Information Officer

We have an exciting opportunity to work as part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Newcastle Core Theme to provide operational and performance support across a portfolio of translational research and associated activity.

The Biomedical Research Centre: Newcastle is a major funding award from the NIHR to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust delivered in partnership with the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. The NIHR BRC: Newcastle supports a range of projects, studentships, clinical infrastructure and research posts across various research themes to achieve its aims and objectives.

As a member of the NIHR BRC: Newcastle core team, the post holder will play a key role in the collection and analysis of information and data to support the operational and performance management of the Centre. The post holder will be responsible for the collection, management and analysis of performance data from a range of sources, supporting data reporting to the NIHR, in line with regulations and guidance as appropriate. You will work closely with theme leads, principal investigators and professional services teams across the BRC partnership organisations.

This post is full-time, however requests for part-time will be considered. This is a fixed term appointment to 31 March 2028. The post is suitable for blended working. We expect a minimum of 60% of your time will be based in the office in Newcastle.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Responsibility for the collation, maintenance and integrity of the NIHR BRC: Newcastle's management information and reporting systems, working with the BRC Research Programme Manager to help plan the Centre's data collection, analysis and reporting in line with NIHR requirements.
2. Support the BRC Research Programme Manager in the development of performance management metrics for the Centre.
3. Coordinate and organise the standardisation of data and/or information collection across the NIHR BRC: Newcastle and contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate quality assurance mechanisms and standard operating procedures (SOPs), in relation to data management.
4. Collect and store information and performance data ensuring an evidence-based approach is used for NIHR audit purposes.
5. Plan and organise activity in relation to the BRC Database, both in its day-to-day operations and future development. Ensure accurate and timely collection and upload of data, and reporting to NIHR.
6. Ensure operational management and maintenance of the BRC database meets both internal and external (e.g. legislative) requirements.
7. Research, collate, organise and edit material for inclusion in reports and documents relating to NIHR BRC: Newcastle activities. Produce regular internal reports and/or presentations to BRC management detailing progress against key metrics.
8. Support the wider BRC Core team with analysis and interpretation of data to support the operational management of the BRC.
9. Work with the BRC Communications Manager to support the update and maintenance of the NIHR BRC: Newcastle website and communication platforms ensuring that BRC performance data is disseminated widely.
10. Represent the NIHR BRC: Newcastle at internal and external meetings, as required, related to the NIHR information systems, making presentations as appropriate.
11. Liaise with staff at all levels including BRC Executive, administrative staff, theme leads, chief investigators, NHS and University research staff, NIHR and patient and community representatives.
12. Support other NIHR BRC: Newcastle activity as required including public and patient involvement, training, and industry focussed activity.
13. Take responsibility for identifying own learning needs, including identifying appropriate courses to ensure up to date knowledge in the funding streams available to support translational research, as well as developing an awareness of the regulations governing clinical research and research data.

The Person (Essential):

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Experience of working with large and complex datasets, producing management information reports
- Excellent data analysis skills, including the ability to recognise new requirements and perform appropriate analysis to meet business needs
- Experience of planning and organising, being able to prioritise tasks effectively and manage own workload in relation to both internal and external deadlines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across a range of professions and abilities
- Proven ability to work as a member of a team and to develop close and effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels in an organisation and preferably across organisational, professional and geographical boundaries
- Experience of working independently and delegating tasks
- Experience of planning and progressing work within general guidelines, using initiative and judgement without recourse to senior staff
- Excellent attention to detail
- Experience of project reporting and presentation
- Knowledge of administrative processes and procedures in academia and/or the NHS
- Familiarity with medical, scientific and/or research methodology and terminology

Attributes and Behaviour:
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, including the ability to work to deadlines, organise own workload and work independently
- Excellent analytical skills including the ability to analyse data, identify patterns and present findings
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally
- Excellent IT skills, including competent use of Microsoft Office (specifically Excel)
- A readiness to acquire new IT skills and recognition of the importance of good quality data in research
- A positive and supportive attitude; ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others
- Flexibility with respect to working hours

Qualifications:
- A good level of education up to A level or equivalent
- Excellent level of literacy and numeracy

Benefits:
Newcastle University offers a generous holiday package plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives.