Research Fellow (Trial Coordinator)

Department: Health Sciences

Hours of work: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed Term for 24 months

Salary: Grade 6, £34,308 to £42,155 per year

Grade: 6 Ref: 210

Introduction
York Trials Unit (YTU) wishes to appoint 2 highly motivated Trial Coordinators to contribute to high quality
research. These new posts offer the opportunity to be part of a large and successful multi-disciplinary unit,
renowned for its methodological expertise and commitment to policy relevant research. Professor David
Torgerson is the Director of the UKCRC registered Trials Unit undertaking national, international and
scientifically rigorous trials in a variety of areas whilst having a strong methodological portfolio associated with
the conduct and analysis of trials. YTU undertake trials in a range of subject areas including surgery, mental
health, musculoskeletal disorders, and public health.

You will contribute to the design and coordination of their trials and collaborate with colleagues on research
projects, grant applications and creating impact. It is envisaged that you will already have research experience
in an area that would deepen, compliment and/or extend the existing research activity within the Trials and
Statistics group, and across the wider Department (https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/research/). You will
be expected to have a demonstrable track record of conducting high quality research and knowledge and/or
experience of coordinating randomised controlled trials.

Main purpose of the role

● To set up and co-ordinate trials working across several funded projects
● To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of
research
● To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of
proposals for independent or collaborative research projects

Key responsibilities
(Role holders will be required to undertake some or all of the duties below)
● To prepare documentation to obtain ethical, R&D and other relevant proposals for research
● To co-ordinate the design, printing and distribution of trial documentation including data collection
instruments (e.g. questionnaires, interview schedules)
● To monitor trials and ensure the quality of trial data
● To liaise with trial sites and staff, investigators and members of the research team (including
secretarial and administrative staff, data managers, statisticians, health economists and qualitative
researchers)
● To co-ordinate final report writing and trial publications
● To contribute to the writing-up of research for publication and presentation in both academic and
non- academic settings
● To contribute to the preparation of research proposals and applications to external bodies
● To follow appropriate standing operating procedures and contribute to the writing of these, and other
YTU procedures as required
● To undertake appropriate organisational and administrative activities connected to the trial, including
conference organisation, departmental meetings, attending other committee and working groups and
 the development of promotional or educational material including website maintenance and
development
● To undertake external commitments which reflect and enhance the reputation of the YTU and
Department of Health Sciences
● To conduct individual and collaborative research projects, duties to include: analysis and
interpretation of research data; use of appropriate research techniques and methods; writing up of
research results and dissemination through publications, seminar and conference presentations and
public engagement and outreach activities; contributing to the identification of possible new areas of
research
● To develop and initiate collaborative working internally and externally, duties to include: the building
of internal contacts and participation in internal networks; collaboration with colleagues on joint
projects as required; participation in and identification of external networks in order to share
information and identify potential opportunities for collaboration and possible sources of funding;
attendance at and contribution to relevant meetings
● To provide guidance to other staff and students, as required, as well as coordinating the work of small
research teams
● To assist with undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in own area of expertise.

Condition of Employment
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to
declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form. Appointment of the successful candidate
will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Person specification

Essential
/
Desirable

Qualifications

First degree in relevant subject area Essential

MSc in relevant area, or in exceptional circumstances, substantial relevant experience Essential

PhD in relevant subject area or equivalent experience Desirable

Knowledge

Knowledge of randomised controlled trial methodologies to engage in high quality research Essential

Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies Essential

Knowledge of clinical trial monitoring Essential

Knowledge of research governance Essential

Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice Essential

Skills, abilities and competencies

Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide ranging audience, Essential
both orally and in writing, using a range of media

Ability to write up research work for publication in high profile journals and engage in public Essential
dissemination

Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects Essential

Ability to design and undertake research relevant to the trial including preparation of Essential
documentation for ethical, R & D and other relevant approvals

Ability to contribute to the management of randomised controlled trials Essential

Ability to work to standard operating procedures, follow trial guidance documents and use Essential
associated standardised forms appropriately

Skilled in use of range of computer software packages including Work, Excel and Powerpoint Essential

Skilled in critical appraisal and systematic reviews Desirable

Experience

Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research Essential

Experience of writing up research work for publication Essential

Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative Essential

Experience of contributing to the design and analysis of research Essential

Experience of co-ordinating randomised controlled trials Essential

Experience of writing grant applications Desirable

Experience of writing standard operating procedures, trial guidance documents and/or Desirable
associated forms

Good Clinical Practice training Desirable

Personal attributes

Attention to detail and commitment to high quality Essential

Collaborative ethos Essential

Positive attitude to colleagues and students Essential

Willingness to work proactively with colleagues in other work areas/institutions Essential

Ability to plan and prioritise own work in order to meet deadlines, including using initiative to Essential
plan research programmes

Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills Essential

Enthusiasm, commitment and ability to produce consistently high quality work within tight Essential
deadlines