Research Assistant

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is interested in working in an NHS or university environment supporting UK health research.   

The post-holder will have a key role in facilitating research management and governance processes required under the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research and relevant legislation. They will be the first point of contact for R&D enquiries and work within the R&D team to deliver a first-class advisory and support service to researchers.

Experience in working in NHS R&D or a university research support role is desirable but not essential as support and training will be provided to the post-holder to develop their role. The successful candidate will have outstanding organisational and communication skills, with excellent computer literacy (Excel, Access) and the ability to process complex information. Ability to work effectively as part of a team is essential. This is an opportunity to work in an R&D Office with experienced staff, providing an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in R&D in both an NHS and university context. 

Key responsibilities

• To develop and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the requirements of the Health Research Authority, UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, and legislation pertaining to health research in order to enable the post-holder to support the R&D team in providing reliable, detailed and relevant support and advice for researchers.
• Act as a first point of contact for R&D enquiries to provide guidance and support to investigators at the first level.  Field enquiries, issue R&D guidance documents, advise on routine questions and route higher level enquires to the R&D Team.
• To manage the day to day administration of the R&D data management systems (Access, Excel). To accurately record key research information and interrogate the systems to produce reports.   To contribute toward making the necessary adaptations to keep systems in line with evolving requirements of research governance and reporting returns.
• To provide support to researchers and the R&D team in the processing of research studies through national approvals systems including Integrated Research Application System (IRAS). 
• To be responsible for the administration of the national Research Passport scheme within the R&D office, advising researchers on the scheme and preparing research passports for sign off by the R&D team.  Maintain records of Research Passports on the R&D Research Passport database.
• To support the R&D team in the management and oversight of ongoing research studies, including study amendments.
• To manage the receipt and recording of individual study progress and end of study reports on the R&D database.
• To support the R&D team in the provision of reports on research activity within the Trust.
• To take responsibility for developing the R&D web pages and to co-ordinate content.
• To maintain efficient electronic data filing and paper systems
• Service the Trust R&D Committee? prepare agenda and papers, take minutes, organise room bookings and catering arrangements.
• To attend relevant research training and continuing professional development activities to ensure that work delivered remains effective, relevant and up to date.
• To provide personal assistant support to the R&D Director including diary management
• To provide general administrative support - preparation of correspondence, support for meetings, mail outs, filing, maintaining contact details, room bookings, catering arrangements, processing invoices and purchase orders, general office duties.
• Any other duties appropriate to the grade as directed.

None

Essential criteria

1. Excellent organisational skills
2. To be proficient in the use of MS-Excel, MS-Access and MS-Powerpoint and online databases.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills
4. Strong problem-solving approach
5. Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
6. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels and to develop good working relationships
7. Professional and enthusiastic 
8. Ability to work as part of a team and operate in a multidisciplinary environment

Desirable criteria

1. Degree or equivalent
2. Experience of administration in university or NHS context
3. Experience of working with research governance

The post holder will assist in the generation of a protocol for next generation sequencing of microbiome

BSc

BSc in Microbiology or similar

Experience in a laboratory

Experience in microbiology

Experience in troubleshooting laboratory protocols

LSBU Active Sports Centre Casual Staff Cover: Manager on Duty

Various dates and times around the operational hours of the business (various - subject to availability)

Time: Various, minimum available: 7 hours per month

Requirements (E = Essential / D = Desirable)

• Timekeeping & punctuality (E)
• Excellent organisational skills (E)
• Professional, friendly, problem solving attitude (E)
• Clear DBS (E) 
• Safeguarding Certificate (E) 
• Knowledge/experience of supervisory responsibilities in a workplace environment (E)
• Experience and knowledge in customer service processes (D)
• Experience in managing bookings, diaries and taking card payments (D)
• Experience in taking card payments and completing end of day banking (D).

Role: The role will act as a Manager on Duty, supervising the centre and team you are working with, to ensure the safe and effective running of the facilities. This will include ensuring facility space set up and break down is completed accurately and on time, that the centre remains clean and tidy, is checked regularly and any faults reported to Estates, and engineers visiting on site are liaised with to complete outstanding tasks fully. Some handling of customer queries and complaints is expected, general trouble shooting and management of facilities and report of faults as and when they occur. Training and support will be provided by the senior management team, and any serious complaints or building defects will be expected to be passed on to them for assistance.   

The role will also involve supporting the receptionist at front of house, while will require excellent customer service skills as well as answering customer and staff in person queries, calls and emails; taking card payments and bookings; administering memberships, giving centre tours when required.