Research Project Coordinator

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research institution in Manchester is looking for a Project Manager Support to assist with Investigator-led research projects on cancer of unknown primary. The successful candidate will manage study documentation, coordinate data collection, and support grant applications. Ideal applicants will have experience in research environments, a solid understanding of project tracking, and strong skills in scientific writing and financial management.

Qualifications

• Experience in a research or clinical trials environment.
• Familiarity with study document management and eCRF systems.
• Understanding of IRAS and amendment processes is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in study document management and eCRF data entry.
• Manage project tracking, coordinate data collection, and reporting.
• Support funding opportunity identification and grant application preparation.
• Develop and review study documents and manage amendments.
• Handle survey design, database design, and operational troubleshooting.
• Prepare costings and financial reports, liaising with finance teams.
• Produce publication searches using databases like PubMed.
• Provide communication support and manage stakeholder communication.
• Organise meetings, workshops, and public participation events.

Skills

Research and clinical trials environment

Study document management

eCRF systems

Grant application preparation

Project tracking

Scientific writing

Financial management

Independent and collaborative work

Job description

Role overview

You will support the team of Project Managers at the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team (ECMT) with Investigator‑led research projects focused on cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Tasks include working on multi‑centre studies of blood and tissue samples, patient focus groups, educational events, and the preparation of scientific abstracts and publications.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in study document management and eCRF data entry, including amendment submissions through IRAS and meeting management (agenda development and minute taking).
• Manage project tracking, coordinate data collection, and provide accurate, timely reporting for annual outputs and finance & activity reporting.
• Support the Chief Investigator and Project Manager with funding opportunity identification, grant application preparation, budgeting, and scientific writing (annual reports, abstracts).
• Develop and review study documents (protocols, participant information sheets, advertising materials), ensuring clear and concise documentation and appropriate amendments.
• Handle questionnaire/survey design and distribution, database design, and patient/sample tracking; troubleshoot operational issues.
• Prepare costings, financial reports, and liaise with finance teams (including The Christie finance processes and University Finance).
• Produce and manage publication searches using tools such as PubMed, HDAS, and EndNote.
• Provide communication support: produce visual materials, produce PowerPoint presentations, and manage queries and stakeholder communication.
• Organise internal and external meetings, workshops and public participation events; handle logistics and support team supplies.

Qualifications and experience

• Experience in a research or clinical trials environment and familiarity with study document management and eCRF systems. Understanding of IRAS and amendment processes is essential.

• Ability to work independently, proactively and collaboratively with academic, clinical, and administrative staff nationally and internationally.

• Proven skills in grant application preparation, project tracking, financial management, and scientific writing.

Training and development

• Participation in Trust‑wide education programmes, study days, and national research seminars, and maintenance of professional development plans in line with the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework.

About The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

The Christie is a leading cancer research and treatment centre based in Manchester, serving a population of over 3 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire. It offers advanced radiotherapy, chemotherapy, specialist surgery, and a world‑class research programme with over 300 trials annually.

Equal opportunities statement

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a balanced and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and other ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. All positions are awarded on merit and the Trust has a zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery and forced or compulsory labour. Successful candidates will be required to provide satisfactory references, medical clearance and evidence of Right to Work in the UK, along with a DBS check where required.