Job summary
- Main area
- Administration
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
- Home or remote working
- Compressed hours
- Job ref
- 980-HRA8089621-A
- Employer
- Health Research Authority
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Manchester or Home based
- Town
- Manchester
- Salary
- £39,959 - £48,117 Per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 08/07/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Technical Assurance Officer
NHS AfC: Band 6
The HRA is a Non Departmental Public Body with the remit to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. We do this by supporting and promoting a robust and efficient regulatory and governance framework in the UK. We provide the Research Ethics Service (RES), Confidentiality Advice function, assessments and assurances on behalf of the NHS, and learning, guidance and advice for the research community. Our ambition is to make the UK a great place to do research, where more money invested in research goes into carrying out relevant, good quality research.
Our purpose is to ensure that research involving NHS patients and members of the public is approved through a proportionate and robust system, that they are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and that their opportunity to do so is maximised by simplifying the processes by which high quality research is assessed. We have already delivered significant improvements by centralising and simplifying the approval of research in the NHS in England, and are undertaking a range of significant programmes to deliver further improvements.
Job overview
We currently have an exciting opportunity within the Health Research Authority for an enthusiastic and organised individual to join our Technical Assurances team.
The role will support HRA coordinated activities relating to pharmacy and radiation technical assurances for applications for HRA
Approval.
The post-holder will support the review and coordination of research studies from initial submission through to expert review, ensuring reviews have been completed and recorded in line with agreed processes.
It is expected that interviews will be held W/C 13 July or 20 July 2026 - this information is provided to support potential applicants to assess
availability to attend.
Main duties of the job
An understanding of research governance and study set up within support departments is key for this role, alongside, knowledge of a range of administrative practices and good communication skills.
The postholder will be expected to extract required information from research protocols into a standard template to enable technical reviews to be undertaken by NHS professional staff outside the HRA structure, coordinating the review process to strict time frames in order to inform Regulatory reviews where appropriate.
They will have excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty. Experience of working with people at all levels in an organisation and of working to tight deadlines is essential.
The vacancy is for Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Bristol or home based and will be offered to the most suitable candidate irrespective of location.
Working for our organisation
Working at the HRA, we are reminded daily of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.
When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement – if it works for us, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note, if applying to our Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol locations, we are only able to offer the role as home based.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents for full details about this role.
When completing your application, ensure you clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills align with the criteria outlined for this position.
We recognise that generative AI tools can be helpful in supporting applicants during the recruitment process, particularly for tasks such as proofreading, structuring, or refining written responses. However, we encourage candidates to use AI responsibly and sparingly. Applications should reflect your authentic voice, personal experiences, and genuine qualifications. Over reliance on AI-generated content can result in generic or inaccurate submissions that fail to meet the criteria or convey your individuality. Misrepresentation of skills, knowledge, or experience, including through AI-generated content, may lead to the rejection of your application, withdrawal of your offer, or your dismissal if you do start with us. If you choose to use AI, please ensure it enhances rather than replaces your own input, and be transparent about its use where appropriate. False and insincere examples go against our values of integrity and transparency.
Important information
We are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.
Applications that do not clearly demonstrate how the essential criteria outlined in the person specification are met will not be shortlisted.
Only the information provided in the application form will be considered. CVs will not be reviewed.
We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies or other third parties.
The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.
Organisational structure and directorate overview
The HRA is made up of five directorates: Approvals, Chief Executive, Digital, Policy and Partnerships and Resources.
This role is in the HRA Approvals Service directorate which consists of teams that work together, across the HRA and across the UK research landscape to provide the appropriate approvals for health and care research in England and, in some cases, across the UK, and to coordinate and standardise research regulation policy and practice across the UK.
This directorate issues HRA Approval, provides the research ethics service in England, supports the Confidentiality Advisory Group advising on the use of confidential patient information without consent; and coordinates technical assurances for pharmacy and radiation. We lead work to refine and maintain the systems and processes researchers need to follow to ensure a swift, robust and simple experience. We do this by working collaboratively with external partners and nearly 1000 committee volunteers to improve the research environment.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Degree-level qualification or evidenced ability to work at a similar intellectual level
Desirable criteria
- Post-graduate qualification, in a related scientific discipline, law/ ethics, or management
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
Essential criteria
- Thorough understanding of the HRA role and remit
- Knowledge of principles and processes for approving and conducting health research in England, including legal requirements relating to research, and the ability to apply this knowledge practically
- Awareness of NIHR clinical research network structures in England
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty
- Problem solving and analytical skills, including ability to interpret and prepare reports
- Presentation skills including the ability to conduct meetings and deliver presentations and workshops using a range of presentational aids
- Ability to work to frequent deadlines and to manage multiple processes and cases simultaneously
- Ability to work in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment
Desirable criteria
- Project management experience
- Data analytical skills (both quantitative and qualitative) including the analysis of multiple sources of information to ensure compliance with targets and performance indicators
- Understanding of pharmacy and medical exposure terminology, and basic understanding of types of medical exposure to ionising radiation
Experience
Essential criteria
- At least one year’s experience in a research approvals system (HRA, regulatory body, NHS R&D, Clinical Research Network, or university), or as a coordinator or facilitator of clinical trials in the UK
- Experience of negotiating the input of others outside direct management control or authority, towards agreed aims
- Experience of monitoring, or carrying out audits
Desirable criteria
- Experience of the facilitation of multiple types of health research conducted within the NHS
- Relevant experience in NHS R&D or Academic Research Service
- Relevant Experience within Research Ethics
Interpersonal Skills
Essential criteria
- Highly self-motivated, confident, pro-active, innovative, with ability to work independently and on own initiative
- Flexible working approach, with proactive approach to change
- Commitment to team working and respect and consideration for the skills of others
- Interpersonal skills to include: • diplomacy and sensitivity • negotiating and influencing including ability to say ‘no’ • ability to work well with others, at all levels in an organisation including senior staff
- Ability to develop good communications within the extended research community
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Anoushka Tepielow
- Job title
- Technical Assurances Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
Kirstie Penman
Senior Technical Assurances Officer
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