Case study: Shape The Future - Meet James

How long have you worked in research?

Three years

What does your current role involve?

My role primarily entails contributing to the operational supervision and strategic planning for both Dorset County Hospitals Research Department and the Weymouth Research Hub on a day-to-day basis.

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to work in research?

Having qualified as a Paramedic in 2015, my initial role was with South Western Ambulance Service, working on the blues and twos! I subsequently moved to the secondary care setting to gain news experiences in a hospital setting and expand my career development opportunities, which ultimately led to working in the field of research.

What do you love about your role?

Every day is different and each day presents unique challenges. I work alongside an amazing research delivery team who are working on some incredibly exciting studies that will help shape the future of healthcare.

Can you describe a typical day?

I’d say I have an adaptive role to suit the needs of the service, so every day is different.

As a member of the leadership team within the Research Department, my primary focus resolves around our commitment to enhance the research delivery service, in line with local and national strategies.

In addition, I oversee the clinical and non-clinical research delivery team which includes Nurses, Midwives, AHPs and Research Project Managers. My role in this capacity is to provide supervision, advice and support for our staff and their research portfolios.

What would you say to someone considering a career in clinical research?

You’re contributing to a better tomorrow.