About this role
Job summary
Please note that the start date for this vacancy will be on or after the 1st April 2027.
The Clinical Research Practitioner will support the Trust to deliver a grant funded research project, "The REFLECT study - Research on Experiences of Flares: Lived impact, Events, Clusters, and Trajectories. The role will involve undertaking study related procedures as appropriate including the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care of research participants throughout the duration of the project. The appointee will be responsible for the recruitment to and follow up of patients in this research study and other high-quality studies in the rheumatology research portfolio. They will also be involved in data management and analysis.
Main duties of the job
This job will combine coordination and delivery of the REFLECT study, and also support for the wider portfolio of rheumatology research.
The post-holder will coordinate the REFLECT study from start to finish, conducting patient visits including collecting and processing blood samples. They will work closely with the sponsor team in Bath on data managament and analysis, alongisde the patient facing role.
They will also support other CRP, Research nurse, Clinical Research Fellow and Coordinator colleagues to support patient recruitment and follow-up for other rheumatology studies.
See the attached JD for further information
About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. In June 2026, we launched our new strategy for 2026-31. Our vision is to transform healthcare, and we have agreed six strategic ambitions to help us improve care for patients, and the working lives of our staff.
Our six strategic ambitions are deliveringhigh-quality patient care; creating a great place to work; leading pioneering research, innovation and education; building strong and successful partnerships; providing timely and efficient care; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
We have also agreed four new organisational values - Caring, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative - and these underpin everything we do, and how our teams interact with the patients under our care.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- 1. Assist in the process of gaining and maintaining all appropriate regulatory approvals associated with the conduct of the clinical study and other related high-quality clinical studies.
- 2. Responsible for recruiting to and following up participants within the study and other clinical studies and trials in the rheumatology research portfolio.
- 3. Ensure written informed consent has been obtained for any treatment provided for, or any data collected from a participant, which will form part of a research study, in accordance with the Trust research governance arrangements and The International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) Guideline.
- 4. Undertake study related tasks and procedures as required for the project, ensuring that they are carried out within the study protocols, Trusts policies, research governance guidance, the International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) Guideline and the Data Protection Act.
- 5. Act as a patient advocate, enabling patients to make informed choices concerning their involvement in the clinical trial and other related high quality clinical studies, and ensure appropriate advice and information is provided.
- 6. Evaluate research protocols and participant information materials and ensure that information about studies is clearly and appropriately communicated to research participants.
- 7. Undertake collection and management of study participant data (qualitative and quantitative).
- 8. Undertake training and maintain competency to use relevant equipment as per study protocols, eg. centrifuges.
- 9. Maintain all data and case report forms relating to the clinical trial and other high quality clinical studies in accordance with The International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) Guideline.
- 10. Analyse clinical data related to the trial and other related high quality clinical studies, working under the supervision of the Principle and Chief Investigators and other members of the wider research study team.
- 11. Work within the organisational policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Trust and create procedures and SOPs as required for each research study.
- 12. Assist the Principle Investigator and other members of the study team in managing incidents, accidents and complaints in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
- 13. Participate in audit of research procedures and processes as required.
- 14. Ensure all study documents are kept up to date, version controlled and effectively stored and archived as required.
- 15. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of research related topics particularly related to qualitative studies.
- 16. Always communicate effectively and work to maintain a harmonious working environment.
- 17. Attend and organise meetings, workshops and conferences as agreed by the Chief or Principle Investigators and members of the wider research study team.
- 18. Effectively communicate research findings to different audiences, including patient and public contributors.
- 19. Be responsible for maintaining own competency through continuing professional development activities, including peer review, reflective practice, maintenance of a personal portfolio and attendance at specialist training courses/ events and local / national meetings as agreed with the Chief Investigator and members of the research study team.
- 20. Participate in regular performance appraisal meetings.
- 21. Provide training for students / others working on relevant research projects as appropriate.
- 22. Act as a role model by participating in group meetings and activities, showing a commitment to achieving results, encouraging and supporting other members of the team and patient and public involvement contributors and raising suggestions for continuous improvement
- 23. Any other duties appropriate to the post and grade that may be reasonably requested.
Person Specification
Education or qualifications
Essential
- Degree in a relevant field OR qualified nurse / AHP or research professional with relevant experience.
- Research training and or relevant experience, in quantitative and qualitative research and statistics.
Desirable
- Masters or PhD qualification in a health-related subject or working towards.
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Experience in applied health research e.g. ethics procedures and information governance, qualitative data collection and data analysis
- Experience of recruiting participants to research studies.
- Experience of clinical studies or trials
- Knowledge of research methodologies, quality, standard setting, benchmarking / audit.
- Experience of reporting and presenting research findings.
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with musculoskeletal / long-term conditions.
skills and competencies
Essential
- Computer skills: with Excel Spread sheets and patient database systems, email and Microsoft office packages
Desirable
- Able to use qualitative and quantitative software packages, e.g. NVivo, Stata.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Kings College Hospital - Denmark Hill
Weston Education Centre
Denmark Hill
SE59RJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)