Research and Innovation Coordinator

Job Summary We have an exciting opportunity within the Research and Innovation (R&I) Office at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust for a Research and Innovation Coordinator (Band 6). This post is offered as a permanent contract at 37.5 h/week. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to support oncology research undertaken within The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The prime purpose of the role is to support the performance of the R&I Office in setting up and managing hosted clinical trials against national NIHR high level objectives and regional and local performance metrics whilst ensuring compliance with regulatory and research governance requirements. The role also involves line management responsibilities for the R&I Administrators. This post is an integral part of the R&I Division's core function which exists to provide an efficient support service for the research delivery teams as well as other internal and external stakeholders, enabling the Trust to deliver its research ambitions. Applicants should be qualified to at least postgraduate diploma level, or have an equivalent level of experience, and meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification. Main Duties of the Job Working closely with colleagues across the R&I division, the role offers a wide variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to supporting the processes and management of research projects, particularly study set‑up and amendments, processing of research related agreements, research passports and general administrative support. The post holder will also be involved in quality improvement projects within the team and wider division. The role requires a good working knowledge of GCP and research governance requirements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication and organisational skills and the ability to work well both in a team and using their own initiative. The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year, based in Manchester and serving a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, with a national specialist reach of 15% of patients referred from other parts of the country. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. About Us The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist about 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK. Details Date posted: 27 November 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 6 Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum pro rata Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Full‑time Reference number: 413-100520-RI-MS Job locations: R&D Office – Q01552, Manchester, M20 4BX Job Description Daily Project Management Manage research projects from initial registration to final local approval, ensuring regulatory and governance requirements are met. Support the Clinical Trials Resource Group by liaising with service departments to ensure that project actions progress to conclusion. Review all research project information held on Trust systems and update information as required. Plan and organise a broad range of complex activities relating to project approvals and amendments, formulating and adjusting strategies as required. Maintain close communication with researchers to keep them aware of the status of their project. R&I Systems and Processes Collate project information for registration on the appropriate R&I Office systems, liaising with external authorities as required. Ensure project information meets current R&I project dataset standards. Design queries and ensure completion of data input to R&I systems to run reports as requested by R&I Division management. Coordinate information from external organisations for project validation. Ensure documentary evidence of regulatory compliance is available. Review projects to ensure receipt of HRA approval and local and national permissions. Meetings Attend R&I divisional meetings and meetings with external organisations as required. Organise research meetings, including accommodation, attendance, agenda, and supporting papers. Take and distribute minutes or arrange for their completion. Support for Applications to Funding Assist researchers in completing documentation to support funding applications. Performance in the Role Ensure all projects are approved within applicable R&I project approval timelines. Identify areas within the project approval process for improvement and implement changes. Work with discretion within defined parameters, seeking guidance from experienced colleagues. Interpret policy changes and implement them appropriately. Exercise sound judgement in assessing complicated events or problems. Perform other appropriate duties as requested. People Management (where required) Undertake day‑to‑day management and regular performance review of the (senior) R&I Administrator. Provide or approve relevant training for the R&I Administrator. Person Specification Essential Qualifications Postgraduate diploma level or equivalent experience. Desirable Qualifications Ideally science postgraduate diploma. Experience of working within a health care system. ECDL or equivalent. Essential Experience Previous experience in a busy research office environment. Previous experience in clinical research. In‑depth practical knowledge of the study approval process (including amendments). Essential Skills Organisational skills. Interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. Attention to detail. Prioritisation/time‑management skills. Desirable Skills Advanced proficiency in Microsoft packages, particularly Access. Essential Knowledge Knowledge of research and research management processes; ability to use spreadsheets and databases. Desirable Knowledge Good working knowledge of medical terminology and patient information systems. Up‑to‑date ICH GCP. Prior training on Caldicott Guidelines and Data Protection. Knowledge of research governance principles. Essential Values/Attributes Ability to work with minimal supervision. Self‑motivated and confident. Ability to meet tight or unexpected deadlines. Enthusiastic team player. Assertive. Desired Values/Attributes Evidence of achievement under pressure.Ability to troubleshoot effectively.Flexibility of working hours. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission of Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous convictions. Employer Details Employer name: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Address: R&D Office – Q01552, Manchester, M20 4BX Website: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/ #J-18808-Ljbffr