Research Assistant

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. 

Overview

A position has arisen for a Research Assistant based in the Sheffield Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU).  You will work closely with CTRU staff, with Chief Investigators and Study Managers to support the conduct of randomised controlled trials.  You will work with Study Managers and other CTRU staff to undertake project management tasks under supervision.  This can include assisting in obtaining regulatory approvals, set up and close study sites and supporting participant recruitment and reporting.

You will also liaise with staff at study sites and undertake quality control responsibilities related to studies, including site monitoring.  Experience of using a range of research methods is desirable.  A postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in psychology, biology, pharmacology, pharmacy, or social science would be advantageous.

Main duties and responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the CTRU Study Manager, you will participate in a variety of tasks including:

• Assist Study Managers to obtain regulatory approvals and to recruit, set up and close study sites.
• Liaise with clinicians and research collaborators.
• Data collection and reporting, including coordinating the work of other researchers where appropriate.
• Travel to study sites around the UK to undertake study quality control responsibilities including site monitoring. Ensure that trial governance arrangements for randomised controlled trials are followed.
• Ensuring compliance with research ethics, clinical governance and data protection and good clinical practice requirements.
• Provide assistance with the preparation of agendas and papers for study group meetings.
• Provide information, both written and verbal, to study participants, collaborators and funders including reports, guidance, newsletters, and website items.
• Support methodological work as appropriate to skills and training, such as undertaking interviews and literature reviews.
• Support the preparation of papers for academic journals.
• Support the presentation of findings at academic conferences.
• Assist with the quality delivery of studies within agreed timescales.
• Prioritise tasks and allocate time to different studies as appropriate.
• Undertake advance planning to meet deadlines for formal study monitoring and study milestones (e.g. participant recruitment, data collection and data analysis).
• Advance planning to meet deadlines for dissemination e.g. reports and papers.
• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole. Further information on the underpinning values of the Sheffield Academic can be found at: Sheffield Academic.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in a related area. (Application/Interview)
• Experience of working with clinicians, patients or research participants in a research or professional capacity. (Application/Interview)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within the University and externally, with researchers, clinicians and members of the public involved in the studies. (Application/Interview)
• Ability to work effectively within a team. (Application/Interview)
• Ability to acquire new skills and knowledge where necessary to facilitate the success of the current study and the development of CTRU generally. (Application/Interview)
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately and in line with GDPR principles. (Application/Interview)
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving with an appreciation of longer term implications. (Application/Interview)
• Willingness to travel to study sites and for study meetings in the UK. (Application/Interview)
• Experience of working on Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMP). (Application/Interview)
• Experience of a range of research methods, e.g. qualitative methods and systematic searching and appraisal of scientific literature.
• Sound understanding of the scientific principles of randomised controlled trials.

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.\
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways