Job summary The Research Secretary will provide administrative and secretarial support for research activities within the Research team. The role involves managing research documentation, coordinating meetings, assisting with correspondence, and ensuring compliance with research governance requirements. Main duties of the job The Research Secretary plays a crucial role in supporting the delivery of research within the practice. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing research documentation, coordinating study activities, scheduling meetings, maintaining research records, and ensuring adherence to governance and compliance standards. Additionally, the role supports participant recruitment, liaising with patients and research teams to facilitate smooth study operations. As part of our broader research strategy, this role contributes to increasing the number of commercial studies conducted within the practice, expanding patient participation in clinical research, and ensuring studies recruit to time and target. The Research Secretary will work closely with the research team to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency in research delivery. About us Danes Camp Medical Centre Research Department is a well-established leader in primary care research, actively contributing to medical advancements and improved patient outcomes. Led by Dr. Zafar, an experienced Chief Investigator and Principal Investigator for numerous portfolio and commercial studies, the department operates as a Level 4 research site with a diverse portfolio of ongoing and new studies. The team has a strong track record of active participation in NIHR-adopted research studies, successful grant acquisitions, and meaningful contributions to the scientific community. Partnered with five other practices, Danes Camp Medical Centre fosters collaboration and innovation in primary care research. Date posted 11 February 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £18,700 a year Contract Fixed term Duration 5 years Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number A5452-25-0004 Job locations Danes Camp Surgery Rowtree Road Northampton NN4 0NY Job description Job responsibilities As part of our broader research strategy, this role contributes to increasing the number of commercial studies conducted within the practice, expanding patient participation in clinical research, and ensuring studies recruit to time and target. The Research Secretary will work closely with the research team to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency in research delivery. 1. Research Documentation & Administrative Support a. Maintain and organise research-related files, databases, and documentation. b. Assist in preparing, formatting, and proofreading research reports, abstracts, and manuscripts. c. Handle correspondence, including emails and letters, related to research activities. d. Support research grant applications, including document collation and submission tracking. e. Keep research records and data for applications, ensuring accurate documentation for reporting and compliance. f. Assist with completing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for NIHR portfolio studies. 2. Meetings & Coordination a. Schedule and coordinate research meetings, including preparing agendas and taking minutes. b. Arrange logistics for research-related conferences, training sessions, and workshops. c. Maintain communication with research teams, external collaborators, and regulatory bodies. 3. Compliance & Data Management a. Ensure secure storage of research documents in line with data protection regulations (GDPR). b. Assist in research ethics applications and compliance tracking. c. Maintain a log of research projects, submission deadlines, and approvals. d. Assist with facilitating collaboration and data-sharing between different partner research sites. 4. Financial & Procurement Support a. Assist in tracking research budgets, invoices, and expenses. 5. Research Recruitment & General Support a. Support research recruitment processes, including participant communication. b. Provide general administrative support to the research team as required. Job description Job responsibilities As part of our broader research strategy, this role contributes to increasing the number of commercial studies conducted within the practice, expanding patient participation in clinical research, and ensuring studies recruit to time and target. The Research Secretary will work closely with the research team to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency in research delivery. 1. Research Documentation & Administrative Support a. Maintain and organise research-related files, databases, and documentation. b. Assist in preparing, formatting, and proofreading research reports, abstracts, and manuscripts. c. Handle correspondence, including emails and letters, related to research activities. d. Support research grant applications, including document collation and submission tracking. e. Keep research records and data for applications, ensuring accurate documentation for reporting and compliance. f. Assist with completing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for NIHR portfolio studies. 2. Meetings & Coordination a. Schedule and coordinate research meetings, including preparing agendas and taking minutes. b. Arrange logistics for research-related conferences, training sessions, and workshops. c. Maintain communication with research teams, external collaborators, and regulatory bodies. 3. Compliance & Data Management a. Ensure secure storage of research documents in line with data protection regulations (GDPR). b. Assist in research ethics applications and compliance tracking. c. Maintain a log of research projects, submission deadlines, and approvals. d. Assist with facilitating collaboration and data-sharing between different partner research sites. 4. Financial & Procurement Support a. Assist in tracking research budgets, invoices, and expenses. 5. Research Recruitment & General Support a. Support research recruitment processes, including participant communication. b. Provide general administrative support to the research team as required. Person Specification Knowledge & Skills Essential - Previous experience in a secretarial or administrative role, preferably in a research or healthcare setting. Desirable - Familiarity with research governance and ethics processes. - Basic understanding of academic research terminology. - Experience in finance administration, including budget tracking. - Good understanding of NIHR research delivery systems Qualifications Essential - Excellent organisational and multitasking skills. - Strong written and verbal communication abilities. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). - Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. -Attention to detail and ability to work independently. Experience Essential - A flexible approach to work, willingly adapting to changing priorities and unforeseen challenges. - Willingness to undergo a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) upon conditional offer of appointment - Possess the legal right to work in the UK and ability to provide appropriate documentation for verification. Person Specification Knowledge & Skills Essential - Previous experience in a secretarial or administrative role, preferably in a research or healthcare setting. Desirable - Familiarity with research governance and ethics processes. - Basic understanding of academic research terminology. - Experience in finance administration, including budget tracking. - Good understanding of NIHR research delivery systems Qualifications Essential - Excellent organisational and multitasking skills. - Strong written and verbal communication abilities. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). - Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. -Attention to detail and ability to work independently. Experience Essential - A flexible approach to work, willingly adapting to changing priorities and unforeseen challenges. - Willingness to undergo a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) upon conditional offer of appointment - Possess the legal right to work in the UK and ability to provide appropriate documentation for verification. 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. Employer details Employer name The Parks Medical Practice Address Danes Camp Surgery Rowtree Road Northampton NN4 0NY Employer's website https://www.theparksmedicalpractice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)