Research Governance Officer

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

We have a secondment opportunity for a Research Governance Officer to join our Legal and Governance (LeGo) team on a part time basis (2.5 days) for 12 months to cover maternity leave.

Would you like to work with LeGo supporting Sanger’s world-leading science? If so this could be the role for you.

About the Role:

You will enable research teams at the Institute to comply with the regulation, approvals and internal policy and governance processes relating to the use of human materials in research.

You will be responsible for:

• You will work with Faculty and research teams across a broad scientific spectrum to support and take the lead, particularly for studies which are multi-site and complex cases, completing, submitting and tracking applications: research ethics committee (REC) applications via IRAS; submissions to the HRA, RDN and NHS trusts; including ethics applications, research participant information sheets and consent forms, and other associated documentation.
• You will be responsible for providing detailed specialist advice and on the regulation, approvals and internal policy and governance processes relating to the use of human materials in research. You will have shared responsibility for communication with, and training of, Institute staff in this area, particularly training provision to cover Chief Investigator and Principal Investigators’ accountabilities and responsibilities.
• You will ensure the timely submission of reports for Sanger sponsored studies. Undertaking these tasks efficiently and effectively without the need for manager supervision.
• You will be expected to understands and identify potential ethical or process issues, and work to reduce risks to the organisation. Pro-actively assisting with and leading on the development of Institute internal research governance policies and processes as they relate to the use of human materials in research.
• You will carry out unsupervised monitoring and risk mitigation site-visits, and/or lead remote monitoring, at organisations recruiting research participants for Sanger sponsored studies. This will include working with Principal Investigators, LeGo Quality Officer and senior clinical staff at sites, and advising on and devising plans to mitigate future risks, as appropriate.
• Your responsibilities will be Institute-wide, proactively assisting with and, as appropriate, leading on activities in supporting the Research Governance Manager, and reporting into the Head of Research Governance for Trusted Human Research.

About You:

You will be a strong team player with proven communication, administration and organisational skills. You should demonstrate flexibility and possess excellent organisational and administrative skills in order to work on multiple, complex tasks with competing deadlines. You possess the skills to effectively negotiate changes in or influence behaviour with regard to processes in order to improve compliance with regulations and internal policies and procedures. You will have the ability to build effective relationships with members of the Institute and external partners at all levels.

Essential Skills:

• Graduate qualification (in science or law related discipline would be desirable)
• Deep knowledge of NHS REC / HRA / NHS R&D and RDN processes
• Understanding of the complexity of multi-site research studies
• Excellent knowledge of legal and ethical issues raised by the use of human tissue in biological, genetic and clinical research
• Proven strong organisational skills and ability to work effectively and efficiently on multiple, complex administrative tasks without managerial supervision and with sole accountability
• Ability to work to competing deadlines and changing priorities
• Excellent written and oral communication and reporting skills
• Strong team player
• Fluency in essential IT skills, such as MSOffice and databases
• Confidence, experience and knowledge to appropriately challenge and work with others to change behaviours

About Us:

The Research Governance team is responsible for ensuring that governance processes are in place to enable research undertaken at the Sanger Institute to comply with all relevant national/international legislation and global accords, including the Human Tissue Act and Access and Benefit Sharing regulations (including the Nagoya Protocol).

To enable research using human materials the team drives projects through the Health Research Authority (HRA) and NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC) approval pathway, liaises with NHS R&D departments on behalf of the research teams at the Institute, and acts as the sponsor’s contact for Sanger sponsored studies, enabling Sanger to fulfil its responsibilities as a sponsor of research studies.

Application Process:

Please include a cover letter along with your CV. In your cover letter include detail on how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role described.

Interviews may take place during the advert window and post closing date.

Other Information:

• Grade 2
• Part time between 2.5 days per week
• Working days can be flexible but ideally would include Tuesdays and Thursdays

Closing Date:

16th June 2025

Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits:

We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.

Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

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