Research Support Officer

Organisation/Company University College Cork Department HR Research Research Field Medical sciences » Other Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions Research Support Positions Country Ireland Application Deadline 28 Nov 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Research Support Officer - Clinical (audit/data officer) will provide dedicated support for the collection, entry, validation, and maintenance of high-quality data for submission to the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC). The role will focus on assisting with the Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit, Severe Maternal Morbidity National Clinical Audit, and Registered Homebirths in Ireland Clinical Audit, ensuring accurate and timely provision of data in line with national reporting requirements. The post-holder will work under the direction of, and report directly to the Project Manager.

Project Title:Perinatal Mortality, Severe Maternal Morbidity and Registered Homebirths clinical audits

- Provide a high standard of clinical audit /research work within a multidisciplinary professional research team.

- Ensure clinical audit/research work is conducted in accordance with clinical research protocols.

- To regularly assess the needs of the research project/area and effect any changes as required.

- To participate in internal and external working groups to develop and share evidence based best practice.

- To 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.

- To ensure accurate collection and maintenance of all study records, including those of team members.

- To 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 across maternity units as required.

MANAGEMENT

- Manage own workload and co-coordinate audit data as required. 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.

ADDITIONAL

- Carry out initial validation checks to identify errors, missing values, or inconsistencies.

- Liaise with clinical staff across maternity units to clarify and resolve any data discrepancies.

- Ensure datasets meet quality standards prior to review by the Project Manager.

- Provide administrative and technical support to ensure timely submission of audit data.

- Support the preparation of summaries, charts, or reports as required.

- Report regularly on progress, issues, and risks to the Project Manager.

- Escalate unresolved or complex queries promptly to the Project Manager

- Ensure compliance with GDPR, data protection, and confidentiality policies at all times

- Participate in training relevant to audit systems, databases, and data governance.

- Contribute to a culture of quality improvement and evidence-based practice within maternity services.

Specific Requirements

ESSENTIAL

- A graduate qualification in a field or discipline relevant to the area of investigation i.e. BSc, MSc or PhD.

- Evidence of ongoing professional development.

- Demonstrable knowledge of good clinical practice.

- Clinical research experience/interest in clinical research.

- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- Able to use initiative.

- Able to prioritise and deliver agreed objectives.

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