Research Clinician

PierHealth Group Research Team was established in 2022 and is designated as the NIHR North Somerset Clinical Research Delivery Centre (Primary Care), part of the national network of CRDCs across the UK. We are expanding our research team and have an opening for a Research Clinician to join our dynamic PCN research team on a part-time basis. As a Research Clinician, this role is ideal if you already work in primary care or have recent healthcare delivery experience. You will join a multi-professional team to support study delivery for the local population, develop new skills, and collaborate with colleagues. Joining our team means being part of a supportive and collaborative environment that values your expertise and contributions. We foster a culture of learning and innovation and provide ongoing training and mentorship to empower you to reach your full potential. If you are a dedicated and compassionate professional with research experience and are seeking an exhilarating role that combines your skills and expertise with pioneering research, we invite you to join our team.

Main duties of the job

• Compliance with Research Standards: Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, research protocols, and all relevant regulatory and governance frameworks. Ensure all research activities comply with NHS policies, ethical standards, and local research governance requirements.
• Study Set-Up, Planning, and Coordination: Participate in study start-up and planning, including ordering and managing study consumables, equipment, and Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs). Support development of visit plans, trackers, and schedules, and assist with arranging study clinics and staff rotas. Provide training to colleagues on study-specific procedures when required. Maintain study documentation and ensure accurate document management throughout the study lifecycle.
• Participant Recruitment and Retention: Build and run searches to identify eligible participants in line with study protocols. Contact and invite participants using approved communication methods. Where trained and authorised, perform participant screening, explain study procedures, obtain informed consent, and document enrolment. Maintain recruitment logs and ensure timely, effective communication with participants to support engagement and retention.
• Study Visits and Sample Management: Conduct or assist with study visits in collaboration with the research team. Process and handle human biological samples, ensuring correct labelling, storage, and dispatch according to study procedures. Serve as a point of contact for participants, responding to queries and providing support to ensure compliance with study requirements.
• Data Collection and Documentation: Collect and record data accurately, consistently, and in accordance with standardised procedures. Ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements. Enter, validate, and quality-check data to maintain integrity and minimise discrepancies. Maintain clear and complete source documents, case report forms, and study files. Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and provide recruitment and data updates on EDGE and sponsor platforms as required.
• Clinical Procedures: Perform clinical tasks within your scope of competency, such as blood sampling, electrocardiograms (ECGs), vital signs measurements, and other study-specific assessments. Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure participant safety and comfort. Monitor, document, and report adverse events or complications in collaboration with Principal Investigators.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Liaise with external study teams to support smooth coordination of visits, assessments, and data collection. Work collaboratively with GPs, healthcare professionals, and administrative staff to deliver research activities efficiently. Participate in team meetings and contribute to shared learning and improvement initiatives.
• Community Engagement and Awareness: Work with partner organisations to design and deliver community projects that promote patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in research. Contribute to communications, outreach, and awareness activities that disseminate research knowledge and encourage participation.
• Workforce Development and Training: Support training and workforce development, including hosting visitors and shadowing opportunities. Engage in personal professional development and maintain registration and competence through ongoing learning, conferences, and workshops.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Ensure accuracy and integrity of all study data. Identify and address protocol deviations or non-compliance issues promptly. Participate in monitoring visits and audits, ensuring readiness for inspection and adherence to NHS and sponsor quality standards.
• Continuous Professional Development: Keep up to date with developments in clinical research and primary care. Participate in relevant training programs and professional networks to maintain and enhance research skills and knowledge.

Person Specification

• Qualifications: Educated to degree level or equivalent. Registered Clinician with current registration and valid license to practice in the UK. Trained in Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Qualified in Clinical Assessment and Physical Reasoning (PACR).
• Experience: Familiarity with primary care systems and the unique skills associated with conducting research. Previous experience in a clinical service delivery setting. Experience of delivering commercial research studies and be competent in all aspects of GCP.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills (written and oral). Proficient in conducting clinical assessments and procedures, such as blood sampling, ECGs, and vital signs measurements. Clear, empathetic manner. Detail-oriented approach to data collection, documentation, and record-keeping. Effective time management (planning and organising). Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with healthcare professionals, patients, and research teams. Ability to lead, develop, coach, train, organise and motivate the team. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced research environment. Strong understanding of research methodologies, ethics, and regulatory guidelines within the NHS context. Excellent organisational and time-management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.