Clinical Research Practitioner

Job overview

Please note that the start date for this vacancy will be on or after the 1st April 2027.

The Clinical Research Practitioner will support the Trust to deliver a grant funded research project, “The REFLECT study - Research on Experiences of Flares: Lived impact, Events, Clusters, and Trajectories. The role will involve undertaking study related procedures as appropriate including the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care of research participants throughout the duration of the project. The appointee will be responsible for the recruitment to and follow up of patients in this research study and other high-quality studies in the rheumatology research portfolio. They will also be involved in data management and analysis.

Main duties of the job

This job will combine coordination and delivery of the REFLECT study, and also support for the wider portfolio of rheumatology research.

The post-holder will coordinate the REFLECT study from start to finish, conducting patient visits including collecting and processing blood samples. They will work closely with the sponsor team in Bath on data managament and analysis, alongisde the patient facing role.

They will also support other CRP, Research nurse, Clinical Research Fellow and Coordinator colleagues to support patient recruitment and follow-up for other rheumatology studies.

See the attached JD for further information

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the process of gaining and maintaining all appropriate regulatory approvals associated with the conduct of the clinical study and other related high-quality clinical studies.
• Responsible for recruiting to and following up participants within the study and other clinical studies and trials in the rheumatology research portfolio.
• Ensure written informed consent has been obtained for any treatment provided for, or any data collected from a participant, which will form part of a research study, in accordance with the Trust research governance arrangements and The International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) Guideline.
• Undertake study related tasks and procedures as required for the project, ensuring that they are carried out within the study protocols, Trust’s policies, research governance guidance, the International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) Guideline and the Data Protection Act.
• Act as a patient advocate, enabling patients to make informed choices concerning their involvement in the clinical trial and other related high quality clinical studies, and ensure appropriate advice and information is provided.
• Evaluate research protocols and participant information materials and ensure that information about studies is clearly and appropriately communicated to research participants.
• Undertake collection and management of study participant data (qualitative and quantitative).
• Undertake training and maintain competency to use relevant equipment as per study protocols, eg. centrifuges.
• Maintain all data and case report forms relating to the clinical trial and other high quality clinical studies in accordance with The International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) Guideline.
• Analyse clinical data related to the trial and other related high quality clinical studies, working under the supervision of the Principle and Chief Investigators and other members of the wider research study team.
• Work within the organisational policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Trust and create procedures and SOPs as required for each research study.
• Assist the Principle Investigator and other members of the study team in managing incidents, accidents and complaints in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Participate in audit of research procedures and processes as required.
• Ensure all study documents are kept up to date, version controlled and effectively stored and archived as required.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of research related topics particularly related to qualitative studies.
• Always communicate effectively and work to maintain a harmonious working environment.
• Attend and organise meetings, workshops and conferences as agreed by the Chief or Principle Investigators and members of the wider research study team.
• Effectively communicate research findings to different audiences, including patient and public contributors.
• Be responsible for maintaining own competency through continuing professional development activities, including peer review, reflective practice, maintenance of a personal portfolio and attendance at specialist training courses/ events and local / national meetings as agreed with the Chief Investigator and members of the research study team.
• Participate in regular performance appraisal meetings.
• Provide training for students / others working on relevant research projects as appropriate.
• Act as a role model by participating in group meetings and activities, showing a commitment to achieving results, encouraging and supporting other members of the team and patient and public involvement contributors and raising suggestions for continuous improvement
• Any other duties appropriate to the post and grade that may be reasonably requested.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.