JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Research Assistant
Department
Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine
Salary
£28,500
Responsible and accountable to
Professor Kypros Nicolaides
Hours
40 per week
Location
Fetal Medicine Research Institute
Job Summary
The research team at the Fetal Medicine Research Institute at Kings College Hospital has an extensive portfolio covering a range of studies from observational cohort studies to interventional trials for the prediction and prevention of pregnancy complications; and has developed a reputation for excellence in research delivery. An opportunity has arisen for a band 4 research assistant to join the team, initially for 12 months, subject to review.
The post holder will be part of the team of research fellows and co-ordinators working to deliver the research studies within the portfolio, in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). This will include important trials with an international profile that are both challenging and interesting. The post holder will manage the research database for several studies and ensure clinic appointments/tests required for patients involved in trials.
The successful applicant should have excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn new skills. There is significant patient interaction and a soothing, approachable manner is desirable. For this post you must demonstrate the ability to manage your own workload with supervision from clinical staff; understand clinical trial activity and GCP and be able to complete trial documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
Role summary:
- To work closely with the Study project teams in all phases of the studies.
- To keep the study co-ordinators and principal investigators updated, and to report and record any deviations from the study protocol.
- To complete relevant paper and electronic trial documentation as required.
- Maintaining all studies documentation in good order and in accordance with the requirements of research governance.
- To work within GCP guidelines.
- To take blood samples for relevant studies
Main Tasks: Clinical Practice & Research
- Assist and support research midwives and doctors with accurate completion of trial paperwork. This includes transcribing/exporting data from medical records/GP Surgery/ IT systems to Case Report Forms (CRFs) (paper or electronic) as required by clinical trial protocols, checking eligibility of patients for entry into trials and randomising/registering patients into trials according to protocol requirements.
- Ensure clinic appointments/tests required for patients involved in trials are carried out according to the schedule in the protocol.
- Assist with clinical observations as required by study protocol under the supervision (or direction) of qualified staff and participate in the care of adults requiring a range of clinical interventions, which may include venesection, obtaining blood pressure (electronic), and measuring height and weight (anthropometric measurements). Training will be provided where necessary.
- Responsible for organising a large amount of consent forms arising from the studies, ensuring accurate documentation
- Responsible for ordering consumables needed for the research studies
- Provide general administrative support including filing, fielding telephone calls, ordering patient notes, retrieving patient test results via hospital IT systems and arrange meeting dates, times and venues as directed by management.
- Update the trials databases including EDGE with details of patients screened and recruited to trials/research. Training will be provided where necessary.
- Support the team in preparing documentation for monitoring visits including electronic ordering of medical records, arranging suitable meeting rooms and act as a liaison when monitors are on-site.
Professional Responsibilities:
- To observe general rules, policies, procedures and standards of King’s College Hospital NHS Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations
- To work in accordance with the research governance and English Law regulations relating to research activity.
- To communicate effectively with the research team and the wider multi-professional health care team.
- To ensure that patient and staff confidentiality is maintained and guaranteed at all times within the terms of the data protection act.
- To report any significant problems encountered with the research to the relevant midwife/ fellow.
- Be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene. To undertake annual training/updates in infection prevention and control
- The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
- To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
- To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
- To liaise with outside research agencies such as CRN, funders.`
Research Responsibilities:
1. To maintain comprehensive and accurate and records in accordance with departmental policy and to ensure the safekeeping and confidentiality of these records.
2. Ensure all data required by other relevant and associated bodies is collected as required.
3. To be an active team member of the research team by supporting other members, offering assistance and being flexible and approachable.
4. To assist with general promotion and improvement of research activity within the Fetal Medicine department.
At all times, to protect the rights and the safety of patients, and to report any issues to the line manager.
Qualifications & Education
1. Degree/ Higher education or equivalent
2. Good organisational skills
3. Good IT skills, competent in Excel
4. Excellent communication skills
5. Good attention to detail
6. Administrative experience
7. Evidence of an interest and understanding of a research assistant’s role.
8. Ability to work using own initiative, in a flexible atmosphere without close supervision
9. Ability to prioritise work within fast changing environment and meet deadlines
10. Ability to work without supervision and use own initiative
11. Ability to communicate with wide range of people and demonstrate customer care skills
12. Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary setting.
13. Ability to work as part of a team
14. Clear verbal and written communication
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £28,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
