Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Daily Project Management

1.1.  Manage research projects from initial registration to final local approval.  Responsible for registration and management of projects so that approval can be given once the regulatory and governance requirements are met. Research projects must be managed in accordance with the HRA (Health Research Authority) protocol review and approval process and all relevant Trust procedures. 

1.2.  Responsible for supporting the Clinical Trials Resource Group by liaising with service departments to ensure that project actions are progressed to conclusion.

1.3.  Review all research project information held on Trust systems and update information as required.

1.4.  Plan and organise a broad range of complex activities relating to project approvals and amendments.  Requires the formulation and adjustment of strategies as defined by the workload.

1.5.  Maintain close communication with researchers so that they are aware of the status of their project.

2.     R&I Systems and Processes

2.1.  Responsible for the collation of project information so that projects can be registered on the appropriate R&I Office systems. This may involve external liaison with external authorities which review and approve research, funding organisations and research sponsors including academic institutions and other NHS Trusts.

2.2.  Ensure that the information for the research projects meets the current standards for R&I project datasets.

2.3.  Design queries and ensure completion of data input to R&I systems to run reports as requested by R&I Division management.

2.4.  Co-ordinate information from external organisations so that research project information can be validated.

2.5.  Ensure that the Trust has documentary evidence that projects comply with relevant regulatory requirements. Such documents will vary depending on the project but may include MHRA authorisation, ethics approval etc.

2.6.  Review projects to ensure that they have received HRA approval and local and national permissions.

3.     Meetings

3.1.  Attend R&I divisional meetings and meetings with external organisations as required.

3.2.  Where appropriate organise research meetings, ensuring appropriate accommodation, attendance and distribution of an agenda and supporting papers.

3.3.Take and distribute complete and accurate minutes or arrange for this to be done by an appropriate member of the meeting.

4.     Support for Applications to Funding

Where required, assist researchers in the completion of documentation to support funding applications.

5.     Performance in the Role

5.1   Ensure all projects are approved within applicable R&I project approval timelines.

5.2   Identify areas within the project approval process for improvement, and implement appropriately. 

5.3   Work with significant discretion but also within defined parameters where appropriate.  Be guided in the application of research principles by following relevant policies, good practice or legislation. Actively seek guidance from colleagues who have relevant and sufficient expertise in research governance or the application of legal principles in research.

5.4   Take responsibility for interpreting policy changes and implementing them where appropriate.

5.5   Exercise sound judgement in identifying and assessing complicated events or problems and understanding the implications of these for the project approval/amendment process.

5.6   Be prepared to perform other appropriate duties as requested.

6.     People Management (where required)

6.1   Undertake day-to-day management and regular performance review of the (senior) R&I Administrator.

6.2   Take appropriate steps to develop, and provide or approve relevant training for the R&I Administrator.