Research Coordinator Neuroscience

We are seeking a motivated research coordinator at Band 5 level as a London south nervous systems network affiliated research coordinator to work within the neuroscience division at KCH and the International Centre of Excellence in Parkinson’s care and research. The successful applicant will take up a post initially until end of March 2025 with view to being extended by another year and work across several sub-specialities (mainly with the Parkinson’s Foundation international centre of excellence, neuro-degenerative disorders and potentially with neuro-oncology and other neuroscience specialities) to help with research and clinical trial based studies that are listed in the Department of Heath national portfolio and within the remit of nervous systems disorders. The post holder will work under the supervision of Professor K Ray Chaudhuri, Director of the Parkinson’s centre of Excellence and Director of R&D at KCH, and the management of Alexandra Rizos, Neuroscience Research Manager and EUROPAR European manager for studies and trials in Parkinson’s. The post holder might also be part of the neurosciences clinical trials unit, led by Mr. K. Ashkan (clinical lead for Neuro-oncology and Professor of Neurosurgery). Some experience in clinical research and knowledge of good clinical practice would be beneficial.

The post holder will assist in the provision of a clinical research service for a portfolio of national and local, including CRN-adopted, clinical trials undertaken at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust within the PD department. The focus of the work will be on portfolio adopted studies, non-commercial and commercial. This will be decided after liaison with Neurosciences R&D lead and Neurosciences Research Governance and Feasibility (RGF).

The post holder will also be involved in follow-up and completion of relevant trial specific paperwork. Responsibilities will include co-ordinating patient activity and overseeing patient care at all stages of the research pathway; data management (collecting data, entering data and resolving discrepancies) and working with clinical research organisations and sponsors to satisfy audit and monitoring requirements. With respect to multi-centre trials sponsored by KCH, the post holder will be expected to support investigators and their teams at recruiting sites.

The post holder will work closely with the multidisciplinary team, including but not restricted to the Investigators, Research Manager, clinicians and pharmacy. The post holder will be involved in the running of in-house, national and international PD trials.

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Identify patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics (screening notes/consultant referral) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
• With other members of the healthcare team, ensure patients are fully informed prior to entry in any clinical trial programme.
• Assist in consenting, randomising, allocating of treatment of patients.
• Help the team to evaluate patient eligibility for clinical trials entry by co-ordinating pre-study tests, obtaining results and arranging appropriate appointments according to trial protocol.
• Coordinate all ongoing study visits and investigations as per the protocol.
• Act as a resource and support to patients and their relatives, explaining practical aspects of clinical trials.
• Coordinate the collection of any blood samples required as part of the clinical trials and ensure safe and appropriate storage of specimens.
• Maintain adequate patients’ records and ensure all relevant information is documented in the patient’s medical notes.
• Responsible for accurate completion of Case Report Forms (CRFs).
• Responsible for the collection, co-ordination and computerisation of data generated from the clinical trials.
• Provide continuity of care for patients and their carers throughout the trial programme.
• Provide specific advice and support as appropriate.
• Implement and adhere to the principles of GCP (Good Clinical Practice) as set out in the Clinical Trials Regulations.
• If appropriately trained, keep up to date with current practices for cannulation, phlebotomy and care of patients with Central Venous Access lines.
• Act as a resource for PD based research.

Portfolio Management and Development

• Assist in the review of trial protocols and identify resource implications for the site.
• Liaise with and assist the medical team/sponsor organisation with on-study treatment and follow up of patients
• Ensure CRFs are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensure SAEs are recorded and reported in accordance with the protocol and/or sponsor’s SOP.
• Ensure that all accrual data is uploaded onto the EDGE database (the trust reporting system for all clinical trial activity undertaken within KCH).
• For KCH sponsored studies, ensure upload of data for all centres to the network co-ordinating centre as required.
• Collect and provide information to allow for invoices to be raised for payments where appropriate
• Liaise with other departments and wards at the site/s, in order to promote a good working environment, integration of research within the trust and open channels of communication.
• Raise awareness of the portfolio of current clinical trials within the organisation.
• Participate in the presentation of research findings within the Clinical Research Network and outside agencies as appropriate.
• Report adverse incidents and near misses via the Trust’s online incident reporting form.
• Help to coordinate multi-centre trials. Together with the KHP Clinical Trials Office (KHPCTO):

Ensure all relevant documents and approvals are in place at each site prior to subject recruitment.
Help conduct initiation meetings (if required)
Collect data from sites, raise data queries and ensure data queries are resolved.

Training and Development

• Attend the KHPCTO, NIHR training programmes and other relevant education and training days/programmes as appropriate.
• Attend investigator/initiation meetings and conferences when required.
• Maintain awareness of current advances in PD treatments and research and use this knowledge to maintain high standards of care for patients.
• Disseminate research by assisting in the preparation of posters/research papers for meetings, conferences and publications. Also circulate trial information and carry our presentations locally.

Professional

• Act in accordance with local policies and procedures laid down by King’s College Hospital.
• Be responsible for maintaining a professional profile.
• Work within the NMC Scope of Professional Practice, Conduct and Record Keeping.

Undertake an annual appraisal (internal performance review) to identify organisation and professional objectives and development needs.

General

• The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
• To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of King's College Hospital NHS Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
• To live and role model the King’s Values of:
• Understanding you
• Inspiring confidence in our care
• Working together
• Always aiming higher
• Making a difference in our community
• To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
• To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
• This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
• All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account which will be the Trust's formal route for email communication.

Safe Guarding

The Trust takes the issues of Safeguarding Children, Adults and addressing Domestic Abuse very seriously. All employees have a responsibility to support the organisation in our duties by;

attending mandatory training on safeguarding children and adults
familiarising themselves with the Trust's processes for reporting concerns
reporting any safeguarding child or adult concerns appropriately