhered to Ensure recruitment information is up to date and comprehensive on all relevant clinical trial databases e.g. EDGE Register and randomise patients into trials. Extracting clinical data from medical records onto Case Report Forms (CRFs) in liaison with clinicians, research nurses and medical records staff. Ensure all protocol amendments/addendums are processed and implemented accurately To be the main contact point for all trial related activity within the portfolio and delegate work as appropriate. To work with the relevant research groups to develop specific clinical trials portfolios Liaise closely with research nurses regarding day to day trials management. To regularly review clinical trial activity and assist in analysis of complex clinical trial information Preparing work sheets that highlight the necessary data to be captured for particular trial patient visits, for use as primary source documents when required. Ensure that any queries on the CRFs are logged and dealt with quickly by the relevant clinician/research nurse. Ensure that the data recorded on the CRFs of trial participants are entered onto the computer database completely and accurately in a timely fashion. Identify any problems with entry of data onto database and work with the relevant staff to resolve them. To collate and report the data from all centres participating in the trial on a continuous basis to ensuring that expected and un-expected adverse events are identified early and the appropriate decisions are taken regarding trial recruitment. Responsibility for timely reporting of Serious Adverse Events (SAE) and Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reactions (SUSARS) to the appropriate trial sponsors or regulatory authorities, in liaison with the Research Nurses/Midwives/AHPs and Principal Investigator.

Plan the administrative management of the specific research projects including the establishment and maintenance of office systems. Compile and maintain a master set of source documents and trial master/site file for each specific project.

Responsible for the maintenance of all clinical trials office systems including log books, databases, protocols, and patient information sheets and protocol site files.

Coordinate and prepare necessary papers/documents for key meetings and take minutes at the meeting as required.

Assist in the functioning of the electronic quality management systems utilised within the department, including document uploads and tracking.

Assist in the statistical analysis of clinical trial results as appropriate. Attend trial close down meetings following trial completion and supervise the preparation of documents archiving of study site files All trial functions to be undertaken in accordance with GCP, advise on GCP queries from other centres. Attend regular administration and general team meetings. Attend all trial related meetings. This may involve national or international travel. General administrative duties arising from the clinical trials activity of the unit, as appropriate to this post. Development of Clinical Research Attend academic meetings re protocol developments To advise clinicians on the process of obtaining approval for local trials and to support the submission of applications. To produce clear and well-designed data collection forms, and specify particular requirements for the project database. Work with the relevant staff on the design, validation, production and management of databases and information systems used for the collection, analysis, and presentation of trials data. Facilitate the development of audit projects and present findings at designated meetings as appropriate. Financial Management and Negotiation To negotiate with local Trust service support departments regarding costing of clinical trials, e.g. pharmacy, radiology, and pathology, and negotiate set up contracts Undertake cost comparisons to assess departmental costs. Check eligibility and organise regular payments of travel expenses to patients on clinical trials. Checking eligibility of payments to patients. To liaise closely with the Finance Managers regarding the financial management for each clinical trial, calculating all payments involved, ensuring invoices are raised and keeping a log of all payments made. Communication Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant organisations and individuals; LTHT R&I, other NIHR research teams, other providers of NHS services, Clinical Trials Units, and Industry. Liaise with research staff in other units participating in the clinical trial to ensure accurate recording and timely submission of data to the centre, as per protocol, electronically or by other means in real time. To provide feedback to the relevant research groups on trial recruitment and status and to highlight areas of excellence and concern. To provide information about existing and new trials to clinicians, research nurses and data managers. Liaison with research staff to monitor trial recruitment. Work with the Principal Investigator for each trial to ensure he/she is constantly up to date for the trial. Deliver presentations at meetings as appropriate. Answering telephone queries from trials centres, patients, clinicians and health professionals regarding specific trials. Staff Management Supervise the day to day workload of clinical trials assistants including their trials related data collection and general study administration.

Participate in own and others appraisals The Leeds Improvement Method: has a responsibility to improve the quality and safety of our service. It is expected that in fulfilling a leadership role you will be proactive in promoting and using the Leeds Improvement Method Quality Assurance Involvement in the writing and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) amending in line with changing legislation and circumstances. Undertake regular monitoring visits to ensure that research complies with research governance guidelines. Actively promote and use the Leeds Improvement Method to improve the quality and safety of the service. Professional Development Complete Mandatory and Priority training within the specified timescales To maintain a high level of knowledge concerning clinical cancer research in all the areas covered by the network. To develop and maintain appropriate information technology skills if necessary by attendance at formal training courses. Health and Safety/Risk Management All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience commensurate with this post.

Desirable

  • Clinical research qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience within a clinical trials setting
  • Experience of data and project management
  • Experience of clinical trials co-ordination
  • Evidence of working in an organisation which includes interaction with multiple departments or organisations
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Knowledge of data protection issues

Desirable

  • Experience of staff supervision
  • Experience of monitoring clinical trials
  • Experience of NHS working with the MDT
  • Experience of study design including protocols and designing case report forms

Other criteria

Essential

  • Flexibility to work across different sites if required
  • Reliable
  • Enthusiasm
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary), including clearance on blood borne viruses in compliance with Trust Policy

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

  • Professional attitude to work, diplomatic and calm under pressure
  • Ability to work as a team in a busy working environment or autonomously and use own initiative
  • Strong interpersonal skills, motivated, friendly personality
  • Effective organisational skills and able to prioritise and manage time effectively
  • Proactive and flexible approach, able to work Commitment to personal development
  • Working knowledge of and experience in the effective use of Microsoft Office software including Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Effective communication skills, able to communicate at all levels and ability to provide and receive complex information in relation to study design
  • Ability to pay attention to detail

Desirable

  • Experience in negotiating clinical trials costs
  • Experience with Access databases
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent, or be able to demonstrate relevant experience commensurate with this post.

Desirable

  • Clinical research qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience within a clinical trials setting
  • Experience of data and project management
  • Experience of clinical trials co-ordination
  • Evidence of working in an organisation which includes interaction with multiple departments or organisations
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Knowledge of data protection issues

Desirable

  • Experience of staff supervision
  • Experience of monitoring clinical trials
  • Experience of NHS working with the MDT
  • Experience of study design including protocols and designing case report forms

Other criteria

Essential

  • Flexibility to work across different sites if required
  • Reliable
  • Enthusiasm
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary), including clearance on blood borne viruses in compliance with Trust Policy

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

  • Professional attitude to work, diplomatic and calm under pressure
  • Ability to work as a team in a busy working environment or autonomously and use own initiative
  • Strong interpersonal skills, motivated, friendly personality
  • Effective organisational skills and able to prioritise and manage time effectively
  • Proactive and flexible approach, able to work Commitment to personal development
  • Working knowledge of and experience in the effective use of Microsoft Office software including Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Effective communication skills, able to communicate at all levels and ability to provide and receive complex information in relation to study design
  • Ability to pay attention to detail

Desirable

  • Experience in negotiating clinical trials costs
  • Experience with Access databases

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

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Trial Manager

Catherine Norton

Catherine.norton@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

12 July 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,407 to £34,581 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-DRI-0156

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

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