Research Coordinator NIHR GOSH BRC Engineering & Regenerative Medicine

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated Research Coordinator to join the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre (GOSH BRC). The post holder will provide coordination and administrative support for clinical research studies within the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM) theme.

The NIHR's Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) are partnerships between leading universities and NHS organisations that bring together researchers and clinicians to translate scientific discoveries into new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies. The GOSH BRC is a partnership between Great Ormond Street Hospital and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH) and is the UK's only BRC dedicated exclusively to paediatric research.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to support pioneering research in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, working closely with clinical, academic and laboratory teams to help deliver research that aims to improve outcomes for children with rare and complex conditions.

Main duties of the job

The Research Coordinator will support the day-to-day management of a portfolio of clinical research studies within the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM) theme. Working closely with principal investigators, research nurses, clinicians and laboratory teams, the post holder will coordinate study activities, support patient recruitment and follow-up, maintain study documentation and databases, assist with regulatory submissions and approvals, and ensure studies are conducted in accordance with relevant regulations and guidance.

A key aspect of the role is supporting research studies involving patient consents for research undergoing surgery. The post holder will work closely with surgical, theatre and pathology teams to coordinate patient recruitment, consent and sample collection. This includes regular attendance at surgical briefing meetings, which typically begin at 8:00am, and candidates should therefore be willing and able to start work at this time on most working days.

You will be responsible for collating and managing regulatory documentation to ensure the team is conducting research in accordance with UK and/or EU regulation(s) and local guidance. This varied and challenging post will also involve preparation of R&D submissions, and dissemination of information about studies and upkeep of research databases. You will be expected to be aware of, and had experience of, working with research-specific databases and applications, such as IRAS.

The role also involves supporting children and families participating in research studies, organising study-related meetings and activities, and contributing to wider BRC theme operations, including reporting, funding initiatives and theme meetings.

You will be a member of the core BRC team. You will have a degree or equivalent in a scientific area and experience either coordinating patient recruitment to research studies, or supporting administrative activity within a research environment ( Higher Education, NHS, charity, other funding body). 

Working for our organisation

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion.

All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

Person specification

GOSH Culture and Values

Essential criteria

• Our Always values  Always welcoming  Always helpful  Always expert  Always one team

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential criteria

• Current Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Evidence of continuing professional development/education including attendance on study programs
• Educated to degree level or equivalent (eg, medical, biomedical, administration/ management)

Desirable criteria

• Postgraduate degree (or equivalent experience)

Experience/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Experience of working in a clinical trial environment in either a pharmaceutical company, NHS Trust or a university
• Either practical experience of monitoring clinical trial activity or practical experience of the research process or direct involvement in the management / administration of clinical trials
• Experience of multidisciplinary working, both internally and externally
• Understanding of the NHS R&D and NIHR structure and functions
• Good understanding of the Department of Health’s Research Governance Framework

Desirable criteria

• Good knowledge and understanding of the UK/EU legislation for management of clinical trials
• Experience in regulatory study management, study amendments, HRA approval

Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Excellent communication and good presentation skills
• Good IT skills – including databases
• Excellent report writing skills
• Good organization and negotiation skills
• Ability to prioritise workload and plan ahead
• Ability to coach and mentor senior academic staff including consultants