Job overview

Research is a rewarding and patient centred career!

The research conducted at UHS is focussed on the health and well-being of our patients and their families and significantly contributes to the future progress of healthcare for all patients. 

We can truly make a difference to an individual’s care and experience within UHS. We strive to ensure that research is considered as a treatment option for all eligible patients and close working with clinical teams and within patients’ clinical pathways ensure that research opportunities and our research teams are expanding.  

There are approximately 300 Research Nurses, AHPs, Midwives and Clinical Trials Assistants, working together across the Trust, within our award winning teams to bring exciting research opportunities to UHS for the benefit of our patients and for the future of healthcare. You will join an enthusiastic, driven and caring research team in a friendly, professional working environment. 

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. 

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached. 

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

We are proud that every member of our team receives a detailed induction and training package specific to their needs, experience and job role. 

Our dedicated education team and supportive leadership structure ensures that our staff have the skills and knowledge to care for their patients and undertake research to the highest standards.  We are able to develop fantastic relationships with our patients and their families. We are in a very fortunate position to be able to build trust and to support our patients with excellent follow-up and continuity of care. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Responsibilities

• Involved in providing clinical support for trials and research studies working collaboratively with Research Nurses/AHPs in providing specialist research and clinical care to research participants. 
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment and management in clinical trials. 
• Provide administrative and data management support including data entry and management for a variety of databases, compile study folders, prepare documents for monitoring, meeting planning and general administrative duties. 

What we are looking for

We are currently looking for full time band 4 senior clinical trial assistant to work in a variety of research teams.

It is essential that you have significant relevant experience in a patient facing healthcare facing role and administrative experience in clinical healthcare setting. You must have either the care certificate or foundation degree/NVQ3 qualification in a healthcare related subject coupled with evidence of ongoing professional development. IT literacy including data management and Microsoft Word and Excel knowledge are essential. Clinical Research experience is desirable but not essential as full research training will be provided. 

You must be flexible to cover different shift patterns including nights and weekends and be able to travel for the purposes of work. 

Person specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential criteria

• ‘A’ Level/NVQ3 or equivalent in a relevant subject area
• Complete Care Certificate or NVQ3/ foundation degree in Healthcare-related subject
• Evidence of continuing professional development and willingness to undertake further training.
• Significant relevant clinical experience in a patient-facing healthcare clinical role
• Experience of data management
• Interest in clinical research.
• Ability to work as part of a team, work under own initiative and independently outside the dept without direct supervision.
• Able to prioritise tasks and cope with deadlines
• An understanding of confidentiality issues
• Ability to work in a large, open plan office where there may be noise distractions
• Willing to travel to various locations in and around Southampton

Desirable criteria

• Degree/ higher education or equivalent
• Experience of clinical research.
• IT related qualifications
• ICH GCP Trained
• Venesection experience/ willingness to learn

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.