Research Facilitator

Overview

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Research Facilitator

The closing date is 22 March 2026

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic Research Facilitator to join us in the Research Development Unit (RDU) at Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. This post forms part of the governance team who set-up and support the delivery of high quality research across a diverse set of clinical specialties. This post will have a focus on commercially sponsored and funded studies.

• experience of working in a research environment / research governance environment (NHS, university or industry)
• an understanding of research governance and the management of clinical research in the NHS, including knowledge of current national systems, structures and research regulatory processes for the approval, management and monitoring of clinical research in the NHS
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• an enthusiastic, methodical and proactive approach to problem solving
• excellent organisational and planning skills
• an ability to balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• a keen eye for accuracy
• the ability to work independently with initiative and minimal supervision.

With a focus commercially sponsored and funded studies, the post holder will work in the research team based in the Research Development Unit (RDU), led by the Deputy Director of Research and will be involved in delivering the research objectives of the Trust, including:

• applying the relevant research processes required to set up studies in an efficient and timely way
• managing project amendments
• maintaining systems which capture and monitor research activity in line with internal and external metrics and key performance indicators
• collecting and collating data required for internal and external reports and key performance indicators.

Clinical research is an important strategic element of the work of Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust delivered through the RDU. We have a wide range of research projects ranging from small student projects through to complex and intensive Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMPs) running within the organisation. These run across a variety of disciplines including mental health, dementia, community and specialist services.

The RDU is responsible for managing initial contact with collaborators and potential principal investigators (PIs), processing studies through capacity and capability review, and managing the governance and oversight of our research portfolio. We also carry out research management functions on behalf of Primary Care in Sheffield commissioned through NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board - Sheffield Place. We also support the development of new research and work strategically with our partners to meet NHS and Trust research priorities.

The successful candidate will be able to:

• Contribute to ensuring Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Primary Care in Sheffield are able to meet NIHR RDN Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and RDN performance-based funding metrics.
• Ensure that the necessary governance standards for research projects are being adhered to, so the organisations are able to issue capacity and capability to undertake research studies.
• Contribute to the ongoing maintenance of departmental SOPs and overarching quality system.
• Offer training and advice to researchers (if required) on use of national systems for research management, giving advice on how to complete application forms and explaining the requirements of recording study progress and recruitment data in a timely way.
• Undertake routine monitoring and quality checks and produce internal reports, ensuring that data integrity is maintained.
• Develop effective working relationship with clinicians, sponsors, research managers, delivery staff, clinical and non-clinical support departments to ensure projects are running on track and targets are being achieved.
• Assist other team members in undertaking regular, routine quality checks and produce internal reports, using the Local Portfolio Management System (EDGE), Open Data Platform (ODP) and Excel, to ensure data integrity is maintained.

• Understanding of research governance and the management of clinical research in the NHS
• Sound knowledge of all aspects of research governance and related legislation
• Knowledge of current national systems, structures and research regulatory processes for the approval, management and monitoring of clinical research in the NHS
• Understanding of the EDGE research management system
• Knowledge of the NIHR Research Delivery Network and its operations

• Experience of working in a research environment / research governance environment (NHS, university or industry)
• Experience of the NHS REC and HRA approval systems

This post is subject to the…