Research Sponsorship Officer - Commercial Research Delivery Centre

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Sheffield seeks a dedicated Research Sponsorship Officer for their Commercial Research Delivery Centre. The role involves ensuring compliance in commercial research, supporting investigators, and developing systems for research coordination. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research governance, excellent organisational and communication skills, and experience in project management. This full-time, permanent position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to paediatric research.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing programmes

Qualifications

• Experience in a research support environment or understanding of NHS R&D.
• Prior experience managing clinical trials and methodologies.
• Excellent presentation skills using Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Support compliance and planning throughout the research lifecycle.
• Act as primary contact for CRDC research within the Trust.
• Liaise with research staff and external partners for project success.

Skills

Commercial experience

Excellent organisational skills

Strong communication skills

Project Management

Education

First degree in biomedical/scientific discipline or equivalent experience

Project Management Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Research Sponsorship Officer - Commercial Research Delivery Centre

The closing date is 12 December 2025

Permanent | Full Time | Proposed interview date 05-Jan-2026

We are looking for a dedicated Research Sponsorship Officer to join our Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC).

This is a pivotal role in supporting the Trust's growing portfolio of commercial research studies, following our recent CRDC funding award.

As Research Sponsorship Officer, you will ensure that all commercial research is conducted in line with Trust requirements, current legislation, national guidelines, and Trust policies. You will provide expert advice and guidance to investigators, supporting them with administrative planning and compliance throughout the research lifecycle.

About You

Have a strong understanding of research governance and sponsorship requirements.

• Commercial experience and experience working with commercial partner

Possess excellent organisational and communication skills.

Are motivated to contribute to the advancement of paediatric research and innovation.

Main duties of the job

Reporting into the Research & Innovation Management Team some of your responsibilities will include:

• To contribute to the development and management of systems and procedures for the co-ordination of commercial research within the Trust
• Act as the primary contact for CRDC research within the Trust.
• Communicating effectively with the clinicians and research teams providing support and guidance to ensure best practice is achieved, and helping researchers to grow their commercial activity.
• Communicating with commercial sponsors and regional and national support services to trouble shoot any challenges in set up and delivery
• Liaising with all staff involved in research (Consultants and junior medical staff, project managers, research nurses and other nursing staff, central laboratories, Clinical Trials Unites, Clinical Research Organisations etc). This will involve attendance at project related meetings, investigator meetings (as necessary) to provide guidance and advice on relevant information to the study team.
• To have a robust knowledge of Information Governance and ensure adherence to applicable legislation and Trust Policies in the conduct of the Trust's Sponsored studies.
• Working with the Research & Development Manager to ensure that all required legal contracts are in place for the effective and robust delivery of commercial research.

About us

At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Job responsibilities

For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

*** This role has been assigned the occupation code 2237 using the CASCOT coding tool. To check the eligibility of this code for sponsorship and right to work please visit - UKVI web address https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes

Please note: We do not offer visa sponsorship for Band 2 roles.

Diversity Statement

At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [e-mail]. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.#LI-Onsite

Qualifications and Training

• First degree in biomedical / scientific discipline or equivalent experience
• Project Management Qualification

Experience

• Previous experience of working in a research support environment and/or understanding of NHS R&D environment, Sponsorship, research funding systems, managing clinical trials and clinical trial methodology and logistics.
• Managerial experience in an administration environment
• Experience in a governance or a research role
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and using them to produce written formal reports with quality presentation skills
• Experience of managing multiple projects / assignments independently and as a team
• Advanced decision making skills and ability to resolve complex work-related issues.
• Project Management
• Experience of working in the NHS
• Experience in a customer facing role
• Experience of managing a team

Personal Attributes

• Proven record of planning, organisational, change management and administration skills
• Excellent level of verbal and written communication with the ability to persuade, negotiate and influence others.
• Able to use judgement and initiative to provide information and support.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Empathetic approach to managing and resolving enquiries.
• Able to manage difficult and distressing situations effectively.
• Able to collaborate with others.
• Positive and flexible approach to work
• Understands limits of own responsibilities

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Address

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust