Job summary
Research Assistant
Department: Research & Development
Band 3
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 with a minimum of 2 A-Levels/NVQ level 3 or equivalent to work within a busy research department with a portfolio of studies and clinical trials covering a range of conditions. These are NIHR supported studies 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. Prior experience is desirable though not essential.
The position will cover simultaneous working across several specialties from Emergency Medicine to Cardiology, Orthopaedics, MSK, Dermatology etc.
Personal development and training
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.
Currently no sponsorship available.
For an informal discussion, please contact Zeljka Ver (Research Nurse) Telephone: 01908 997557
Interview date: 16.02.2026
Main duties of the job
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
"- NHS Survey, 2024'' They feel supported in their employers making reasonable adjustments to help them carry out their work, rating an 82.9%
The post holders will learn about all aspects of clinical research with a focus on data and documentation and patient care including communication, obtaining, and processing biological samples and organising appointments and investigations.
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.
To ensure skills are up-to-date and relevant to the role, to follow relevant Trust policies and professional codes and to maintain registration where this is a requirement of the role.
To undertake such duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the grade and the needs of the service.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
Administration
1.1. 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.
1.2. Take action to obtain, or correct missing data (resolve data queries) while maintaining confidentiality and retrospectively gather information on previously treated patients.
1.3. To coordinate and manage the collection of research data according to the trial protocol by developing and utilising systems for tracking patients to ensure that data is collected, (screen and prepare for clinics).
1.4. Ensure that patient documents are available to use and managed appropriately when in use.
Research practice
1.1. To deal sensitively and in a professional manner with patients in person and on the telephone when dealing with queries and booking appointments.
1.2. To adhere to the recommendations for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and risk assessments appropriate to the clinical area.
1.3. Extract, process and prepare for transport biological samples (centrifuge/pipette), including blood and urine as per protocol requirements.
1.4. To arrange shipment of biological samples as required as part of the clinical trial.
1.5. To assist in the checking of basic research equipment e.g. checking temperature of fridge on a daily basis and arranging for annual checks of research equipment through external organisation.
1. Professional Development
1.1. To participate in the Trusts Individual Performance Review process and demonstrate commitment to on-going professional development by working towards the objectives agreed within an annual Personal Development Plan.
2. General
2.1. 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.
2.2. 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.
2.3. To work in accordance with the Trusts Equality and Diversity policy to eliminate unlawful discrimination in relation to employment and service delivery.
2.4. To promote at all times equal opportunities for staff and patients in accordance with the Trusts policies to ensure that no person receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of: age; disability; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race (ethnicity); religion or belief; sex (gender); gender reassignment or sexual orientation.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Administration
1.1. 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.
1.2. Take action to obtain, or correct missing data (resolve data queries) while maintaining confidentiality and retrospectively gather information on previously treated patients.
1.3. To coordinate and manage the collection of research data according to the trial protocol by developing and utilising systems for tracking patients to ensure that data is collected, (screen and prepare for clinics).
1.4. Ensure that patient documents are available to use and managed appropriately when in use.
Research practice
1.1. To deal sensitively and in a professional manner with patients in person and on the telephone when dealing with queries and booking appointments.
1.2. To adhere to the recommendations for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and risk assessments appropriate to the clinical area.
1.3. Extract, process and prepare for transport biological samples (centrifuge/pipette), including blood and urine as per protocol requirements.
1.4. To arrange shipment of biological samples as required as part of the clinical trial.
1.5. To assist in the checking of basic research equipment e.g. checking temperature of fridge on a daily basis and arranging for annual checks of research equipment through external organisation.
1. Professional Development
1.1. To participate in the Trusts Individual Performance Review process and demonstrate commitment to on-going professional development by working towards the objectives agreed within an annual Personal Development Plan.
2. General
2.1. 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.
2.2. 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.
2.3. To work in accordance with the Trusts Equality and Diversity policy to eliminate unlawful discrimination in relation to employment and service delivery.
2.4. To promote at all times equal opportunities for staff and patients in accordance with the Trusts policies to ensure that no person receives less favourable treatment than another on the grounds of: age; disability; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race (ethnicity); religion or belief; sex (gender); gender reassignment or sexual orientation.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- 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
- Experience in the handling and management of complex computer databases.
- Experience of working within a team environment.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a clinical trial setting.
- Experience in coordinating and managing the collection of research data.
Skills
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- An understanding of medical terminology.
Personal and people development
Essential
- 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
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
Desirable
- Good presentation skills.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- 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
- Experience in the handling and management of complex computer databases.
- Experience of working within a team environment.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a clinical trial setting.
- Experience in coordinating and managing the collection of research data.
Skills
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- An understanding of medical terminology.
Personal and people development
Essential
- 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
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
Desirable
- Good presentation skills.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
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.
