Senior Research Facilitator

Job overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Research Facilitator to join our dynamic Research & Innovation (R&I) team within the St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh). This pivotal role will lead the coordination and delivery of clinical research across a diverse portfolio of specialties, ensuring high standards of governance, compliance, and performance. The successful candidate will manage a team of research facilitators, support study setup and feasibility, and engage with internal and external stakeholders to drive research excellence. You will provide expert guidance on regulatory submissions, costings, and funding applications, while contributing to initiatives that enhance research delivery across the Group. If you have a strong background in NHS research, excellent project management and communication skills, and a passion for improving patient outcomes through innovation, this could be a role for you.

Main duties of the job

Lead the coordination and oversight of clinical research activities across a portfolio of specialties across gesh group. This includes managing a team of research facilitators, ensuring timely and compliant study setup, and supporting performance against national research metrics. The role involves close collaboration with clinical departments, regulatory bodies, and external partners to facilitate project approvals, costings, and funding applications. The post-holder will provide expert guidance on research governance, contribute to improvement initiatives, and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to promote high-quality research delivery. Additionally, they will support commercial research engagement, manage operational challenges, and ensure adherence to national and local policies and procedures.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Research Setup and Delivery

• Lead the coordination of study setup activities, ensuring timely regulatory and ethical approvals.
• Oversee a portfolio of priority studies and support broader research projects across the Group.
• Provide expert advice on research management, governance, and study costing at the grant submission stage.

Team Leadership and Management

• Line manage and mentor research facilitators, ensuring consistent delivery and high standards.
• Support staff development through appraisals, training, and performance management.
• Promote collaborative working across sites and specialties.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal departments, clinical research teams, and external partners.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies (e.g. HRA, MHRA), NIHR structures, and academic institutions.
• Represent the Trust at regional and national meetings when required.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure adherence to national research policies
• Ensure sponsor sign off on studies led by gesh
• Monitor and report on research performance indicators, including setup efficiency and recruitment timelines.

Operational Improvement

• Lead improvement initiatives to enhance research set up & delivery KPIs
• Support the development and maintenance  visual management tools and dashboards to track progress and performance.
• Escalate operational challenges and delays, ensuring timely resolution.

Training and Communication

• Provide training and guidance to researchers on governance and management practices.
• Disseminate information on Trust research activities and promote best practices.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.