Main area: Out-of-hospital research
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 8a
Contract: Fixed term: 4 months (End date 1st Aug 2025)
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Office hours)
Job ref: 195-25-200-ALE
Employer: South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: SCAS Wide
Salary: £53,755 - £60,504 per annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 16/03/2025 23:59
Senior Research Paramedic
NHS AfC: Band 8a
Job overview
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dynamic individual to temporarily fill the role of Senior Research Paramedic. The post incorporates both a Management and a Research role. The post holder will be responsible for management of research paramedics and support staff across the Trust. The post holder will be responsible for operational research issues, and with the Head of Research Operations, for expansion of the research portfolio.
Main duties of the role include:
* Co-ordinating and managing the clinical research portfolio, collaborating with key personnel and institutions to ensure continued care for patients.
* Supporting development of research capacity and capability across the Trust.
* Designing and preparing research protocols, patient information sheets and other documentation associated with clinical trials.
* Contributing to the development of research policies and procedures and to monitor and review them.
* Representing SCAS at local and national meetings as appropriate. Providing line management to research team.
* Completing a minimum of 12 patient-facing operational shifts per year, in order to maintain a professional development portfolio of CPD.
Main duties of the job
SCAS continues to gather evidence supporting clinical practice through a portfolio of research trials thereby contributing to evidence-based practice guidelines nationally and globally. The core SCAS research team leaders advise the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and are prolific academics with a robust and frequent publishing history. The clinical research team has transformed significantly in recent years, onboarding research paramedics and nurses and equipping them with research RRVs. This enables the Trust to meet strict timeframes for deploying investigative/research medications, equipment, and processes according to the trial protocols.
The post holder will not be required to work weekend shifts, late/night shifts, or bank holidays. There are no unsocial pay elements to this role. This role does not attract an incentive pay advertised occasionally by the Trust, as fixed project funding covers the role cost.
Benefits
* Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally.
* Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, plus an additional 8 days bank holiday (pro rata for part time).
* Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
* Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS.
* Occupational Health support and direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme as well as our own Health and Wellbeing Team.
* NHS Discounts in over 200 + stores saving money on holidays, days out, car insurance, restaurants, clothing and much more.
* Ability to join our staff networking groups (as a member, ally or just for interest).
Corporate Induction
It’s really important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. To help with this, we will book your Corporate Induction as soon as we possibly can (depending on availability).
All new starters need to attend our Corporate Induction in person, this is held over one and half days from our educational centres based in: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Governance and Ethics
* Conduct all activities in accordance with the Research Governance Framework 2005, European Union Clinical Trials Directive, ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines and all other appropriate local and national policies, procedures and SOPs.
* Assist with the preparation and submission of applications to REC and R&D committees for approval.
Quality Assurance
* Maintain all study files in line with regulatory and local policy requirements, including, but not limited to: delegation logs, site-files, master-files and electronic study databases. Support study set-up and close-down procedures.
* Keep accurate records of the progress of all research activity in preparation for audits and inspections.
* To develop statistical reports to enable analysis of data.
* Submit progress reports to appropriate regulatory bodies.
* Proactively manage the adverse event reporting process and ensure reporting in line with regulatory and local policy requirements.
* Ensure continued professional development, keeping updated with current practice and training and maintaining up to date knowledge of research related developments.
* Attend local and national meetings as appropriate.
Clinical Responsibility – patient care
* To provide advice and information to patients/volunteers with regard to their participation in clinical research, ensuring the patient (or where appropriate the parent/ guardian or next of kin/ legal representative) fully understands the nature of the clinical trial and freedom to withdraw at any time without prejudice to treatment.
* To act as a support for patients and relatives throughout the trial, providing information as well as support where necessary, and referring to other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
* To report and record any adverse events and serious adverse events that occur whilst the patient is being treated on a clinical trial.
* To work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team and to act as a role model for staff in areas related to clinical trials.
* To develop and monitor processes to ensure the safe administration of all treatments and medicines that are given within the context of a clinical trial.
* To inform the principal investigator of any changes that would affect patient care or have implications on resources.
* To maintain professional registration.
* To undertake a minimum of 12 patient-facing operational shifts per year, in order to maintain a professional development portfolio of CPD.
Education and Development Responsibility
* To keep up to date with relevant statutory developments for the management of clinical research ensuring timely and effective implementation of any required changes.
* To keep up to date with research or clinical developments relevant to the care of patients in the clinical area.
* To educate and update staff working in the particular clinical area or research team about current and forthcoming clinical trials.
* To participate in an annual appraisal process with their line manager.
* To participate in Trust education programmes, study days, courses, meetings or conferences as identified in their Personal Development Plan and deemed appropriate for their professional development by their line manager.
Managing People & Resources
* To work closely with the Head of Research Operations to ensure that best practice is achieved.
* To lead, motivate and develop staff and ensure they are aware of the Trust's policies and procedures.
* Responsible for the effective recruitment and selection of staff.
* Ensure staff are appraised annually, have clear objectives which link to department or corporate objectives and a personal development plan.
* Identify training and development needs of staff in line with departmental and Trust Objectives.
* Ensure performance issues are dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner and follow the Trust's Disciplinary or Capability Procedures where formal action is necessary.
* To be responsible for the co-ordination of leave for research paramedics, ensuring minimal disruption to the service provided by this team.
* To contribute to the induction and orientation of new research paramedics to the Trust.
* To promote a safe working environment.
Person specification
Qualifications and Training
* First degree in a health or social science related subject.
* Current HCPC registered and practicing paramedic.
* MRes or working towards MRes or significant experience working at post grad level in a specific research area.
* Recognised IT qualifications or training (e.g. ECDL).
Knowledge and Experience
* Experience of clinical practice to HCPC level in the prehospital NHS.
* Assessing patients medical conditions and interpreting clinical communications and medical records.
* Experience of working in a research environment (NHS, university or industry).
* Preparation and maintenance of databases and spreadsheets.
Skills and Aptitudes
* Good understanding of standards governing research within the UK, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP), EU Clinical Trials Directive and the Research Governance Framework.
* Knowledge of research funding mechanisms within the NHS.
* Knowledge of research processes, procedures, methodologies, and statistical techniques, acquired through training or experience in research.
* Ability to use Microsoft Office suite to an advanced level.
* Knowledge of the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
* Experience of disseminating findings (conference presentations and/or publications).
We actively welcome job applications from candidates who have a disability or who are members of the BAME, LGBTQ+ and Armed Forces community (including: Reservists, Veterans, Spouses and Cadets). Here at SCAS we are proud to have a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve. Applicants who have a disability or are members of the armed forces community who meet the minimum shortlisting criteria for their post of interest will be invited for an interview and/or assessment (where applicable).
Please be assured that any requests for reasonable adjustments will not negatively affect your application.
As well as standard NHS benefits like generous holiday entitlement and an excellent pension scheme, we offer lots of extras for our staff. You can find out more information here – scasjobs.co.uk/benefits
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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