Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and organised Junior Research Practitioner to support the delivery of high-quality clinical research within a busy primary
care setting.
The successful candidate will
demonstrate strong IT skills, excellent organisational
ability, and the capacity to manage both clinical and administrative workloads in a structured and protocol-driven environment. A
problem solving, analytical approach with attention to detail is required.
This is an opportunity for someone with a clinical
background or healthcare experience who is interested in developing skills in
clinical research. We welcome applications from Physician Associates, aspiring Healthcare
Assistants, and other clinical staff who are keen to expand their role within
research.
As our research function continues to grow, there
will be opportunities for the right candidate to develop and progress within
the research team, helping to shape and support the delivery of future studies
within the organization.
We are recruiting for between 30-37 hours.
Visits
to site to meet the team are encouraged prior to interview.
Main duties of the job
The Junior Research Assistant will support the safe and effective delivery of clinical research studies within a primary care setting. The role combines hands-on clinical responsibilities with research coordination and administrative support.
The post-holder will undertake healthcare assistant level duties including venepuncture, ECG recording, basic health assessments and the processing of biological samples using a centrifuge, ensuring all procedures are carried out in line with study protocols, infection control standards, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). If you are a candidate with further clinical experience, there is opportunity for the role to include more clinical responsibilities.
In addition, the role involves supporting the coordination, implementation, and rollout of research projects. This includes identifying and screening eligible patients using clinical IT systems, managing study documentation, maintaining accurate data entry, liaising with research sponsors and external partners, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
IT competency is essential, as the role requires confident use of electronic clinical systems, research databases, and digital reporting tools to maintain high standards of data quality and governance.
About us
Ashfields Primary Care Centre is a growing practice serving over 28,000 patients in the semi-rural market town of Sandbach, Cheshire, with excellent access to the M6 motorway.
We have:
High patient satisfaction scores
A good CQC report with outstanding features
A supportive and well-established clinical team including a Physicians Assosiate, Nurses, HCA's, Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
A dedicated pharmacist team providing chronic disease management, drug titration clinics, and post-discharge medication reviews
First Contact Physiotherapists, Care Coordinators, and a comprehensive administrative team
As an active member of our Primary Care Network, we maintain close working relationships with local care networks and community services
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Duties
-
Undertake venipuncture in accordance with study protocols, infection prevention and control standards, and local policy.
-
Perform and accurately record ECGs.
-
Process biological samples safely and competently, including the operation of a centrifuge.
-
Label, prepare, and dispatch specimens in line with study requirements and laboratory guidance.
-
Prepare clinical areas and equipment for research visits, ensuring cleanliness and readiness.
-
Support research clinics and participant appointments as required.
Extra physical assessments may be required for
specific studies, but full training will be given as per study protocol.
Research Coordination and Administrative Duties
- Provide administrative support for
the team which will includes duties such as filing, printing, appointment
booking and answering patient calls.
- Support the team with study
specific administrative tasks such as managing courier collections, lab kit
ordering, lab kit preparation.
-
Assist in the coordination, implementation, and rollout of research projects within the practice.
-
Identify and screen potential participants using clinical IT systems and approved search tools.
-
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous research documentation in accordance with study protocols.
-
Complete data entry onto electronic case report forms and research databases.
-
Manage study-related correspondence, appointment booking, and participant follow-up.
-
Liaise with external research teams, sponsors, and research network staff as required.
-
Ensure secure storage, archiving, and maintenance of study files.
Managing samples
collections using dry ice.
IT and Data Responsibilities
-
Confidently utilise electronic clinical systems for patient searches, coding, and data extraction.
-
Maintain high standards of data quality and confidentiality in line with GDPR and NHS data governance requirements.
-
Support digital reporting and research performance monitoring.
-
Assist with audits and data validation exercises.
Governance and Professional Responsibilities
- Work within the scope of competence and under the supervision of the Research Lead / team
- Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and all relevant research governance frameworks.
- Participate in mandatory training and maintain required clinical competencies.
- Complete all study protocol specific training in a timely manner
- Contribute to incident reporting, significant event reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold professional standards at all times.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Duties
-
Undertake venipuncture in accordance with study protocols, infection prevention and control standards, and local policy.
-
Perform and accurately record ECGs.
-
Process biological samples safely and competently, including the operation of a centrifuge.
-
Label, prepare, and dispatch specimens in line with study requirements and laboratory guidance.
-
Prepare clinical areas and equipment for research visits, ensuring cleanliness and readiness.
-
Support research clinics and participant appointments as required.
Extra physical assessments may be required for
specific studies, but full training will be given as per study protocol.
Research Coordination and Administrative Duties
- Provide administrative support for
the team which will includes duties such as filing, printing, appointment
booking and answering patient calls.
- Support the team with study
specific administrative tasks such as managing courier collections, lab kit
ordering, lab kit preparation.
-
Assist in the coordination, implementation, and rollout of research projects within the practice.
-
Identify and screen potential participants using clinical IT systems and approved search tools.
-
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous research documentation in accordance with study protocols.
-
Complete data entry onto electronic case report forms and research databases.
-
Manage study-related correspondence, appointment booking, and participant follow-up.
-
Liaise with external research teams, sponsors, and research network staff as required.
-
Ensure secure storage, archiving, and maintenance of study files.
Managing samples
collections using dry ice.
IT and Data Responsibilities
-
Confidently utilise electronic clinical systems for patient searches, coding, and data extraction.
-
Maintain high standards of data quality and confidentiality in line with GDPR and NHS data governance requirements.
-
Support digital reporting and research performance monitoring.
-
Assist with audits and data validation exercises.
Governance and Professional Responsibilities
- Work within the scope of competence and under the supervision of the Research Lead / team
- Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and all relevant research governance frameworks.
- Participate in mandatory training and maintain required clinical competencies.
- Complete all study protocol specific training in a timely manner
- Contribute to incident reporting, significant event reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold professional standards at all times.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified to NVQ level 2 in Health and Social care or equivalent
- Competent in venipuncture
Experience
Essential
- Experience of performing ECGs
- Experience of basic health assesments
- Strong IT skills with experience using electronic clinical systems
Desirable
- Experience of working in primary care
- Experience of working in research and/or supporting delivering a research project
- Competent in the safe use of a centrifuge
- GCP trained
- Immunisation/Vaccination trained
Skills
Essential
- Excellent organisational and time management skills - ability to manage competing responsibilities
- Willingness to continually learn and increase knowledge
- Ability to work independently and manage own time and workload
- Adapatable to continual change in daily tasks and daily work requirements.
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Effective record keeping ability
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified to NVQ level 2 in Health and Social care or equivalent
- Competent in venipuncture
Experience
Essential
- Experience of performing ECGs
- Experience of basic health assesments
- Strong IT skills with experience using electronic clinical systems
Desirable
- Experience of working in primary care
- Experience of working in research and/or supporting delivering a research project
- Competent in the safe use of a centrifuge
- GCP trained
- Immunisation/Vaccination trained
Skills
Essential
- Excellent organisational and time management skills - ability to manage competing responsibilities
- Willingness to continually learn and increase knowledge
- Ability to work independently and manage own time and workload
- Adapatable to continual change in daily tasks and daily work requirements.
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Effective record keeping ability
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
