RSCI Royal College of Surgeons | Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant Department: Paediatrics Reporting to: Jennifer Ryan / Breda Hayes Location: Rotunda Hospital Contract/Duration: Three Years Remuneration: salary will align with SFI Research Assistant Salary Scale, subject to experience Closing Date: December 13th 2024 Summary of Post This post is funded as part of ELEVATE, a 5-year research programme focused on early brain injury and Cerebral Palsy, funded by SFI and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation through SFI's Strategic Partnership Programme. RCSI is now accepting applications for an enthusiastic and committed Research Assistant to work within the team based at The Rotunda Hospital Dublin. The ELEVATE Programme for Prediction, Early Detection & Intervention in Cerebral Palsy is a multisite program ongoing at all Irish tertiary maternity centres. This 5-year programme is focused on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of brain injury and cerebral palsy (CP) in infants during the period of maximum neuroplasticity (up to 2 years of age). It is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation through the SFI Strategic Partnership Programme. Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common lifelong physical disability. By targeting the earliest possible interventions and proactively preventing complications, the programme will optimise the health of children with Cerebral Palsy and improve their ability to participate in everyday life. An evidence-based approach will be taken to the early identification of high-risk babies and follow-up in the neonatal out-patient setting. The Research Assistant role will work to support the DETECT and INTERVENE parts of the programme. DETECT aims to characterise the development of neural architecture and function during sleep and sensorimotor events using EEG, from the near-term period to 3-4 months corrected gestational age INTERVENE is made up of interventional trials that for the basis for an intervention and innovation platform for CP research, ensuring that children with CP in Ireland benefit from the best evidence-based research. The Research Assistant will be involved in identifying eligible newborns in the neonatal unit and postnatal wards prior to discharge. They will assist the PI in day-to-day management of the research study including obtaining informed consent to participate, data collection and data entry to research database, co-ordinating follow-up appointments, assisting in the high-risk follow-up clinic, and to conduct family surveys. The candidate will support complimentary projects such as data entry and quality control activities for the Cerebral Palsy Early Detection and Intervention project which aims to lower the age at which Cerebral Palsy is diagnosed. Specifically, the duties of the post are: PROFESSIONAL Provide a high standard of clinical research work within a multi-professional research team. Ensure clinical research work is conducted in accordance with clinical research protocols. Ensure that data collection is accurate within the ELEVATE and CP EDI projects and data entry timely Regularly assess the needs of the research project/area and effect any changes as required. Participate in internal and external working groups to develop and share evidence based best practice. Undertake research, working under the direction of a Principal Investigator or their nominee in clinical areas to support the research project/area. RESEARCH Manage, coordinate, organize and implement basic science and clinical trial protocols to support the research project/area. Ensure accurate collection and maintenance of all study records, including those of team members. Actively participate in recruiting patients for trials, liaising with other professional groups and research staff to achieve this as required. When appropriate, assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support the research project/area. Facilitate effective communication of complex study information with all relevant research personnel, including: medical, nursing, administrative and pharmacy staff, as required. MANAGEMENT Manage own workload, patient interviews and co-coordinating investigations and procedures and arranging any follow up necessary for complex research trials, as required. Develop effective working partnership with staff, ensuring the two-way flow of all necessary documentation and information. Report adverse events to Principal Investigator or his/her nominee and ensure completion of appropriate documentation. Inform the Principal Investigator or his/her nominee of any untoward incidents or problem areas affecting the research project/area. Compile information for and accurately complete project reports for delegated studies. Promote effective teamwork, initiate and support management of change within the research project/area, as required. Ensure safe use of equipment in the research area EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT Participate in teaching programmes for staff as required. Act as role model, encouraging staff to develop new ways of working. Assist/educate participants in research protocols and methodologies. Recognise and use spontaneous and formal learning opportunities and share knowledge and experience with other staff. Continue to maintain and develop personal and management skills by undertaking mandatory and other training as required. Support research staff in the implementation and organisation of basic science and clinical trial protocols when appropriate Qualifications - (Essential): Degree or MSc in relevant discipline including data management, computer science, data science, Project Management training would be desirable. Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): Proven experience of managing data Proven experience of developing documentation related to data management and data access Understanding of GDPR and data protection Excellent administrative skills Strong IT skills Flexibility: can operate flexibly within a busy environment, shift focus when required, prioritise conflicting demands Ability to work as part of a team Conscientious and motivated individual Knowledge & Experience (Desirable): Database management experience Experience of research or clinical audit methodologies (i.e., data collection, validating, reporting) Track record of building positive working relationships with relevant stakeholders Strong problem solving skills Knowledge of cerebral palsy Understanding and experience of research ethics process Driving licence and access to car We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you. Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter. Please note we do not accept CVs directly. Informal Enquiries can be directed to Breda Hayes : email Employee benefits At RCSI, we help care for our people so they can focus on our mission to educate, nurture, and discover for the benefit of human health. RCSI make sure you have the resources you need to thrive. We offer a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future. In addition to our city centre campus and world-class facilities, there are a wide range of excellent benefits available to our employees, including: Onsite gym €10 per month Flexible working arrangements Automatic enrolment to a pension scheme for all employees (Willis Towers Watson, pension documents outlined below) RCSI Investment Guide Pension Scheme Guide Benefits Schedule Life assurance/death in service Long term illness/disability income replacement Free advice on health/motor and home insurance Discounted services, including GP Support for parents and carers Taxsaver commuter tickets BiketoWork Free eye test at the National Optometry centre €12/day for parking for all RSCI staff in the St. Stephens green/RCSI car park RCSI's Learning and Development team facilitate and provide training opportunities for all staff Sports and social club Opportunities to volunteer in the community 26.5 days leave - 20 days annual leave plus 6.5 days Privilege days - In addition to your annual leave entitlements and public holidays, RCSI also grants privilege days to our employees (paid time off during Easter and Christmas periods). We also offer a number of leave options to support the working lives of our employees. Paid maternity leave Paid Paternity leave Parental leave