Clinical Trial Manager Review

I manage a clinical trial, so this involves designing and planning how the trial will work, and gaining the ethical and regulatory approvals to open the trial. I spend my days in a variety of ways, from responding to emails from hospital staff, to managing and cleaning the data we receive, creating reports, talks, and presentations for stakeholders, to managing our online presence. No two days are the same! I also provide senior oversight to a number of other trials and management of a trial coordinator.

Part of my role involves managing both people and projects and my apprenticeship has been able to help me develop better processes for each, especially as they may have competing priorities and deadlines. It has helped me to manage the human resources needed to ensure all the work is complete and correct to a high standard.

I find it really interesting to learn about the theory behind managing people and processes, how different models can be applied to different situations with differing results. The college days are really useful as it allows me to see outside of my own working experience and see how managing people varies in different industries.

I think it is well structured. We have set blocks of themed learning for the college days, which means we spend a few months thinking, discussing, and working on the same area of management/leadership. This allows us to develop a deeper understanding of the topic and how it applies/is used in our own work currently.

I have a weekly meeting with my manager to go over any necessary training areas that we need to discuss. My manager is often able to think of ways to allow me to evidence my learning that may be in the wider remit of our team and not something immediately obvious in my own particular role. They have been encouraging of my learning immensely.

We have regular meetings, not only as part of the college days but outside of that. They have been fantastically responsive when I have had questions about some of the tasks set, and have come up with some creative ideas to allow me to evidence learning which are not obvious parts of my current role.

I feel it better equips me to manage and develop the people I oversee. It will better prepare me to deal with situations I have not yet experienced, and to anticipate needs ahead of, and during, periods of change. It allows me to manage project-related issues alongside the people-related issues.

Yes, my department has an active number of committees, who look after everything from our environmental impact to arranging and managing events. These events are social events for our department such as meals and dances, but also professional networking and research events, helping the department better understand the work from all it's members.

Yes

The University of Oxford is a fair and open employer. Encouraging personal and professional development for all staff. I have been able to pursue an MSc by research whilst holding a full-time role, being allowed the flexibility to do my research and write my thesis alongside my workload. I have also been afforded the flexibility to do an apprenticeship, again, with flexible working to allow the studies and work to be carried out on the job.

Ensure you take advantage of all the training and other opportunities afforded to you. Sometimes they are not immediately obvious, but there are plenty. Ask your manager or HR team for links to relevant directorates. There are always courses, workshops, or seminars available to assist in your ongoing professional development.