Senior Trial Coordinator

Job Purpose

Background

Brain Cancer accounts for over 14 deaths every day and access to new drugs and trials is an unmet clinical need. The overarching challenge if we are to improve clinical outcomes is to create the essential infrastructure to support stratified medicine in brain cancer generally and glioma in particular, because this is the most common group of brain tumours with the greatest number of life years lost affecting all ages. Our vision is to create a transformative clinical research platform that leverages NHS resources to support research that is patient centric and attractive to both academic and commercial investors. Our approach will be holistic and flexible so that it can rapidly adapt to scientific advances and rigorously evaluate new drugs and technologies. The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX Trial will create a clinical trial platform for adaptive drug trials in molecularly stratified patients with glioma.

The successful candidate will play a major role in developing and leading this high-profile project. Based at the world class Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials unit in Birmingham they will be part of a team with proven expertise in delivering clinical trials including in brain cancer. The CRCTU is a major component of the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences providing infrastructure to integrate the major academic strengths of fundamental cancer research and clinical trials.

Job Summary

This position represents a varied and demanding role with responsibility for the Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX trial platform. The successful candidate will co-ordinate and support a portfolio of trials within the platform including the staff working on individual projects. They will contribute to the design, conduct and reporting of the trials. They will also contribute to media engagement and trial promotion. They must be able to use their own initiative, be a team player and an excellent communicator.

This role will carry a national profile and the senior trial coordinator will play a pivotal role in promoting brain cancer and the research activity of the cancer trials unit more widely. They will also support the development of collaborative networks, funding contacts and patient & carer engagement.

This position also offers an outstanding opportunity for career development by providing state-of-the-art experience in clinical trials in cancer coupled with the resources of a world-class University.

Person Specification

• A higher degree (PhD or MSc) in a relevant biomedical science or associated subject with experience of clinical trials research (for some roles a proven track record of successfully obtaining research funding from a recognised funding body will suffice) or a graduate with strong experience as a Trial Coordinator and a proven ability to taken on a senior role.
• An in-depth understanding of clinical research and trial management methodology, including applicable regulatory requirements, and a proven ability to apply these to the coordination of clinical trials
• Experience preparing regulatory and ethics submissions, grant applications, writing and/or amending protocols, patient information sheets, Case Report Forms, reports and other relevant trial management documentation
• Proven project management and supervisory skills
• Excellent administrative, clerical and office management skills
• Effective communication, negotiation, presentation and inter-personal skills
• Excellent computing skills including advanced word processing and email. Experience in the design, maintenance and interrogation of complex relational databases (MS Access preferred)
• Able to work on own initiative and problem solve
• Must demonstrate a critical and intelligent attention to detail and high standards of accuracy
• Experience preparing publications and submitting grant applications is desirable
• Ability to meet the travel needs of the post which include travel nationally and internationally on occasion

Closing Date 8 Apr 2019

Additional Information

Informal enquiries to Sarah Bowden ( s.j.bowden@bham.ac.uk ) or Professor Colin Watts (PA Liz Walker, Tel: 0121 414 8855, Email: E.J.Walker@bham.ac.uk )