Job vacancy: Senior Research Project Manager, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Fulwood

Job summary

Main area: Research
Grade: Band 7
Contract: Fixed term: 2 years (None)
Hours: Part time - 15 hours per week
Job ref: 438-PB4461

Employer: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Royal Preston Hospital
Town: Fulwood
Salary: £49,387 - £56,515 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 26/08/2026 23:59

Senior Research Project Manager

Band 7

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Working with research departments across Lancashire and South Cumbria the Senior Project Manager will be responsible for the implementation of robust research governance processes by:

· Ensuring all study setup processes and procedures of complex clinical trials are in line with regulatory requirements

· Using expert research governance knowledge develop, lead and manage a research hub and spoke network across different organisations

· Lead engagement with a variety of professionals across organisations to ensure the research hub and spoke model meets their needs

· Streamline site activation processes across the ‘network’ to ensure LTHTr meets local and national metrics

· Produce high-quality project reports, dashboards, and updates for funders, sponsors, and senior management.

· Promote a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing

· Maintain accurate and auditable records of research activity, milestones, metrics and deliverables in line with contractual reporting schedules

· Coordinate and prepare reports, dashboards and performance updates to support internal oversight and external partnership review meetings.

· Ensure that information shared with external partners is managed in accordance with confidentiality, and information governance requirements.

Provide expert help and advice to investigators on running clinical trials to ensure high quality of research and safety of clinical trial patients, including advice on regulatory and GCP compliance matters. Ensure adherence to Health Research Authority (HRA) requirements as per HRA approvals.

The Senior Project Manager will be expected to have a strong understanding of regulatory and GCP guidelines, as well as local R&I SOPs and Policies.

Effectively utilising research portfolio management systems to project manage studies and communicate progress to the rest of the team.

As first point of contact for internal/external researchers/research teams and act as ‘front door’ contact. As an ambassador for the Trust you will exhibit high standards of customer service to ensure repeat business from external sponsors and continued engagement from internal and regional colleagues

Coordinate the feasibility process for research studies before set-up:

· Lead accelerated feasibility reviews of trials to meet targets, autonomously engaging with departments across NHS Trusts within Lancashire and South Cumbria

· Feedback feasibility review outcomes to the appropriate stakeholders

· Liaise with industry partners to ensure studies are costed appropriately

The Senior Project Manager will lead the planning and implementation of complex research trials or portfolios of across Lancashire and South Cumbria by:

· Lead the end-to-end management of research trials, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure

· Develop and maintain detailed project plans, and resource allocation strategies

· Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and facilitate effective communication among stakeholders

· Contribute to the development and implementation of research governance and quality assurance processes and procedures

· Develop and maintain comprehensive project documentation including timelines, Gantt charts, and risk logs

· Act as the primary liaison between research teams, collaborators, funders, and regulatory bodies.

· Facilitate regular project meetings and communication updates.

· Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

· When required, support the preparation and submission of ethics applications, amendments, and regulatory documentation

· Identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues

· Escalate critical issues to senior leadership as appropriate

· Respond to any queries regarding the progress of set up for research studies across the portfolio and support the local and national reporting obligations of the Trust and the NIHR CRN as required.

Is responsible for leading the service by being a visible and strong role model providing leadership and direction to the team and advising staff and students across Lancashire and South Cumbria to reach their full potential

As a responsible member of the Research Development team, balance your workload effectively to maintain a high-quality service and escalate pressures as appropriate.

Person specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential criteria

Masters degree
Degree or equivalent professional qualification, or demonstrable equivalent experience, in a relevant discipline
Evidence of education and/or training in clinical research governance
Highly developed Professional knowledge, underpinned by theory and experience.
Good Clinical Practice (ICH‑GCP) certification (current) Health Research Authority (HRA) approvals and UK research governance processes

Desirable criteria

Post graduate certificate in clinical research or similar post-qualified qualification or diploma in a relevant pharmaceutical field.
Project management qualification

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria

The post holder must maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of research governance, regulatory and contractual requirements applicable to externally sponsored and collaborative research.
Previous experience of project work, audit and change management
Knowledge of clinical trial management
Experience of product development
Evidence of working within GCP guidelines
Previous experience in clinical trials activity.
Practical experience in start-up, smooth ongoing operation and completion of a clinical trial management on site, provision of adequate documentation and communication with the relevant people involved.

Desirable criteria

Experience of clinical research.
Phase 1 / 2 Clinical Trials experience

Thanks for taking the time to view this advert; we’re looking forward to receiving your application. You should be aware that the vacancy may close earlier than the published date if sufficient applications are received so it would be best to apply as soon as you can. We’ll contact you by e-mail to update you on the progress of your application so please check the e-mail account that you applied from (including spam/junk) regularly.

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership, neurodiversity or veteran status are encouraged to apply for this post. Our Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available Here

To support you in your application process we’ve created a What we can offer you guide that shows what you can expect when you join our hospitals. The guide includes links to our strategic aims and objectives as well as our values, development support and rewards and benefits. To help you get the best from your application we’ve also put together two guides to help you make your application the best it can be. Just click here and here to go through them, or have them open as you complete your application.

We recognise that the recruitment process may present barriers for some and you may need personal adjustments to enable you to participate in our recruitment process. Please make contact with the recruitment team at the earliest opportunity to ensure that measures can be put in place to enable your application for this post.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications

If you choose to use AI or other tools to assist in writing your application, it's essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section. While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. There is also a risk that it can generate false or misleading information.

AI-generated job applications can often be generic, impersonal and may not accurately reflect your qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experiences. It is crucial that you personalise your supporting statement by articulating these in your unique voice. Relying solely on AI to write your application or supporting information section is not advocated by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and could negatively impact your chances of success in the application process.

We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Supporting Information

The supporting information section is an opportunity for you to showcase how your qualifications, knowledge, skill and experiences align with the requirements and criteria outlined in the job description and person.

Our recruiting managers score applications based on the criteria listed in the person specification. They will be looking for evidence of how you meet these criteria. To increase your chances of securing an interview, provide examples of how you have applied your skills and knowledge in real-life situations. Share work-related successes and challenges you’ve navigated that align with the criteria. These could be from various aspects of your life, including work, education, and personal experiences.

Consider structuring your supporting information section with clear headings or bullet points. This approach will help both you and the recruiting manager navigate through your application more effectively.

Working Smarter pledge

We are reminded everyday of how important life is, so as part of our Working Smarter pledge we offer a variety of flexible working options and wellbeing support to enable our people to find and maintain the right work-life balance.

Secondments

If you are applying for a secondment role please ensure you have agreement from your current line manager prior to attending an interview. Also please ensure you have read the LTHTR Secondment Policy. A copy of this can be found on the intranet or by contacting [email protected]

Young People

Please note a young person must be in part-time education or training until they’re 18. therefore if you are under 18 we are unable to employ you on a full time basis, unless it is in an apprenticeship role.

Disclosure and Barring Service checks

If the role you’ve applied for requires a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check we will administer this on your behalf and the cost will be recovered from your salary, either as a one-off payment, or over 3 months. The level of check required depends on the role that you have been offered. Currently the charges are - Basic DBS check £26.40 Standard DBS check £26.40 and Enhanced DBS check £54.40. You should be aware that if you are successful in obtaining a position that requires a DBS check but later withdraw your application, you may be required to reimburse the cost of the DBS check. DBS checks remain free of charge for volunteer positions. The DBS Code of Practice can be accessed here.

In line with guidance from United Kingdom Health Security Agency, all staff and volunteers are required to comply with Trust Infection Prevention and Control processes in relation to safe working. This includes mask wearing and adherence to social distancing at all Trust sites.

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We look forward to hearing from you soon!