Fetal Medicine Research Assistant

An opportunity has arisen to join the research team of the Fetal Medicine Research Institute at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, as a research assistance. The Fetal Medicine Research Institute is a major research and clinical unit for fetal diagnosis and therapy. Each year more than 10,000 patients benefit from its services and about 300 doctors, midwives and scientists visit to observe its clinical and research activities. The Fetal Medicine Research Institute has been leading numerous research studies which have been successfully completed leading to more than 1,400 scientific publications in peer-reviewed international journals and more than 50 PhD or MD degrees.

The research team at the Fetal Medicine Research Institute at King’s College Hospital has an extensive portfolio covering a range of studies from observational cohort studies to interventional trials for the prediction and prevention of pregnancy complications; and has developed a reputation for excellence in research delivery. An opportunity has arisen for a band 4 research assistant to join the team.

The post holder will be part of the team of research fellows and coordinators working to deliver the research studies within the portfolio, in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. This will include trials with an international profile that are both challenging and interesting. The post holder will manage the database for patients entering the studies but also databases for other research studies in the future. The post holder will ensure clinic appointments/tests required for patients involved in trials are carried out according to the schedule – this will include communicating with research participants via telephone.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn new skills. There is significant patient interaction and a soothing, approachable manner is desirable. For this post you must demonstrate the ability to manage your own workload with supervision from clinical staff; understand clinical trial activity and GCP and be able to complete trial documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

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.

• Assist and support research midwives and fellows with accurate completion of trial paperwork. Including; transcribing/exporting data from medical records/GP Surgery/ IT systems to Case Report Forms (CRFs) (paper or electronic) as required by clinical trial protocols, checking eligibility of patients for entry into trials and randomising/registering patients into trials according to protocol requirements.
• Ensure clinic appointments/tests required for patients involved in trials are carried out according to the schedule in the protocol.
• Assist with clinical observations as required by study protocol under the supervision (or direction) of qualified staff and participate in the care of adults requiring a range of clinical interventions, which may include venesection, obtaining blood pressure (electronic), and measuring height and weight (anthropometric measurements). Training will be provided where necessary.
• Responsible for organising a large amount of consent forms arising from the studies, ensuring accurate documentation