Research Support Specialist

This is a re-advertisement and previous applicants need not apply.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Research Governance Ethics & Assurance (RGEA) team, in Research Services, provides advice, support and guidance to researchers, and has a role in ensuring that clinical research involving human participants conducted in the University is compliant with relevant governance and regulations.  

This is an interesting and varied role, one vacancy is available for 12 months, initially, as cover for maternity leave, and there is one open-ended contract vacancy and a permanent vacancy also. Part-time hours (80%) would be considered for all roles. It involves reviewing applications and essential study documents for submission to NHS Research Ethics Committees and regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as well as advising researchers, you may also be involved in supporting clinical trial planning, and undertaking GCP monitoring.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

•               An excellent contributory pension scheme

•               38 days annual leave

•               A comprehensive range of childcare services

•               Family leave schemes

•               Cycle loan scheme

•               Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

•               Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs 

This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working, with a current expectation of at least 50% on-site work.

About the Role

You will join a group within RGEA whose primary role is to review clinical study proposals and amendments, to ensure they align with current legislation, policies and guidelines. This will involve communication with the study team, often meeting in person, as well as working with colleagues across RGEA and Research Services more widely.

Some of our Research Support Specialists also undertake monitoring of some of our sponsored clinical trials, to ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP). This involves visiting trial sites to review clinical trial data, and liaising with the study team to reporting and advise on any findings.

You will provide advice to researchers, and may be involved in the development, provision and maintenance of systems and standard operating procedures to ensure the University’s compliance with relevant regulations.

Internal and external training will be available, as required, to enable you to fulfil the role.

About You

You will have a University degree, or the equivalent relevant education and experience.

You will have worked in a clinical research environment, ideally in an academic setting, and contributed to protocol development. Knowledge of legislation, policies and guidelines relevant to clinical research conducted in the UK is required for this role. Experience of GCP monitoring or audit may also be beneficial.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are needed to support productive interactions with study teams and colleagues. You will also need to be able to work both independently as well as part of a team, and successfully organize your time and workload in a setting where there may be tight deadlines and the need to frequently reassess priorities.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

Prospective applicants are welcome to contact Kathryn Betts ([email protected]) for an informal discussion about the position.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 07 March 2024. 

Interviews will take place 18 March 2024, and will be face to face.