Research Facilitator

Job overview

The post holder will support the Clinical Director of R&D, Associate Director of R&D and R&D Governance Manager in delivering high-quality research activity across Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in line with national standards and regulatory requirements.

The role involves supporting the set-up and governance of research studies, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, research governance requirements, contractual obligations, ICH-GCP, the HRA approval process and the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research. This includes detailed review and tracking of study documentation through to confirmation that studies are ready to open.

The post holder will work closely with internal and external stakeholders including investigators, sponsors, research nurses, trial coordinators, clinicians and support services to facilitate timely and effective study set-up and delivery. They will maintain accurate records of trust-wide research activity using agreed systems, prepare reports for the R&D management team, and support performance monitoring across clinical divisions and departments.

The post holder will also provide advice and guidance to researchers within the Trust and contribute to the wider work of the R&D Office, including sponsored research oversight, commercial partnerships, research strategy, study set-up and research archiving.

Main duties of the job

• Together with the Associate Director of R&D and R&D Governance Manager, be responsible for the delivering of the divisional R&D targets
• Facilitate the research confirmation process and be responsible for obtaining required authorisations on behalf of researchers
• Ensure studies run within the division are on time and to target
• Assist with feasibility assessments and costing research

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Study Management

Project identification and feasibility

• Identify NIHR Portfolio studies suitable for Trust participation and support identification of Principal Investigators.
• Work with clinicians to assess interest, scope, and barriers to participation.
• Lead feasibility assessments with external partners (NIHR, commercial, networks).
• Determine resource and staffing requirements and coordinate solutions across the Trust.
• Provide advice on funding, training, portfolio adoption, approvals, and systems (e.g. IRAS, EDGE).

Study Set-up

• Support efficient study set-up from expression of interest through to site opening.
• Ensure all studies are registered, documented, and compliant with Trust policy, HRA, ethical and legal requirements.
• Promote new study opportunities and support feasibility assessment.
• Coordinate approvals and amendments, including: Local feasibility review Contract and budget negotiation Compliance with legislation Assessment of research team capability Coordination with support services (pharmacy, pathology, radiology) Issuing Letters of Access/Honorary Contracts
• Local feasibility review
• Contract and budget negotiation
• Compliance with legislation
• Assessment of research team capability
• Coordination with support services (pharmacy, pathology, radiology)
• Issuing Letters of Access/Honorary Contracts
• Maintain communication with researchers on study status.
• Liaise with R&D leadership to ensure workforce capacity for new and amended studies.

Study Support

• Support prioritisation and workload management to maintain timelines.
• Maintain EDGE as the central system for study tracking and activity recording.
• Monitor study progress, documentation, and set-up workflows.
• Support recruitment initiatives within clinical departments.
• Collect and report recruitment data for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing governance and reporting support to study teams.
• Facilitate MHRA inspections, including preparation, coordination, and follow-up.