Job summary We are seeking a research physiotherapist to join an exciting project comparing surface neuromuscular stimulation versus usual care in people with Multiple Sclerosis. The post is 0.6 WTE over a 30-month duration has been funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Scheme. This is a multi-centre study between the Walton Centre and the Royal Wolverhampton NHS trust. The post holder will be required to travel between both sites to support the delivery of the study at both sites. Travel costs between centres will be covered. Main duties of the job The Research Physiotherapist is for supporting the delivery of a project comparing surface neuromuscular stimulation versus usual care in people with Multiple Sclerosis (STIM-MS) across The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Wolverhampton NHS trust. They will ensure that they adhere to the protocol and regulatory requirements, when delivering the study and provide physiotherapy treatments to patients participating in the project. Thee duties of the role include collecting and analysing data, maintaining accurate records, and publishing findings to contribute to the advancement of physiotherapy practices. Additionally, they will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, educate patients about the research process, and ensure ethical standards are met throughout their work About us The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for the Investors in People. We invest in people and we invest in wellbeing standards and have been awarded Gold status for both. The Walton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everything we do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services we are proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originally formed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009. With around 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and 18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incredibly dedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal and neurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site in Fazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves and muscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-term neurological conditions. Date posted 31 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 30 months Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number 160-6958328 Job locations The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust Lower Lane Liverpool L9 7LJ Job description Job responsibilities Research Responsibilities : Work with Principal Investigator(s), Research Nurse(s) and external project partners and services to deliver the study Assist in the identification, screening and recruiting of participants into research studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria set out through study protocols, whilst adhering to local and national approvals. Use relevant knowledge to perform all research procedures according to protocols and extend this experience to support others in the research team and other health care professionals where appropriate. Be accountable for the assessment, planning, organisation and ongoing care of research participants. Assist in maintenance of an investigator site file for the project, and ensure responsibility for completion and/or maintenance of standards of documentation in accordance with the legislation. Be confident in explaining the studies to participants, answering their questions and obtaining informed consent according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and in a sensitive and unbiased manner. Ensure that patients are advised and understand fully all the details of the study and extend this information to both family members and treating clinicians as appropriate dependant on the study Conduct all research trial procedures, assessments and data collection in strict compliance with the trial specific protocols and interpret these results to assess care needs. Be responsible for obtaining relevant study information including randomisation status and treatment allocation where relevant and collection and reporting of participant data Maintain patient safety by reporting research adverse events in a timely manner. Contribute to developing and maintaining research Standard Operating Procedures and communicating any changes to those affected by them (e.g. the research team and supporting departments). Be involved in study data management. Be competent working with computers and electronic data collection systems. Abide by the post holders relevant Professional Code of Practice Communication Ability to communicate effectively and facilitate recruitment, retention and follow up activities Promotion of clinical trials and studies throughout the Trust Liaise and discuss trials with clinicians before, during and after the clinical trial. Act on untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, safeguarding issues, injury, or administration errors as detailed in local protocols or procedures. Utilise study specific safety reporting to highlight these in the context of clinical trials and participate in investigating these as required. Contribute to the development of posters and research papers for meetings, conferences and publication. Service Development In conjunction with clinical team consider service development opportunities to embed further research opportunities Education Attend the trial research meetings and conferences when required. Ascertain knowledge and skills relevant to the delivery of the clinical trials being undertaken. Training will be provided as needed. Participate in formal and informal teaching programmes, study days and educational programmes within the CRN/CCG/local trusts/university as appropriate. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of GCP. Identify personal training requirements and initiate appropriate training. Undertake both professional training to meet CPD requirements guided through a competency framework, and study specific training in order to operationalise studies effectively. There may be a need to gain further knowledge in specific conditions to ensure safe informed clinical delivery of studies. Act in accordance with the appropriate professional Code of Practice Maintain ones own professional development and participate in an annual appraisal Managemen t Work within scope of practice and self-manage all work areas and workload, seeking managerial supervision if required. Maintain own time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to. Be aware of all Trust and local procedures and policies and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed. Participate in the development of Trust and local procedures and policies as required. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, and implement and promote a safe working environment. Be responsible for monitoring trial consumables and ensuring adequate levels of equipment and documentation across sites in liaison with the local trial manager. Job description Job responsibilities Research Responsibilities : Work with Principal Investigator(s), Research Nurse(s) and external project partners and services to deliver the study Assist in the identification, screening and recruiting of participants into research studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria set out through study protocols, whilst adhering to local and national approvals. Use relevant knowledge to perform all research procedures according to protocols and extend this experience to support others in the research team and other health care professionals where appropriate. Be accountable for the assessment, planning, organisation and ongoing care of research participants. Assist in maintenance of an investigator site file for the project, and ensure responsibility for completion and/or maintenance of standards of documentation in accordance with the legislation. Be confident in explaining the studies to participants, answering their questions and obtaining informed consent according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and in a sensitive and unbiased manner. Ensure that patients are advised and understand fully all the details of the study and extend this information to both family members and treating clinicians as appropriate dependant on the study Conduct all research trial procedures, assessments and data collection in strict compliance with the trial specific protocols and interpret these results to assess care needs. Be responsible for obtaining relevant study information including randomisation status and treatment allocation where relevant and collection and reporting of participant data Maintain patient safety by reporting research adverse events in a timely manner. Contribute to developing and maintaining research Standard Operating Procedures and communicating any changes to those affected by them (e.g. the research team and supporting departments). Be involved in study data management. Be competent working with computers and electronic data collection systems. Abide by the post holders relevant Professional Code of Practice Communication Ability to communicate effectively and facilitate recruitment, retention and follow up activities Promotion of clinical trials and studies throughout the Trust Liaise and discuss trials with clinicians before, during and after the clinical trial. Act on untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, safeguarding issues, injury, or administration errors as detailed in local protocols or procedures. Utilise study specific safety reporting to highlight these in the context of clinical trials and participate in investigating these as required. Contribute to the development of posters and research papers for meetings, conferences and publication. Service Development In conjunction with clinical team consider service development opportunities to embed further research opportunities Education Attend the trial research meetings and conferences when required. Ascertain knowledge and skills relevant to the delivery of the clinical trials being undertaken. Training will be provided as needed. Participate in formal and informal teaching programmes, study days and educational programmes within the CRN/CCG/local trusts/university as appropriate. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of GCP. Identify personal training requirements and initiate appropriate training. Undertake both professional training to meet CPD requirements guided through a competency framework, and study specific training in order to operationalise studies effectively. There may be a need to gain further knowledge in specific conditions to ensure safe informed clinical delivery of studies. Act in accordance with the appropriate professional Code of Practice Maintain ones own professional development and participate in an annual appraisal Managemen t Work within scope of practice and self-manage all work areas and workload, seeking managerial supervision if required. Maintain own time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to. Be aware of all Trust and local procedures and policies and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed. Participate in the development of Trust and local procedures and policies as required. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, and implement and promote a safe working environment. Be responsible for monitoring trial consumables and ensuring adequate levels of equipment and documentation across sites in liaison with the local trial manager. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree or Diploma in Physiotherapy Health & Care Professions Council Registration Post registration experience Attendance at recent relevant training courses Desirable Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Knowledge & Experience Essential Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team Desirable Previous experience of clinical research in neurology/neurosurgery Previous experience in delivering research (quantitative and qualitative). Previous experience of working in neurology/ neurosurgery research Previous evidence or experience in exercise testing, rehabilitation or use of electrical stimulation. Previous evidence or experience of carrying out and analysing qualitative interviews. Experience of delivering training within the healthcare environment Experience of delivering presentations Knowledge of the clinical research healthcare landscape, including NIHR and CRN's Skills & Attributes Essential Up to date professional portfolio which will demonstrate reflective practice and evidence of on-going professional development/education Clear accurate administrative skills Ability to make decisions and prioritise actions Attention to detail Able to work unsupervised and manage own workload Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills Team Worker Ability to meet tight deadlines Empathetic when dealing with emotional situations and giving sensitive information Able to negotiate, influence and build professional relationships and networks Able to remain calm in difficult situations. Able to deal with conflict and manage appropriately. Desirable Previous experience of database or data management systems. Experience qualitative research software such as NVivo or equivalent packages Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree or Diploma in Physiotherapy Health & Care Professions Council Registration Post registration experience Attendance at recent relevant training courses Desirable Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Knowledge & Experience Essential Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team Desirable Previous experience of clinical research in neurology/neurosurgery Previous experience in delivering research (quantitative and qualitative). Previous experience of working in neurology/ neurosurgery research Previous evidence or experience in exercise testing, rehabilitation or use of electrical stimulation. Previous evidence or experience of carrying out and analysing qualitative interviews. Experience of delivering training within the healthcare environment Experience of delivering presentations Knowledge of the clinical research healthcare landscape, including NIHR and CRN's Skills & Attributes Essential Up to date professional portfolio which will demonstrate reflective practice and evidence of on-going professional development/education Clear accurate administrative skills Ability to make decisions and prioritise actions Attention to detail Able to work unsupervised and manage own workload Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills Team Worker Ability to meet tight deadlines Empathetic when dealing with emotional situations and giving sensitive information Able to negotiate, influence and build professional relationships and networks Able to remain calm in difficult situations. Able to deal with conflict and manage appropriately. Desirable Previous experience of database or data management systems. Experience qualitative research software such as NVivo or equivalent packages 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). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). 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). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust Address The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust Lower Lane Liverpool L9 7LJ Employer's website https://www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)