Study Support Service Facilitator

Job overview

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in partnership with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Job Title: Study Support Service Facilitator

Contract: Fixed Term - 12 Months - Covering Maternity Leave until December 2027

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team. The Study Support Service (SSS) Facilitator will play a key enabling role within the Regional RDN (RRDN) Study Support Service, working closely with and supporting the Study Support Service Manager.

Main duties of the job

The role sits within the integrated national Study Support Service, a core component of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), which supports the effective delivery of studies across the system and contributes to building strategic capacity and capability.

The SSS Facilitator will support the delivery of essential study support services across a defined portfolio of specialties and settings, under the direction of the Study Support Service Manager. This includes contributing to pre-approval services such as the Planning and Placement Service and national cost attribution tools, as well as post-approval activities including portfolio support and on-request services.

A key aspect of the role is developing and maintaining strong operational knowledge within the allocated portfolio area. This will be achieved by supporting the establishment and ongoing facilitation of communities of practice with relevant study and site delivery teams, enabling the sharing of learning, best practice, and practical solutions to support optimal study delivery.

The post-holder will work collaboratively with the SSS Mangers and the Regional Specialty and Setting Leads, and will support regional and national improvement initiatives, contributing to service development and continuous improvement activity in line with strategic objectives. The role provides vital operational and coordination support to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the Study Support Service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In this role, your key responsibilities will include delivering the Study Support Services within the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), facilitating the effective delivery of studies throughout the system while enhancing strategic capacity and capability.

You will support service users in the planning and placement phase of their studies, which will mean maintaining proficiency in cost and attribution tools. You will provide essential support, enabling the smooth operation of services.

Through their coordination and expertise, you will contribute significantly to the overarching goals of the RDN. In this role, you will report directly to the Study Support Service Manager. You will work closely with key stakeholders, including RDN Study Support Service teams, Specialty and Settings Leads, sponsors, research delivery organisations, and funders.

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will need to demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of the research study lifecycle, the health and care system, and the RDN portfolio eligibility and cost attribution frameworks.
• Experience in delivering customer-centric services, interpreting complex data, and working as part of effective collaborations and partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to prepare clear presentations, analyse data, and advocate for patient and public involvement.
• A prepared and proactive approach, including the ability and willingness to travel across the region for meetings and events

The post is hybrid with an option of working at either our Southampton or Oxford office.