Clinical Research Practitioner

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced full time Clinical Research Practitioner (CRP) or Research Nurse for a fixed term period of 19 months to join the SWB research team working in conjunction with the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, part of University of Birmingham based at the Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), City Hospital, Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWB) NHS Trust.

For the purposes of brevity the term CRP is used to represent all health professionals working in a patient facing role in clinical research including nurses, midwives, AHPs, scientists and clinical research practitioners on the relevant AHSC register.

The post is therefore open to all research health professionals.

The successful applicant will be required to work autonomously and have a pivotal research role in the recruitment and delivery of an MRC funded experimental medicine early phase clinical trial for ground-breaking treatments for inflammatory eye disease.

The post will also actively involve coordination of and processing, storage and tracking of biosamples.

The successful candidate should have research experience on both industry and academic studies. This post provides an opportunity to develop experience and knowledge of clinical research in Academic Ophthalmology and to be part of a vibrant translational team of discovery scientists and clinicians in the delivery of high-quality patient care and development of the scientific evidence-base for future care delivery.

Main duties of the job

In addition to assisting clinicians and other members of the research team, the post holder will support Ophthalmology research patients throughout the research process ensuring the well-being and safety of patients at all times.

The post holder will perform study related procedures, including participant assessment, informed consent, clinical examinations and reporting adverse events.

They will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and have the ability and initiative to work independently and manage a patient caseload across a variety of studies.

They will be required to prioritise their own workload and be responsible for the management of a caseload of clinical trial patients.

Some patient and public involvement and engagement work will be required, including supporting the PI in delivering project specific engagement events., Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details on what this role entails.

Essential

• Undergraduate Degree or equivalent theoretical knowledge


• Registered nurse / midwife with current NMC registration / Allied Health Professional with current registration / Clinical Scientist with current registration Or Registered CRP (Academy for Healthcare Sciences) or able to complete crp registration within 18


Desirable

• Teaching qualification


• Assessing qualification


• Leadership or First line management qualification


Experience

Essential

• Recent experience of working as a first level registered nurse, ((all branches), midwife, RSCN / allied health professional or clinical research practitioner within an NHS or care setting.


• Experience of clinical research at Band 5 level and / or previous experience within a relevant speciality at an equivalent band (Ophthalmology)


Desirable

• Evidence of previous resource management


• Experience and knowledge of principles of clinical research


• Experience of data collection


• Previous experience within relevant clinical speciality


Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge of Research Governance / ICH GCP / EU Directive, governing clinical trials

Management

Essential

• Act as a preceptor / mentor as required


• Team leadership skills


Desirable

Ability to deploy first line management skills specifically regarding undertaking staff appraisal / Personal Development reviews, sickness absence management reviews, staff counselling

Written Skills

Essential

• Proficient in reading and writing in the English language


• Able to record accurate and legible data


Mental Effort

Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust has an extensive research portfolio covering most Trust Specialities and most types of research.

Research has a high profile in the Trust and is supported at all levels of senior management.

We have a large multi-disciplinary research team and are keen to widen participation for healthcare professionals from all disciplines to ensure that we have the best skill mix for our portfolio.

The Trust has multiple hospital sites and the successful post holder could work in any or all of them. We have a new Clinical Research Facility based in Outpatients in Sandwell General Hospital, which includes clinic rooms, newly fitted with technology for virtual clinic attendance, a procedure room and a research laboratory.

In 2024 the Trust will open the brand new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital which will further enhance opportunities to expand our research.