Research Coordinator

Role overview

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has a strong history of starting and delivering high-quality studies within the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) portfolio. This position plays an important part in helping the Trust maintain and grow its reputation as a research-active organisation, in line with the Research and Innovation Strategy that supports the 2021–2026 Trust Strategy.

The post provides expert support to investigators while working within regulatory rules, applicable legislation, Trust procedures, and recognised best practice. The job demands a strong level of subject knowledge, independence, and confident written and verbal communication to support research coordination, administration, and data collection, while also ensuring effective management of the research portfolio.

In addition to coordinating research activity, the role helps with study expressions of interest, and supports studies through set-up, delivery, closure, and archiving. The post-holder also acts as an authorised signatory for Organisational Information Documents and manages both local WUTH and national EDGE portfolio systems.

The role also contributes to the day-to-day running of the Research Department, including stepping in for the Research Manager when needed and offering guidance to colleagues across the research team.

Research governance

A key part of the role is to spot governance issues early so they can be reviewed and resolved without delay.

The post-holder will liaise with Trust staff, NIHR Clinical Research Network staff, universities, and pharmaceutical company representatives at all levels to help identify new studies and partnership opportunities.

Study set-up must be handled independently, including making sure approvals are secured on time, Division approvals are obtained, contract terms are in place, and the Trust’s capacity and capability can be confirmed.

The role also oversees amendments to live studies and monitors and reports on progress so that NIHR CRN High Level Objectives are achieved.

Compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training is required.

Archiving responsibilities must be carried out in line with MHRA GCP guidance, the Department of Health Records Management Code of Practice, sponsor requirements, and Trust standard operating procedures.

Research databases

This role leads on the use and upkeep of both local and national research databases, including EDGE.

It also involves delivering training to investigators and Research Nurses on EDGE and on local information management systems.

Study support

The post-holder supports local Principal Investigators as well as Research Nurses and Midwives.

NIHR Research Passport

Responsibility includes coordinating Letters of Access under the NIHR Research Passport scheme for external researchers working within the Trust.

Finance

The role supports invoice coordination in line with research study contracts.

Consent to contact

This position coordinates consent-to-contact processes for research.

Research meetings and office duties

Additional responsibilities include supporting research meetings and carrying out general office duties as required.

About the Trust

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest and busiest acute trusts in the North West of England and operates the Wirral’s only Emergency Department. The organisation provides a broad range of acute care services and employs more than 6,000 staff, serving around 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales, and the wider North West area.

The Trust has around 855 beds across its sites and an annual financial turnover of more than £337 million. It is located on the Wirral peninsula, an area known for its coastline, countryside, and outdoor activities, with convenient transport connections by motorway, train, bus, and ferry, and easy access to Liverpool, Chester, Manchester, and North Wales.

New starters can expect a warm and friendly welcome. The Trust describes its staff as competent and caring, reflecting the standard of service expected by patients.

Additional information

For an informal discussion or to arrange a telephone conversation, contact Julie Lavin, Research & Innovation Manager, at Julie.Lavin1@nhs.net or 0151 482 7827. Telephone availability for informal calls is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.