Clinical Research Assistant

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Aug 7

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Entry & Junior Level
London

Requirements

Qualifications/ Education
Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a healthcare-related field.
Desirable criteria
ICH Good Clinical Practice
Experience
Experience working in an NHS based health or social care environment with service user contact.
Desirable criteria
Experience of working on research studies with minimal supervision and in accordance with good clinical practice guidelines, including obtaining clinical samples
Project management experience
Skills
Good IT skills, including demonstrable competence in word processing and data entry systems
High level of interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to work with clinical and management colleagues at all levels across a range of organisations
Excellent organisational skills including the ability to establish appropriate documentation and record keeping
Proven time management skills including the ability to manage own workload within defined parameters
Willing to undertake training (if necessary) to deliver assessments and take clinical samples from study participants
Able to contribute to the creation and delivery of CRN training packages
Desirable criteria
Experience of public speaking
Knowledge
Understanding of clinical trials in the field of mental health, dementia or neurodegenerative diseases conditions and social care
Demonstrable knowledge of research design and methods including an understanding of the analytical process
Abilities
Evidence of accuracy and attention to detail in data collection and recording
Ability to receive, analyse and handle large volumes of complex, sensitive and highly confidential information
Phlebotomy trained or willing to learn

Responsibilities

Patient recruitment and retention in studies
To attend multidisciplinary team meetings regularly to aid identification of appropriate Trusts/wards etc within the CRN for recruitment of participants to CRN North West London Division 4 studies
To identify participants to NIHR adopted studies according to specific protocols and guidelines, and assist clinicians to obtain informed consent from those participants
To provide verbal and written information and support to research participants and their carers for the duration of their involvement in the research project and to assist participants with the completion of questionnaires as necessary
To co-ordinate treatment, assessment and follow-up as necessary in accordance with research protocol
To assist the Senior Research Nurse/Division Manager to monitor patient recruitment
To identify areas of low patient recruitment and liaise with the Senior Research Nurse/ Division Manager and to identify mechanism for improving
To work at all times according to Good Clinical Practice, Research Governance and Trust guidelines
To provide support to research teams to obtain approvals from Trust Research Governance and Local Ethics Committees
To ensure that any data collection is conducted according to specific research protocols and adheres to the Data Protection Act 1998 and according to ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines
To facilitate the recording of patient recruitment on CRN Data Entry System
To provide information / reports on recruitment when requested by the Division Manager to provide support to research teams for assessments and follow-up of study participants
To provide support to research teams for assessments and follow-up of study participants
To work with R&D staff, Trust and university employees to co-ordinate existing information into a comprehensive overview of services and service user support services across the North West London region
To develop, catalogue and maintain appropriate filing systems and other office management systems to record that information
To attend and contribute to Division Management Group meeting
To attend and contribute to project management group meetings for specific research project
To liaise with other Clinical Research Assistant within the CRN to ensure the needs of the Network are met
To provide information and education on research projects adopted by the CRN to interested parties
To disseminate information on the CRN to a range of audiences in a variety of formats
To maintain a working knowledge of relevant practice and to disseminate up to date information, protocol amendments etc. to personnel working on research project
To liaise with CRN and academic staff, the wider Trust personnel, and external contacts
To maintain position of integrity, appreciating the need for confidentiality when dealing with staff and issues pertaining to this position
To liaise with a wide range of internal and external organisations and teams in support of the CRN
To form and maintain close working relationships with the Divisional Manager, Specialty Lead, Divisional Lead and others as appropriate
To offer advice and support to research active staff, patients and carers, as appropriate
To keep up to date with relevant training and develop skills and knowledge by maintaining a programme of professional development
To participate positively in regular supervision and annual appraisal
To comply with the Trust’s infection control policies and procedures and undertake the necessary training in Infection Prevention and Control as identified by the Trust
To undertake all duties in accordance with the policies, procedures and practices of the Trust and the CRN
To support the Trust Research Governance Lead to ensure and monitor adherence to current National and Trust research governance policy of CRN adopted studies running within the Trust
To assist and support the research network in the establishment of an efficient working environment, making the most effective and efficient use of staff, supplies and services
To utilise all available resources to the maximum benefit of the service, being aware of resource implications specific to the Network
To ensure that agreed Trust policies and procedures are followed
To assist with the creation and delivery of relevant CRN training package
To contribute to the development of the research capacity of service user and carer interests and organisation
To support the development of clinical service mapping and provision of high quality information to the CRN

FAQs

What is the primary role of a Clinical Research Assistant?

The primary role involves identifying, recruiting, and supporting patients through the research process while also assisting study teams and clinicians.

Where is this position based?

The position is based within the Noclor Joint Research Office hosted by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.

What types of populations will the Clinical Research Assistant be working with?

The Clinical Research Assistant will work with populations experiencing mental health issues, dementia, learning disabilities, neurodegenerative conditions, and neurology problems.

Is experience in a healthcare-related field required?

Yes, applicants must be educated to degree level or have equivalent experience in a healthcare-related field.

Will I need to travel as part of this role?

Yes, a willingness to travel to multiple sites across London is essential.

Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, there are several opportunities for development, including gaining experience in clinical research and the potential to advance into senior roles or pursue further qualifications.

Is vaccination encouraged for this position?

Yes, the NHS Trust strongly encourages and supports vaccination to protect employees and patients.

What skills are essential for this role?

Essential skills include good IT skills, interpersonal and communication skills, organizational skills, time management, and a willingness to learn phlebotomy.

What kind of training will be provided?

Training relevant to the role, including compliance with protocols, patient recruitment methods, and possibly phlebotomy techniques, will be provided.

What are the main duties of the Clinical Research Assistant?

Main duties include patient recruitment, supporting research teams, providing information to participants, and assisting with data collection and follow-up.

Is public speaking experience required for this role?

Public speaking experience is desirable but not a necessity; the focus is on communication and interpersonal skills.

What policies and procedures must be followed in this role?

The role must be conducted in accordance with the policies, procedures, and practices of the Trust and the Clinical Research Network (CRN).

Is prior experience in research studies necessary?

While prior experience is desirable, it is not strictly required; the essential criteria focus on working in NHS health or social care environments with service user contact.

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

There's a place for you at CNWL.

Science & Healthcare

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

Mission & Purpose

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) has almost 6,550 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes, Surrey and areas beyond. We provide a wide range of services to treat people with a a variety of health needs, including common physical health problems, long-term conditions, mental health, learning disabilities, eating disorders, addictions and sexual health. We are here to provide support for people through every stage of life. Our catchment area covers a range of vibrant and diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken, ranging from areas of deprivation to areas of affluence. We are committed to providing services that need the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference.