Job summary
The Study Support Service Officer will assume a key support position in the Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN) Study Support Service, which will be seamlessly integrated within the collective national Study Support Service, which serves as the cornerstone of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN), facilitating the effective delivery of studies throughout the system while enhancing strategic capacity and capability.
We are offering this opportunity for the right person to work across the North West with a base site in either Liverpool or Manchester working across both sites as required.
In this vital 12-month Band 5 role, secondments will also be considered , you’ll be at the heart of our Study Support Service. You will bridge the gap between regional partners, clinical teams, and global research sponsors to ensure health studies launch and run smoothly across our region.
Main duties of the job
As a Study Support Service Officer, you will play a key role in facilitating the initiation and delivery of high-quality health and care research across the region in line with NIHR RDN Standard Operating Procedures. You will maintain and interpret portfolio management data systems, supporting costing and attribution activities, data integrity, and compliance with the DHSC RDN Portfolio Policy (Terms and Conditions). Working collaboratively with internal teams, regional partners, commercial/non-commercial sponsors, and investigators, you will provide essential administrative and operational coordination for specialty groups, events, and performance tracking. Additionally, you will support digital recruitment innovations, champion continuous service improvement, and ensure patient and public interests remain central to research delivery..
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe – a great place to shape your career. With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year. Behind every patient cared for are people like you – keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike. At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others. At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you’re part of something bigger from day one.
Job description
Job responsibilities
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.
For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december
DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.
Person Specification
1 Meets Criteria and 0 Does not Meet Criteria
Essential
- Degree level qualification or equivalent experience
- Awareness of research, the NHS and the wider health and care system including associated responsibilities to the public and patients
- Knowledge of scientific, research and medical terms commonly used in health and care research
- Knowledge of the research study lifecycle
- Experience of administration within an organisational environment
- Experience of using data systems, including accurate data entry and interpretation of data
- Experience of working in a customer-focused role
- Experience of working with other people to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes
- Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues at all levels and across organisations
- Ability to work independently in accordance with SOPs, while supporting the broader activities of a team
- Logical approach to problem solving and ability to be objective
- Excellent oral, written and presentation skills
- Ability to interpret and present complex information
- Ability to coordinate and meet targets for project management
- Excellent IT skills, particularly in the use of web applications, Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
- Ability to be tactful and diplomatic
- Guided by policies and protocols but applies flexibility when necessary
- Meticulous attention to detail, exhibiting thoroughness and efficiency
- Acts as a champion for patients, carers, the public and their interests
- Constantly strives for improvement
- Delivers on commitments and promises
- Committed to ongoing learning and development
- Professional and friendly approach to interpersonal interactions
- Prepared and able to travel to different locations across the region to attend meetings
- Enthusiastic and proactive approach to work, bringing a ‘can do’ attitude
- Listens to, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
- Works in accordance with the values of the RDN and the employing NHS Trust
Desirable
- Degree in health or science discipline
- Awareness of key RDN customers and their needs
- Awareness of governance and legislative framework for clinical research in the NHS
