Commercial Research Set-up Coordinator
Thank you for your interest in this vacancy. We highly recommend reading our Tips on how to apply page to give you an insight on how applications are scored & shortlisted by our Recruiting Managers. These tips have been provided to give you a better chance of being shortlisted for our vacancies.
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) are working towards merging as one organisation from July 2026.
This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Should you join NBT as an employee prior to our organisations merging, your employment will be automatically transferred across to UHBW. Should your employment begin after our two Trusts merge, you will be employed directly by UHBW and therefore UHBW terms and conditions of service will apply
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations.Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job overview
Band 5 Fixed Term 18 months (subject to funding)
Research & Development
Based at North Bristol NHS Trust, with cross‑site working across the Bristol NHS Hospital Group (including UHBW)
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Joint R&D Commercial Research Function as a Commercial Research Set‑up Coordinator. This role is integral to supporting the rapid and effective set‑up of commercial clinical trials across North Bristol NHS Trust and Bristol NHS Hospital Group.
You will work closely with research nurses, Principal Investigators, sponsors, NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) teams and internal support services to ensure commercial studies are set up efficiently, compliantly and delivered to time and target.
This is a fixed‑term post linked to specific programme funding and any extension is subject to funding.
About you
You will be organised, proactive and comfortable coordinating multiple tasks in a fast‑paced research environment. You will have experience working in clinical research or research delivery and be confident communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.
Why join us?
North Bristol NHS Trust is committed to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred research that improves care and outcomes. You will be joining a supportive, forward‑thinking R&D team at the heart of a growing commercial research portfolio, with opportunities to develop specialist skills in research governance, study set‑up and performance delivery.
Main duties of the job
Key responsibilities
Coordinate feasibility assessments, protocol reviews and site set‑up activities
Facilitate commercial study feasibility and set‑up meetings with internal and external stakeholders
Support costing and contract processes, including use of the NIHR Interactive Costing Tool (iCT)
Support pre screening activities working with business intelligence
Liaise with NIHR RDN teams and industry partners to drive timely delivery
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records on EDGE and other research governance systems
Monitor recruitment performance and support reporting against NIHR performance metrics
Support compliance with ICH‑GCP, UK Clinical Trials Regulations and research governance frameworks
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities.Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification which provide a detailed description of the requirements of the job and the main responsibilities.
Person specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential criteria- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject such as science, social science, research, healthcare, or management.
- Evidence of continuing professional development appropriate to research or research management.
- Knowledge of ICH‑GCP principles and their application in clinical research.
- Project management training or qualification.
Work Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of working in clinical research or research delivery.
- Experience supporting the set‑up and/or management of research studies within an NHS or healthcare setting.
- Experience of working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience of administrative or coordination roles requiring accuracy, organisation, and attention to detail.
- Experience supporting commercial clinical trials
- Experience of working across multiple organisations or sites.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria- Good understanding of: Research governance frameworks and ethical principles. and Relevant legislation including Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations.
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and prioritise within a busy research environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including investigators, research teams, R&D staff and external partners
- Strong organisational, time‑management, and problem‑solving skills.
- Confident use of IT systems and databases with proficiency in the use of all MS applications
- Experience of protocol review and feasibility assessment.
- Understanding of NHS research finance principles and costing models (e.g. NIHR Interactive Costing Tool).
Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential criteria- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Ability to work independently while recognising when to escalate issues.
- Strong commitment to delivering results and meeting targets.
- Professional, reliable, and accountable.
- Willingness and ability to work across sites within the Bristol NHS Hospital Group.
- Proactive approach to identifying and resolving barriers to study delivery.
Please note that if you apply for a position with North Bristol NHS Trust, you may be contacted via TRAC or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your TRAC Account and email accounts including junk and spam folders.
If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.
If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel 0117 414 1151.
North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.