JOB SUMMARY

As our Research and Innovation (R&I) Facilitator, you will work directly with GPs, researchers, Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (KM ICB) and other external partners to support high-quality research delivery across our primary care surgeries and network.
You will lead on identifying and facilitating National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and other projects, while also developing in-house (“home-grown”) initiatives such as audits, evaluations, and quality improvement studies.
You will help shape the local research agenda, ensure projects are compliant and well-resourced, and act as a mentor and point of contact for colleagues exploring research opportunities.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with proven research experience who is eager to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting and contribute to improving health outcomes in our communities.
NOTE: This is a shared role where the successful candidate will represent both Thanet Health CIC and the Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board in research activities.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of working in research (Essential).
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines (Essential).
• A degree in a science or health related subject (Desirable).
• Demonstrable experience in literature review, critical appraisal and academic writing (Essential).
• Experience managing evaluations, audits or research studies (Essential).
• Familiarity with funding applications and research delivery (Desirable).
• Experience of conducting formal project evaluations and / or research projects (Desirable).
• Effective facilitation and communication skills (Desirable).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills (Desirable).
• Excellent organisation and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams proactively (Essential).
• Ability to work with sensitivity and tact with sensitive or contentious information (Essential).
• Familiarity with national research systems and structures, particularly NIHR (Desirable).
• Awareness of ethical frameworks, HRA processes and NHS research guidelines (Desirable).
• Able to treat sensitive information confidentially (Essential).
  Job Type: Fixed term contract
  Contract length: 12 months
  Pay: £38,682.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme

Work Location: In perso

• Identify, coordinate, and facilitate the delivery of relevant research projects aligned to the TH CIC strategic agenda.
• Actively search for funding opportunities, prepare grant applications, and manage partnerships with stakeholders.
• Review capacity, capability, and governance requirements across multiple GP sites and support compliance with national standards.
• Further and support the strategic and organisational development of the TH Research Hub and its team, also in view of developing strategies for other locations to promote delivery of research in other primary care settings within South East England.
• Mentor and support staff developing research ideas, including literature reviews, protocol development, and HRA applications.
• Liaise with KM ICB, academic institutions, the Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN), and other research bodies.
• Promote and report on R&I activity internally and externally, contributing to strategic planning and improvement of the TH Research Hub.
• Support the R&I Lead in delivering research objectives, maintaining accurate records and reporting on project progress.