Senior Clinical Research Officer


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£39,959 to £48,117 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Wakefield, WF1 3SP
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	21 Oct 2026
Closing date:	4 Nov 2026

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Summary

BACKGROUND The NHS constitution (2009) includes a pledge to the promotion and conduct of research to improve the current and future health and care of the population. The Research and Development Department has the principle aim of increasing quality research activity which promotes a vibrant research culture within the Trust. This is achieved through delivering and facilitating high quality research, providing support and advice on research methodologies, supporting the generation of research income through external sources and fostering collaboration with other trusts, universities, research bodies and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) The NIHR is funded through the Department of Health to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) is the clinical research delivery arm of the NHS and there are 15 CRNs across England. The CRN host organisation for Yorkshire and Humber is Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust. The CRN is structured into research divisions and the post holder will work predominately on studies within the DeNDRoN, mental health and neurology division. JOB SUMMARY A temporary Senior Clinical Research Officer / Research Nurse (1 WTE) is required to work with clinicians and other specialists to manage and coordinate studies adopted onto the NIHR portfolio, these predominately being moderate to high risk Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products or Medical Devices. Adhering to Trust policies and procedures and the research protocol and ensuring support, care and safety of those involved in the trials. Their main areas of work will focus on: 1. Assessing feasibility of potential new portfolio studies 2. Setting up new portfolio studies 3. Ensuring the first patient is recruited into the study by the target date 4. Ensuring the target number of patients are recruited into the study within the recruitment period. 5. Increasing the number of research active staff 6. Management of the clinical research officers Travel across Trust sites and occasional out of hours working will be required. KEY RESULT AREAS 1. Research Process Each study will be at a different stage of the research process as detailed below. The key tasks of each stage are outlined in A-E below: a) Feasibility and study set up Link closely with Trust services to identify opportunities for new research Assess the feasibility of new portfolio studies with the Principle Investigator by reviewing the protocol, assessing any resource implications and seeking specialist advice where required. Liaise with the principal investigator and study team in order to ensure completion of local site specific information forms and the localising of participant documents. Develop an appropriate recruitment plan to address potential recruitment barriers and to ensure patient awareness and any education needs are met, seeking advice from service users and carers in the Research Involvement Group where appropriate. Organise project feasibility and site initiation meetings, staff training and co-ordinate any resource requirements, e.g. room bookings and equipment. Calculate an achievable recruitment target for the study and set up timelines which will ensure the first patient can be recruited by target date. Work with Governance to undertake the costings for commercial research projects . Circulate study information and deliver study presentations to promote the research locally. b) Recruitment and screening Meet regularly with the local Principal Investigator and other clinicians to identify eligible participants, increase study awareness, provide study information and updates, identify any areas of low recruitment and increase recruitment. Screen potential study participants using, for example the study inclusion and exclusion criteria and Trust clinical system RiO. Prepare invitation letters on behalf of clinicians. Ensure study specific investigations and screening tools are undertaken as required by the protocol to establish eligibility and safety to enter the study. Where required and appropriate to do so, be responsible for the safe administration of drugs during clinical trials. Monitor participants condition throughout the trial, including monitoring the expected and unexpected side effects of drugs and other treatments administered during clinical trials. Keep an accurate record of each participant screened and recruited into study (accrual) and ensure this is correctly mapped onto the research database(s) and communicated to the study accrual officer. Make home visits or clinic visits in order to take informed consent and complete study specific data collection. Where patients lack capacity to consent, or there is doubt around capacity, ensure appropriate liaison with clinicians and compliance with appropriate legislation and guidance. Respect patient confidentiality at all times and protect the confidentiality of any personal information. c) Data collection and storage Encourage retention of participants throughout the study by providing ongoing communication and support to participants and clinicians. Complete follow up visits either in participant homes or clinics. Be responsible, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, for the collection, anonymisation, storage, organisation and transfer of project data. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of data collected. Collect and despatch biological samples e.g. saliva or blood, that may be required for the study, according to protocol (appropriate training can be provided). Undertake study specific and routine assessment e.g. vital signs, ECG, height/weight measurements. Administer payments to participants, keeping accurate logs and receipts to support accurate and timely invoicing. Record and report any adverse events in accordance with the study protocol and ICH -Good Clinical Practice and EU Directives. Communicating with appropriate personnel and regulatory authorities within agreed timescales. Conduct risk assessments as required by the study protocol/SOPs and in conjunction with Trust reporting requirements. Ensure prompt completion of any follow up actions, seeking guidance when required. d) Management of the study Ensure effective liaison with relevant staff, internal and external to ensure the smooth running of the study in accordance with the latest approved protocol, ICH-Good Clinical Practice and any study specific or R&D Standard Operating Procedures. Maintain the study site file in accordance with ICH-Good Clinical Practice. Review the impact of any study amendments and liaise with study team to ensure the amendment is implemented effectively. Facilitate and prepare for audit/monitoring visits that may be conducted by R&D staff, study sponsor, contract research organisation or MHRA. Adhere to ICH-Good Clinical Practice standards, the Research Governance Framework (DH 2005), national Regulatory requirements (Data Protection Act, Mental Capacity Act, Human Tissue Act, EU Directives) and Trust policy. Ensure effective liaison with teams within the Trust, including, Information Governance, Medical Records, Clinical Governance, Practice Effectiveness, Training and Development, Patient Safety and Risk and Mental Health Act Office. Maintain accurate study costs and liaise with finance to ensure timely and accurate invoices are raised and full study costs are recovered. Ensure effective liaison with external research associated organisations including local CRN, Academic Health Science Network, Research Design Service, Clinical Trials Unit, Sponsor, Contract Research Organisation, University partners and Health Research Authority. e) Study closedown and dissemination Ensure appropriate archiving arrangements are developed and implemented for study files and patient clinical data. When available, assist with local dissemination of study results to support participant feedback and service and practice development. 2. Communication, Training and Development Ensure effective and prompt communication with the Principal Investigator, clinicians and R&D team of all issues and concerns relating to research activity and delegated project duties Attend required national and regional meetings in relation to studies. Promote awareness of clinical research and R&D involvement at events and meetings. Build and maintain good rapport and trust with study participants in order to work sensitively on emotionally challenging topics for instance mental illness symptoms, suicidal ideation/self harm and physical illnesses. Act as a contact point for all participants in clinical trials, providing advice, information and support in a timely manner. Attend R&D team meetings and other appropriate Trust meetings as required Undertake regular clinical and management supervision. Complete all appropriate Trust training, CRN training and study specific training Maintain own professional registration (where appropriate). Take responsibility for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness as appropriate. For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached. All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients. We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

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