Research Assistant
Job overview
Research Assistant
Department Research & Development
Band 3 £24,625 - £25,674 per annum
Hours 37.5 all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
This is an exciting opportunity for applicants with patient facing experience and clinical experience to work within a busy research department with a portfolio of studies and clinical trials covering a range of conditions.
The studies we cover are NIHR supported, both commercial and non-commercial. The post holders may be expected to interact with patients and their families in relation to the requirements of the study and be able to work without supervision in some areas.
The post holder will learn about all aspects of clinical research with a focus on data, documentation, patient care including communication, obtaining, processing biological samples, organising appointments and investigations. The position will cover simultaneous working across several specialties.
MKUH actively encourages development within the workforce and employees are required to comply with trust mandatory training. MKUH aims to support high quality training to NHS staff through various services. The trust is committed to offering learning and development opportunities for all full-time and part-time employees.
Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.
For an informal discussion, please contact Cheryl Padilla-Harris (Research Nurse) Telephone: 01908995114
Interview date 11th June 2025
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide assistance in all aspects of administration of clinical trial delivery and carry out allocated tasks that are related to the delivery of and day to day running of clinical trials.
Working for our organisation
MKUH staff scored highest for ‘I look forward to coming to work’ (NHS Staff Survey 2023).
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free refreshments
- Great flexible working opportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
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Detailed job description and main responsibilities- Administration
- 1. Recording of clinical trial data onto case report forms (paper or electronic), checking for missing data and liaising with the research nurse to ensure that appropriate tests are carried out as per protocol requirements.
- 2. Take action to obtain, or correct missing data (resolve data queries) while maintaining confidentiality and retrospectively gather information on previously treated patients.
- Research practice
- 1. To deal sensitively and in a professional manner with patients in person and on the telephone when dealing with queries and booking appointments.
- 2. To adhere to the recommendations for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and risk assessments appropriate to the clinical area.
- Professional Development
- 1. To participate in the Trust’s Individual Performance Review process and demonstrate commitment to on-going professional development by working towards the objectives agreed within an annual Personal Development Plan.
- General
- 1. To have responsibility for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others and to comply at all times with the requirement of the Health and Safety Regulations.
- 2. To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and its amendments.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS.This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential criteria- Minimum 2 A-levels/ NVQ level 3 or equivalent
- Good verbal and written. communication skills.
- Computer literate with experience of Microsoft Office, including Access, Word and Excel.
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience in the handling and management of complex computer databases.
- Experience of working within a team environment
- Experience of working within a clinical trial setting.
- Experience in coordinating and managing the collection of research data.
Skills
Essential criteria- Capable of working on own initiative to problem solve.
- Good time management and a flexible willing attitude to working in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Good organisation and communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail, methodical with high standards of accuracy.
- Ability to generate reports and extract information from a database.
- Good level of manual dexterity.
- An understanding of medical terminology.
Personal and people development
Essential criteria- Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development.
- The desire to educate others within the department and share best practice.
- Flexible approach.
- Smart Appearance.
- Good health/attendance records.
Communication
Essential criteria- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
- Good presentation skills.