Technical Assurance Officer

Job overview

We are recruiting a member of the Technical Assurances team who will support pharmacy and radiation technical assurances for applications to the HRA Approval system.

• Support the review and coordination of research studies from initial submission through to expert review, ensuring all reviews are completed and recorded in line with agreed processes.
• Extract required information from research protocols into a standard template to enable technical reviews by NHS professional staff outside the HRA structure, coordinating the review process to strict time frames.
• Work with stakeholders at all levels to manage multiple cases and meet tight deadlines, prioritising against changing circumstances.

Vacancy available in Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Bristol or home based; the role will be offered to the most suitable candidate irrespective of location.

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent evidence of intellectual capability.
• Post‑graduate qualification in a related scientific discipline, law/ethics, or management.
• Thorough understanding of the HRA role and remit.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for approving and conducting health research in England, including legal requirements and NIHR research network structures.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty.
• Problem‑solving, analytical and data analytical skills (both quantitative and qualitative).
• Effective presentation and communication skills, including ability to conduct meetings and deliver workshops.
• Ability to work to frequent deadlines and manage multiple processes and cases simultaneously.
• Experience of at least one year in a research approvals system, as a coordinator or facilitator of clinical trials in the UK, or equivalent.
• Experience negotiating input of others outside direct control, monitoring/auditing, and facilitating multiple types of health research within the NHS.
• Interpersonal skills – highly self‑motivated, confident, proactive, innovative, independent, flexible, team‑working, diplomatic, and capable of influencing at senior levels.
• Understanding of pharmacy and medical exposure terminology, and basic knowledge of types of medical exposure to ionising radiation (for radiation technical assurance).

We offer a flexible working environment and a wide range of benefits, including NHS pensions and discounts. The HRA is an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome applications from all who meet the role criteria, regardless of age, gender identity and expression, disability, race, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, sex or sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made upon request.

The HRA is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or any other protected characteristic.