Research Governance Coordinator

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to join our R&D Governance Team supporting cutting edge research – research that builds on scientific discoveries, turning them into new ways to detect, diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent disease. We have a vibrant team environment and there is the option for hybrid working.

The Cambridge Biomedical campus is one of the largest biomedical campuses in Europe. Cambridge University Hospitals is a leading national centre for specialist treatment, one of only six academic health science centres in the UK and a university teaching hospital with an international reputation. Our site provides access to state-of-the-art clinical research facilities to support experimental, innovative research including first-in-human trials.

The Trust’s R&D Department is responsible for the governance of all research studies taking place at Cambridge University Hospitals. You will be part of the Research Governance team supporting the setup of commercial and non-commercial research and facilitating their approval.

Ideally, you will be of Graduate calibre and have recent experience of working within a clinical research environment. Detailed knowledge and understanding of research governance, project set up in the NHS, including ethical issues and the regulatory framework for research is expected.

Main duties of the job

Provide a comprehensive managerial and administrative system for the running of research projects in compliance with the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care, the Human Tissue Act, the Data Protection Act and any other applicable European and government legislation and/or framework and/or guidance. Review budgets and contracts for commercial and non-commercial research studies. Ensure that the projects are risk assessed before commencement. Comply with NIHR/DHSC metrics and KPIs for research studies set up and delivery. Monitor studies taking place at the Trust, ensuring that researchers are fully compliant with legislation, policies and guidance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can apply for this post as a secondment or fixed term contract. For secondments you must have the approval of your line manager before applying. If you are an internal applicant currently on a fixed term contract you are able to apply for this as a fixed term position.

This vacancy will close at midnight on 25th October 2026.

Interviews are due to be held on 3rd November 2026.

All appointments with a start date on or after 1 October 2026 will be subject to a 12-week probationary period. This provides a structured and supportive period to help you settle into your role, with regular reviews and feedback.

Right to Work

As there is a 12-week probationary period, successful candidates are expected to have the Right to Work for a period of at least 6 months from the proposed start date. Immigration and Right to Work status will be discussed with successful candidates at conditional offer. CUH will not offer sponsorship to candidates that have applied for a fee waiver.

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.