About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Research Facilitator to join our dynamic Research & Innovation (R&I) team within the St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh). This pivotal role will lead the coordination and delivery of clinical research across a diverse portfolio of specialties, ensuring high standards of governance, compliance, and performance. The successful candidate will manage a team of research facilitators, support study setup and feasibility, and engage with internal and external stakeholders to drive research excellence. You will provide expert guidance on regulatory submissions, costings, and funding applications, while contributing to initiatives that enhance research delivery across the Group. If you have a strong background in NHS research, excellent project management and communication skills, and a passion for improving patient outcomes through innovation, this could be a role for you.
Main duties of the job
Lead the coordination and oversight of clinical research activities across a portfolio of specialties across gesh group. This includes managing a team of research facilitators, ensuring timely and compliant study setup, and supporting performance against national research metrics. The role involves close collaboration with clinical departments, regulatory bodies, and external partners to facilitate project approvals, costings, and funding applications. The post-holder will provide expert guidance on research governance, contribute to improvement initiatives, and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to promote high-quality research delivery. Additionally, they will support commercial research engagement, manage operational challenges, and ensure adherence to national and local policies and procedures.
About us
St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
Job description Job responsibilities Research Setup and Delivery
Lead the coordination of study setup activities, ensuring timely regulatory and ethical approvals. Oversee a portfolio of priority studies and support broader research projects across the Group. Provide expert advice on research management, governance, and study costing at the grant submission stage. Team Leadership and Management Line manage and mentor research facilitators, ensuring consistent delivery and high standards. Support staff development through appraisals, training, and performance management. Promote collaborative working across sites and specialties. Stakeholder Engagement Build strong relationships with internal departments, clinical research teams, and external partners. Liaise with regulatory bodies (e.g. HRA, MHRA), NIHR structures, and academic institutions. Represent the Trust at regional and national meetings when required. Compliance and Governance Ensure adherence to national research policies Ensure sponsor sign off on studies led by gesh Monitor and report on research performance indicators, including setup efficiency and recruitment timelines. Operational Improvement Lead improvement initiatives to enhance research set up & delivery KPIs Support the development and maintenance visual management tools and dashboards to track progress and performance. Escalate operational challenges and delays, ensuring timely resolution. Training and Communication Provide training and guidance to researchers on governance and management practices. Disseminate information on Trust research activities and promote best practices. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Person Specification
Education/qualification Essential
oA post graduate degree/qualification or equivalent experience within clinical research ICH-GCP
Desirable
Project Management
Experince/Knowledge Essential
experience supporting research (set up/management) in the NHS/ healthcare research setting experience of research systems, such as EDGE, IRAS, REDCAP etc. experience of working with external partners for research set up
Desirable
Research Governance and legislation management experience developing and running training sessions Line management national research agenda healthcare research costings and contracting research management and performance management in healthcare setting
SKills Essential
Communication skills across multiple audiences read and interpret complex information/study protocols
Desirable
Project management multiple projects, timelines and demands at same time
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.
Employer details Employer name St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address St George's Hospital, Tooting
Blackshaw Road, SW17 0RE
London
SW17 0RE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)