Imaging R&D Specialist

Job overview

A unique opportunity to support the South London NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC)  and RDC with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust (GSTT) as the hub and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust (LGT) and Oxleas NHS Trust (Oxleas) as the spokes.  The funding for the 21 CRDCs and the CRDC Netwwork was part of the £400M invested by industry into Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG).  VPAG is a five-year agreement (2024–2028) between the UK government, NHS, and pharmaceutical industry to cap branded medicine expenditure, ensure patient access to new treatments,

This is a great opportunity for an experienced, strategically minded and goal-orientated Imaging R&D Specialist to manage the South London NIHR CRDC and grow the portfolio of commercial research delivered across GSTT, LGT and Oxleas.

Main duties of the job

This role will be a key part of delivering the objectives of our new South London CRDC research support hub which aims to build research capacity in imaging (and pharmacy) and optimise set up and delivery of clinical trials, including enhancing the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research delivery. The post will be based within the Imaging Departments at Guy’s & St Thomas’ hospitals as the CRDC Hub but will also support the partnership ‘spoke’ hospitals across South London CRDC, specifically Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust (LGT) and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust (Oxleas), by embedding best practice management and delivery of commercial research across the CRDC and supporting existing CRDC staff in delivering a growing portfolio of commercial research.

In this exciting new role, the post holder is required to travel to, and work within, multiple clinical sites. There is a regular requirement to travel to sites throughout the south London area, in particular, GSTT, LGT and Oxleas.  It is anticipated that the post holder will be either on site at main GSTT hub (Guy’s Hospital, SE1 9RT) or at the spokes as determined each day.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Quality improvement & Digital Transformation
• In collaboration with ITCS, CSC, R&D and other teams, to explore, adopt and share new digital strategies and processes that enable imaging teams to support improvement in GSTT’s research performance in delivering clinical trials across the commercial and non-commercial research portfolio
• To obtain, share and use more accurate and contemporaneous imaging research activity and performance data
• To optimise the way that the Trust’s electronic records system (EPIC) is used to support imaging research studies, studies requiring imaging as a core research service and widening participation
• In collaboration with other R&D trial delivery teams, to evaluate and implement digital tools for enabling more efficient consent and study management in imaging studies
• Support PIs and research delivery teams in adapting to new digital ways of working relating to the imaging aspects of studies that enhance performance and allow for data driven approaches to study delivery and resource allocation
• Implement and use tailored dashboards for study set up and delivery that clearly show imaging within pathways, as well as imaging research and core research service demand, activity and performance dashboards
• Develop user guides and training materials relating to optimal use of EPIC functionality in the context of imaging research, core research service and inclusivity
• Establish mechanisms for supporting delivery of the imaging aspects of studies against new and emerging national strategic priorities Collaboration and Networking
• Leverage existing close existing collaborations, connections and support through CLIMP and BMEIS imaging teams, GSTT’s CRF, HRC, South London RRDN and CRDC sites, and their respective wider networks (including CRDCs outside London) to share and embed best practice in the support the delivery of studies involving imaging.
• Draw on the expertise encompassed within GSTT’s Clinical Scientific Computing, Centre for Innovation, Transformation and Improvement (CITI) and the AI Centre for Value Based Healthcare to build data infrastructure, deep data assets, and facilitate precision medicine at scale.
• Through our King’s Health Partner and South East London ICB networks, ensure that any successful initiatives within this project are shared for implementation more widely.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with the Central R&D teams and with the KHP Clinical Trials Office to instil efficient processes and practices for set up and delivery of imaging studies, or those including imaging as core research service. Trial Portfolio Delivery
• Responsible for ensuring resources are in place for local delivery of portfolio studies, working with CRDC, RDN and other colleagues. They will monitor the drawing up of department/service budgets or financial initiatives and be accountable for costings relating to commercially sponsored clinical trials in line with NCVR methodology.
• Responsible for the development of key performance indicators and metrics to ensure accurate reporting of activities to the GSTT R&D & CRDC Directors, Director of Clinical & Research Imaging Operations, CLIMP R&D Lead and Research Manager(s), and the NIHR.
• Compile reporting and performance documents as required by NIHR and other funders with respect to their infrastructure awards.
• In collaboration with the CLIMP Research Manager, ensure there is oversight and management of all aspects of the imaging research portfolio, with a particular focus on delivery to time and to target throughout the research lifecycle
• Support negotiation and provide advice related to the imaging aspects of trial requirements
• Implement and support clinical trial review practices for approval of feasibility, capacity and capability for imaging studies and core research service
• Facilitate knowledge transfer of imaging-related expertise, guidance, relevant policies and best practice (such as quality assurance, ionising and non-ionising radiation considerations, governance and compliance principles and financial management) for research delivery between GSTT, CRDC spoke sites and commercial and non-commercial partners utilising relevant resources, practices and documentation
• Working in conjunction with Imaging Leads, develop and maintain productive working relationships with HealthTech industry partners (e.g. Siemens Healthineers) in order to gain privileged access to new and innovative imaging and digital solutions
• Support imaging research delivery teams with Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) strategies that allow growth in involvement and engagement in research, particularly in underrepresented communities across South London.
• The post requires developed physical skills to fulfil the specific requirement for accuracy of data entry, interpretation and analysis of complex documentation relating to study set up and delivery, including engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders with narrow margins for error. Staff Management and Leadership
• Work with a high level of autonomy, operating within broad organisational and regulatory frameworks. Take responsibility for planning, leading, and delivering complex imaging research and development activities with minimal supervision.
• As a leader, act as a conduit for sharing best practice for all aspects of imaging research delivery at GSTT and partner sites
• The post-holder will be responsible for setting objectives that align with CRDC National and local priorities, guided by principles and research governance and NIHR policies. Guidance may be provided by peers or external reference points.
• Motivate and inspire staff within the imaging research delivery and support teams
• Strengthen partnerships and effective communications between our imaging delivery teams, PIs and research teams, CRDC and R&D teams and sponsors.
• Provide senior level support to the imaging research and delivery teams to build confidence in dealing with high volume and complex requests, assisting in obtaining missing information from sponsors when required
• To be responsible for relevant staff training, and professional development to ensure that imaging teams have the knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities for effective delivery of imaging research activities, especially in relation to digital literacy.
• To participate in Trust mandatory training and continued professional development Risk & Governance
• To keep up to date with relevant training and development skills and knowledge by maintaining a programme of professional development as identified in the appraisal process
• To maintain awareness of current advances in research governance, including HRA, good clinical practice and study administration, thereby maintaining the highest standard of study conduct by continuing professional development
• To act as an expert resource on the delivery of imaging research studies and core research service work for CRDC and KHP partner staff and stakeholders
• To act as a role model, through commitment to the integration into practise of policies and procedures
• To develop and maintain effective links and relationships with others and share knowledge and provide mutual support
• Demonstrate expert communication skills across all levels of the CRF, HRC, CRDC, the host and partner trusts - from junior research delivery staff to executive level leadership.
• Liaise closely with peers across the South London CRDC, RDN and wider CRF and HRC networks to collate and share knowledge, identify common opportunities and barriers, and work collaboratively to enhance delivery of studies with imaging as an essential component.
• To keep appropriate staff informed of progress in a timely fashion and as frequently as required
• To ensure all communication is evidenced and documented as required by governance standards
• Act as a lead on developing, maintaining and fostering strategic links with other imaging networks.
• Expert communication to sponsors and other external stakeholders on the merits and opportunity of conducting imaging research within GSTT and the South London CRDC
• To be responsible for maintaining strong relationships and positive communication channels with all stakeholders
• To appreciate the need for communicating confidentially
• Act as a champion for patients, carers, public and their interests ensuring that they are meaningfully involved in the policy development and decision-making (where relevant) and ensuring the patients’ voice has an impact on imaging activities
• Embed patient, carer and public involvement at all relevant and appropriate levels of decision making
• Ensure all patient, carer, public involvement and engagement interactions with the CRDC are of the highest professional standard