Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Clinical Research Fellow will support the safe, effective and high-quality delivery of clinical research across Oncology, Rheumatology and General Medicine, working closely with Principal Investigators, Sub-Investigators, research nurses, clinical trial practitioners, data staff, sponsors and wider multidisciplinary teams. The postholder will contribute to the set-up, coordination and delivery of commercial and non-commercial studies, ensuring that all activity is undertaken in accordance with approved protocols, study manuals, ethical approvals, sponsor requirements, Good Clinical Practice, the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, Trust policies and relevant regulatory standards.
The role will include delegated screening activity to identify potentially eligible participants through review of clinic lists, medical records, laboratory results and diagnostic information. Where appropriately trained and delegated, the postholder will support the informed consent process, ensuring that participants receive clear, balanced and understandable information and have sufficient opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to take part. They will contribute to recruitment and retention by supporting participant appointments, follow-up activity and communication with patients and carers in a professional, sensitive and patient-centred manner.
Under appropriate senior supervision, the postholder will undertake study-specific clinical assessments, physical examinations, toxicity and symptom reviews, review of clinical results and completion of clinical documentation within the limits of ST3-level competence. They will work with clinical and support departments, including pharmacy, pathology, radiology and outpatient services, to ensure protocol-mandated assessments, investigations, samples, treatment pathways and follow-up requirements are coordinated safely and within required study timelines.
A key expectation of the role is the maintenance of accurate, contemporaneous and complete research records. The postholder will ensure that source documentation, case report forms, electronic systems, consent records, eligibility assessments and sponsor-required platforms are completed to a high standard, supporting data integrity, audit readiness and timely resolution of data queries. They will maintain appropriate training records, CVs, delegation log entries and Good Clinical Practice certification, ensuring that delegated duties are only undertaken when the postholder is trained, authorised and competent to do so.
The Clinical Research Fellow will uphold robust governance and patient safety standards, recognising, documenting and escalating adverse events, serious adverse events, suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions, protocol deviations, breaches and safeguarding or clinical concerns in line with sponsor requirements, regulatory timelines and Trust procedures. The postholder will participate in monitoring visits, audits, quality assurance activity and inspections where required, responding promptly to queries and supporting corrective and preventative actions.
The role will also support research development and academic activity. This may include contributing to feasibility discussions, pathway mapping, literature reviews, evidence summaries, research proposals, abstracts, posters, presentations, reports, service evaluations and quality improvement outputs. The postholder will help identify barriers to recruitment or delivery, escalate operational risks appropriately and contribute to the achievement of study timelines, recruitment targets and NIHR portfolio delivery expectations.
The postholder will be expected to demonstrate clinical judgement appropriate to ST1/2 level, recognise the limits of personal competence, seek senior advice when required and practise in accordance with GMC standards, Trust policies and research governance requirements. They will communicate complex clinical and research information clearly and professionally to patients, carers, clinical colleagues, research staff, sponsors and external partners, adapting their approach to individual needs while maintaining confidentiality, dignity and respect.
The Clinical Research Fellow will manage competing clinical and research priorities effectively, demonstrating reliability, attention to detail, responsiveness to deadlines and the ability to work independently while remaining fully integrated within the multidisciplinary team. They will contribute to teaching, research education, journal clubs, multidisciplinary learning and mentorship opportunities, helping to build research awareness and capability across clinical services.
