About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Project Manager to lead the revitalisation of the Sarcoma Research Database within a nationally recognised Sarcoma Unit.This pivotal role will be responsible for restoring, modernising, and future-proofing the Unit's research database following a prolonged vacancy. Working closely with clinical, research, and data management teams, the post-holder will oversee the transition from a legacy Excel system to a robust and sustainable REDCap platform, ensuring the integrity, quality, and accessibility of sarcoma research data collected over the past 30 years and supporting ongoing prospective data collection.
The successful candidate will lead all aspects of database redevelopment, including designing and programming a new REDCap database, conducting comprehensive data review and cleaning, expanding key datasets, and establishing effective data governance processes. The role will also take responsibility for preparing and maintaining Research Ethics Committee (REC) approvals, developing study documentation, governance materials and protocols, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements including GCP, GDPR, and Trust policies.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support the delivery of clinical research studies in accordance with regulatory requirements, and facilitate collaboration across The Royal Marsden, the Institute of Cancer Research and external organisations to establish new studies and enhance the Sarcoma research portfolio. Responsibilities will include curating and providing research datasets in line with data governance requirements and Data Transfer Agreements (DTAs), while promoting best practice in research operations, patient and public involvement, and equality, diversity and inclusion. The successful candidate will have substantial experience in project management within a clinical or health research environment, combined with strong database development and programming skills, excellent organisational and communication abilities, and meticulous attention to detail.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
Lead the design, development, validation, and maintenance of the Sarcoma Research Database using platforms such as REDCap, SQL, and other appropriate database systems. Review, clean, and optimise existing Excel-based datasets and oversee migration to a purpose-built research database. Update historical and prospective patient data, ensuring accurate and complete recording of all sarcoma patients treated at The Royal Marsden. Develop and maintain data collection forms, relational database structures, automated validation rules, edit checks, and quality controls to ensure data integrity. Adapt and enhance database functionality in response to evolving research protocols, service requirements, and future studies. Support the development of databases for additional research projects, registries, service evaluations, and clinical studies. Drive innovative approaches to improve data quality, data capture processes, interoperability, and integration with other hospital and national research systems.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications Essential
Degree qualification in a relevant subject, preferably in the medical or biological sciences or equivalent experience of working in clinical/health research. Demonstrable experience designing, building and maintaining relational research or clinical databases using REDCap, SQL Server, Access or equivalent platforms.
Desirable
Higher degree qualification (e.g. MSc or PhD) in a relevant subject, preferably in the medical or biological sciences.
Experience Essential
Experience of working across multi-organisational (Higher Education Institutions, NHS, commercial organisations and others) teams within a matrix structure. Experience working with sensitive patient-identifiable data within a healthcare or research environment. Demonstrable knowledge of database design principles, including relational database structures, data validation rules, data quality controls, and data management processes. Experience writing and using SQL queries for data extraction, validation, reporting, and data quality checking. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions for data cleaning, manipulation, analysis, and reporting. Experience of data management. Experience developing automated data validation checks, data cleaning procedures, and reporting solutions to improve data quality and efficiency.
Desirable
Experience building and administering REDCap databases in a research or healthcare environment. Knowledge of database programming languages or analytical tools such as SQL, R, Python, VBA, or Power BI. Experience integrating data from multiple clinical, research, or operational systems. Experience developing dashboards, automated reports, and data visualisation tools.
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 The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Address Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea
Chelsea
SW3 6JJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (Opens in a new tab)