Job summary We have an exciting vacancy for a dynamic, proactive Research Officer in our Research Management and Support team. The successful applicant will need to have a customer-focused approach, a high degree of interpersonal skills and excellent attention to detail. We are looking for a candidate who embodies our Trust's values in all aspects of their work demonstrating Caring, Improving, Respect, and High Standards through their actions and interactions with colleagues and service users. The Trust's research team is going through a period of growth which offers exciting opportunities to get involved in a variety of challenges and new projects. These include the opening of our clinical research building, our successful bid to be a commercial research delivery centre, our expansion into new therapeutic areas and collaborations with other organisations such as Conexus. The purpose of the role is to assist the Research Governance Manager to deliver a safe, efficient and timely research management and support (RM&S) service for researchers, the Trust and our partner organisations, ensuring that we facilitate the conduct of high quality, approved research for the benefit of patients. Main duties of the job To provide a comprehensive assessment for the confirmation of capacity and capability of research projects, ensuring that all applicable legislation and/or framework and/or guidance are followed The post holder will be required to advise researchers about the research application and approval process, carry out RM&S activities relating to the confirmation of capacity and capability of new research projects and amendments, and audit compliance with standards of good research practice. Negotiate contracts and costings for research projects To provide guidance and advise researchers in the design, set up and conduct of new research studies for sponsorship by the Trust, signposting to appropriate support The post holder will support the Research Governance Manager in building and maintaining communication with all stakeholders in the RM&S processes within the Trust and externally and will deputise at meetings as required. Key relationships within the Trust consist of staff at all levels and across all staff groups, including directors, senior NHS staff, clinical leaders and researchers of all specialties. Externally, key relationships are local NHS organisations, academia, Research Delivery Network and other research networks. To maintain a comprehensive set of documents (policies, standard operating procedures, checklists etc) to govern research. To oversee research management information to enable timely and accurate reporting of Trust research activity. About us We are an acute trust caring for over half a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work. We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust. If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day. Application guidance: We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. Its important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form. Date posted 06 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number C9377-CORP1048 Job locations Pinderfields Hospital Aberford Road Wakefield West Yorkshire WF1 4DG Job description Job responsibilities Key Responsibilities Analytical/Judgmental skills Manage research processes for confirmation of capacity and capability for research applications, identifying any areas that are inconsistent or unclear and communicating with the researcher any changes or further information that is required Analyse and make definite judgements on complex research applications to determine whether projects are compliant with current legislation Carry out full and comprehensive Capacity and Capability Assessments for those research studies that need this assessment. This involves checking that research staff are appropriately trained/qualified and that facilities are suitable for research etc. This review requires a full understanding of the requirements for research governance and ethics review procedures and may involve the post holder visiting the department involved to ensure that research can commence. Assess amendments to ongoing studies for any changes to the resources or facilities required and any effect upon compliance with legislation, policy or guidance, and provide recommendations regarding continued study participation. Provide appropriate RM&S advice to information requests coming into the research office, including acting as first telephone and email contact for enquiries from external researchers and research organisations. Undertake regular monitoring and audit of research studies and research office processes to ensure that research complies with Research Governance standards, including ethically approved consent processes, and Clinical Trials Regulations where applicable. Negotiate with Trust pharmacy, radiology, pathology and other support departments regarding feasibility and costing of potential studies to be run in the Trust. Negotiate with research study sponsor or sponsor representatives regarding study costing using appropriate guidance eg AcoRD. Assess researchers requirements for access to data or patients, and recommend appropriate HR actions regarding research passports, honorary research contracts, letters of access, and pre-engagement checks, following national guidance and local policy. To write departmental and implement Trust wide/departmental policies, procedures and guidelines. Manage research processes for applications for Trust sponsorship Communication/relationship skills The post holder will promote a professional, helpful approach to all researchers and others who contact the research office, providing timely responses. Effective and adaptable communication skills are required to ensure that changes in local or national policy are communicated in appropriate and timely ways to researchers or others who may be affected. Tact and diplomacy is required to communicate governance requirements to researchers, providing clear advice and support to ensure that governance standards are met while high quality research is facilitated. Persistence and flexibility in approach will be used to persuade and influence researchers and their colleagues to comply with research governance processes and standards. Advise and support researchers in all aspects of research, including the application process and HR requirements, communicating the requirements and motivating and persuading researchers in order to ensure correct completion and submission of documentation. Communicate with external agencies i.e. other R&D/RM&S departments, ethics committees, Universities, commercial companies etc regarding all aspects of the application and approval process. Build and maintain productive relationships with external partners, identifying the needs of researchers and supporting them with clear information to enable them to meet their legal and policy obligations. Provide regular communications to clinicians, research nurses and other applicants on the progress of research submissions. Represent the Trust at research meetings, deputising for the Research Manager as required. Prepare regular and ad-hoc reports to allow the Trust and its partner NHS organisations to monitor standards of research governance processes, compliance with research standards, and levels of research activity. Use sensitive methods to communicate findings from audits in ways that support researchers to make improvements in their research practice. Support and liaise with the Research Business Development Manager to ensure accurate and timely grant submissions. Responsibility for information resources Maintain and update internal and external databases making suggestions on how to improve systems for better data recording. Input consistent and accurate data as part of the research approval process. Maintain comprehensive electronic and paper files as appropriate for individual research studies, ensuring that contractual, legal and policy requirements are complied with. Develop and maintain systems for recording and retrieval of files relating to contacts with the RM&S office, ensuring that other staff can access information to progress enquiries and projects in the event of absence. Review the RM&S web pages on the trust intranet, ensuring they are up to date and suggesting amendments and improvements. Contribute to standard operating procedures, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required. Responsibility for Human Resources Answer queries from researchers regarding HR requirements and processes Provide training to researchers and colleagues, if required on a one-to-one basis, on the research application and approval system, Edge, Sponsorship and research governance Line management, training and mentoring of junior members of the RM&S team where required Monitoring/Auditing and performance monitoring Monitor research studies to make sure they follow all applicable legislation and/or frameworks, and that studies are meeting required recruitment targets. When monitoring, communicate effectively in order to ensure that all involved parties understand what is required. Write up monitoring and performance reports. Advise research active clinical teams how to work with internal and external auditors, when required. Support the Research Management Team during inspections Planning and Organisation Plan and organise own workload Maintain an efficient filing system of research, document repository and other electronic and paper files. Ensure local and national standards for the speedy processing of research applications are met, reporting potential exceptions to the Research Governance Manager in a timely manner to ensure delays or problems can be overcome. Freedom to Act A high level of initiative is required in order to act autonomously. The post holder will be required to make immediate decisions regarding research, monitoring whilst carrying out the Capacity and Capability or Sponsorship Assessment, referring to relevant legislation and policies in order to make judgements. The post holder will work autonomously and will be required to manage their own day-to-day workload, prioritising as needed The post holder will be expected to seek advice from colleagues in their own RM&S department, or from RRDN on difficult issues relating to RM&S matters. Knowledge Post holder will be required to keep abreast with new legislation and government requirements relating to research governance in order to carry out their role The post holder will have a good working knowledge of legislation as it relates to research, including but not restricted to the Data Protection Act, Human Tissue Act, Mental Capacity Act, Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations, and the Clinical Trial Regulations. Attend conferences and workshops related to the post. Maintain knowledge of the HRA approval process (and any successor systems), and other R&D processes by regularly reviewing websites, bulletins, e-mails etc. To have a good understanding of IRAS, NIHR, HR Good Practice pack/research Passport, NHS Support Funding, ICH-GCP and other related RM&S functions to support researchers The post holder will have a good working knowledge of Edge More details can be found in the full job description attached Job description Job responsibilities Key Responsibilities Analytical/Judgmental skills Manage research processes for confirmation of capacity and capability for research applications, identifying any areas that are inconsistent or unclear and communicating with the researcher any changes or further information that is required Analyse and make definite judgements on complex research applications to determine whether projects are compliant with current legislation Carry out full and comprehensive Capacity and Capability Assessments for those research studies that need this assessment. This involves checking that research staff are appropriately trained/qualified and that facilities are suitable for research etc. This review requires a full understanding of the requirements for research governance and ethics review procedures and may involve the post holder visiting the department involved to ensure that research can commence. Assess amendments to ongoing studies for any changes to the resources or facilities required and any effect upon compliance with legislation, policy or guidance, and provide recommendations regarding continued study participation. Provide appropriate RM&S advice to information requests coming into the research office, including acting as first telephone and email contact for enquiries from external researchers and research organisations. Undertake regular monitoring and audit of research studies and research office processes to ensure that research complies with Research Governance standards, including ethically approved consent processes, and Clinical Trials Regulations where applicable. Negotiate with Trust pharmacy, radiology, pathology and other support departments regarding feasibility and costing of potential studies to be run in the Trust. Negotiate with research study sponsor or sponsor representatives regarding study costing using appropriate guidance eg AcoRD. Assess researchers requirements for access to data or patients, and recommend appropriate HR actions regarding research passports, honorary research contracts, letters of access, and pre-engagement checks, following national guidance and local policy. To write departmental and implement Trust wide/departmental policies, procedures and guidelines. Manage research processes for applications for Trust sponsorship Communication/relationship skills The post holder will promote a professional, helpful approach to all researchers and others who contact the research office, providing timely responses. Effective and adaptable communication skills are required to ensure that changes in local or national policy are communicated in appropriate and timely ways to researchers or others who may be affected. Tact and diplomacy is required to communicate governance requirements to researchers, providing clear advice and support to ensure that governance standards are met while high quality research is facilitated. Persistence and flexibility in approach will be used to persuade and influence researchers and their colleagues to comply with research governance processes and standards. Advise and support researchers in all aspects of research, including the application process and HR requirements, communicating the requirements and motivating and persuading researchers in order to ensure correct completion and submission of documentation. Communicate with external agencies i.e. other R&D/RM&S departments, ethics committees, Universities, commercial companies etc regarding all aspects of the application and approval process. Build and maintain productive relationships with external partners, identifying the needs of researchers and supporting them with clear information to enable them to meet their legal and policy obligations. Provide regular communications to clinicians, research nurses and other applicants on the progress of research submissions. Represent the Trust at research meetings, deputising for the Research Manager as required. Prepare regular and ad-hoc reports to allow the Trust and its partner NHS organisations to monitor standards of research governance processes, compliance with research standards, and levels of research activity. Use sensitive methods to communicate findings from audits in ways that support researchers to make improvements in their research practice. Support and liaise with the Research Business Development Manager to ensure accurate and timely grant submissions. Responsibility for information resources Maintain and update internal and external databases making suggestions on how to improve systems for better data recording. Input consistent and accurate data as part of the research approval process. Maintain comprehensive electronic and paper files as appropriate for individual research studies, ensuring that contractual, legal and policy requirements are complied with. Develop and maintain systems for recording and retrieval of files relating to contacts with the RM&S office, ensuring that other staff can access information to progress enquiries and projects in the event of absence. Review the RM&S web pages on the trust intranet, ensuring they are up to date and suggesting amendments and improvements. Contribute to standard operating procedures, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required. Responsibility for Human Resources Answer queries from researchers regarding HR requirements and processes Provide training to researchers and colleagues, if required on a one-to-one basis, on the research application and approval system, Edge, Sponsorship and research governance Line management, training and mentoring of junior members of the RM&S team where required Monitoring/Auditing and performance monitoring Monitor research studies to make sure they follow all applicable legislation and/or frameworks, and that studies are meeting required recruitment targets. When monitoring, communicate effectively in order to ensure that all involved parties understand what is required. Write up monitoring and performance reports. Advise research active clinical teams how to work with internal and external auditors, when required. Support the Research Management Team during inspections Planning and Organisation Plan and organise own workload Maintain an efficient filing system of research, document repository and other electronic and paper files. Ensure local and national standards for the speedy processing of research applications are met, reporting potential exceptions to the Research Governance Manager in a timely manner to ensure delays or problems can be overcome. Freedom to Act A high level of initiative is required in order to act autonomously. The post holder will be required to make immediate decisions regarding research, monitoring whilst carrying out the Capacity and Capability or Sponsorship Assessment, referring to relevant legislation and policies in order to make judgements. The post holder will work autonomously and will be required to manage their own day-to-day workload, prioritising as needed The post holder will be expected to seek advice from colleagues in their own RM&S department, or from RRDN on difficult issues relating to RM&S matters. Knowledge Post holder will be required to keep abreast with new legislation and government requirements relating to research governance in order to carry out their role The post holder will have a good working knowledge of legislation as it relates to research, including but not restricted to the Data Protection Act, Human Tissue Act, Mental Capacity Act, Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations, and the Clinical Trial Regulations. Attend conferences and workshops related to the post. Maintain knowledge of the HRA approval process (and any successor systems), and other R&D processes by regularly reviewing websites, bulletins, e-mails etc. To have a good understanding of IRAS, NIHR, HR Good Practice pack/research Passport, NHS Support Funding, ICH-GCP and other related RM&S functions to support researchers The post holder will have a good working knowledge of Edge More details can be found in the full job description attached Person Specification Knowledge and Awareness Essential Understanding of basis of ethical research and research governance requirements. Knowledge of Research Governance Framework, Good Clinical Practice in Research and Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations Knowledge of other legislation relevant to healthcare research Awareness of own limitations. Knowledge of IRAS Desirable Knowledge of research development and design Understanding of the research infrastructure in academia Skills and Abilities Essential Ability to assess complex sets of documents against research governance requirements, with attention to cross referencing of details. Ability to summarise and explain complex issues to both technical and non-technical audiences in written and verbal form. Ability to analyse and interpret research management information. Competent with IT packages, particularly MS Office applications and Web applications. Desirable Competent with Edge Qualifications Essential Health or science related degree or extensive related experience in research Good Clinical Practice certification Personal Attributes and other Essential Team player with proven ability to develop effective working relationships with staff at all levels Evidence of ability to work on own initiative Proven ability to organise own work in busy environment and with time-critical targets Ability to adapt to changes in national and international regulations and policies Flexible and adaptable in a fast-changing environment Likes change Ability and willingness to travel locally and nationally for adhoc meetings and training Willing and able to learn new processes and systems Experience Essential Extensive NHS experience required or experience in a relevant research environment Extensive experience of NHS R&D facilitation Desirable Experience in NHS primary care organisation Experience if grant applications Experience of sponsorship in the NHS Experience in line management Person Specification Knowledge and Awareness Essential Understanding of basis of ethical research and research governance requirements. Knowledge of Research Governance Framework, Good Clinical Practice in Research and Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations Knowledge of other legislation relevant to healthcare research Awareness of own limitations. Knowledge of IRAS Desirable Knowledge of research development and design Understanding of the research infrastructure in academia Skills and Abilities Essential Ability to assess complex sets of documents against research governance requirements, with attention to cross referencing of details. Ability to summarise and explain complex issues to both technical and non-technical audiences in written and verbal form. Ability to analyse and interpret research management information. Competent with IT packages, particularly MS Office applications and Web applications. Desirable Competent with Edge Qualifications Essential Health or science related degree or extensive related experience in research Good Clinical Practice certification Personal Attributes and other Essential Team player with proven ability to develop effective working relationships with staff at all levels Evidence of ability to work on own initiative Proven ability to organise own work in busy environment and with time-critical targets Ability to adapt to changes in national and international regulations and policies Flexible and adaptable in a fast-changing environment Likes change Ability and willingness to travel locally and nationally for adhoc meetings and training Willing and able to learn new processes and systems Experience Essential Extensive NHS experience required or experience in a relevant research environment Extensive experience of NHS R&D facilitation Desirable Experience in NHS primary care organisation Experience if grant applications Experience of sponsorship in the NHS Experience in line management 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust Address Pinderfields Hospital Aberford Road Wakefield West Yorkshire WF1 4DG Employer's website https://www.midyorks.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)