Job summary
Assistant Clinical Research Practitioner Fixed Term Contract
Department: Research and Development
Band 4 £27,485 - £30,162 Per annum
Hours 37.5 per week, Fixed term until 21 August 2026, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Assistant Clinical Research Practitioner to join our team supporting the Generation study -- a national Genomics England project exploring how our DNA can transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.In this role, you will work closely with participants, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and respected throughout their research journey. Collect and process biological samples, collate and record data with exceptional accuracy.
Your ability to handle sensitive information with empathy and professionalism will be key; the role combines technical skill with empathy, requiring excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
We offer full training where required, and you'll be encouraged to participate in training events, contribute to student placements, and act as a positive role model within the team.
Contact Joanna.Mead@mkuh.nhs.uk or Ifedolapo.Aromire@mkuh.nhs.uk
Interviews on 7th April 2026
Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.
Main duties of the job
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
'A strong 76.6% of this staff group express genuine enthusiasm for their work.'' NHS Survey, 2024''
The Assistant Clinical Research Practitioner will provide clinical and administrative support to the clinical research teams within the Research & Development Department, in the first instance ensuring the safe conduct of research in accordance with the regulatory and legal frameworks relating to the planning, undertaking and closure of research studies, providing assurance that the rights, safety and well-being of trial participants are protected.
The post holder will be supported through a comprehensive training/competency package as appropriate to the job role and will assist in the identification, recruitment, and management of participants into a portfolio of research studies including but not restricted to commercial and non-commercial clinical trials.
Having completed all relevant competencies and under the supervision of registered nursing staff they will also be responsible for the co-ordination and management of a portfolio of research studies that do not involve administration of medicines and contribute to the delivery of clinical trials within bounds of their clinical practice.
The job holder may be required to carry out other similar or related duties which do not fall within the work outlined in the description which may reasonably be required to deliver a comprehensive research service to our patients
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
Clinical
Provide appropriate information to patients and their carers prior to and during participation in studies.
Arrange patient assessments and visits as appropriate to relevant study protocol.
Research
Support Research Nurses and Physicians by assisting in the planning and conduct of all types of research studies.
Adhere to trial protocols and work in accordance with ICH GCP and Trust Standard Operating Procedures
Communication
Communicate effectively with members of the MDT to keep them updated on trial progress.
Communicate with research departments both within and external to the Network.
Education, Training and Development
Keep up to date with departmental Trust, NHS and EU developments for the implementation of clinical research.
Undertake any training and assessment of competency required for the role.
Other
Update and maintain mandatory and statutory training as required by the Trust.
Be flexible in approach with working times and workload management.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
Provide appropriate information to patients and their carers prior to and during participation in studies.
Arrange patient assessments and visits as appropriate to relevant study protocol.
Research
Support Research Nurses and Physicians by assisting in the planning and conduct of all types of research studies.
Adhere to trial protocols and work in accordance with ICH GCP and Trust Standard Operating Procedures
Communication
Communicate effectively with members of the MDT to keep them updated on trial progress.
Communicate with research departments both within and external to the Network.
Education, Training and Development
Keep up to date with departmental Trust, NHS and EU developments for the implementation of clinical research.
Undertake any training and assessment of competency required for the role.
Other
Update and maintain mandatory and statutory training as required by the Trust.
Be flexible in approach with working times and workload management.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Diploma, Life Sciences degree or NVQ level 3 plus relevant course or experience
- Proficient in Excel and other IT systems.
- ICH good clinical practice certification
Experience
Essential
- Broad experience of working in a healthcare setting.
Desirable
- Experience in research or clinical trials
Skills
Essential
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Evidence of accuracy to detail in data collection.
- Ability to work autonomously and part of a team.
- Ability to work flexibly as required to meet the need of the service.
- Evidence of computer literacy.
- Competency in obtaining vital signs, ECG, height, weight etc.
- Phlebotomy skills.
Desirable
- Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise work.
- Receive, process and store/ship biological samples.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Participate in personal objective setting and review, including a personal development plan.
- To participate in regular one to one meeting with your line manager
- Participate in the placements of students within the team, providing a supportive environment and sharing skills and knowledge as appropriate.
- Behave consistently with the values and beliefs of the organisation and promote these on day-to-day basis.
- Act as a role model to colleagues, always seeking to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
- Ability to organise allocated workload.
Desirable
- Be actively working towards CRP accreditation or registered to do so.
- Attend NIHR and Thames Valley Comprehensive Research Network relevant training events as required.
Communication
Essential
- Provide and receive complex or sensitive information.
- Recognise difficult circumstances that require clear, supportive, and empathetic conduct.
- Maintain clear communication with colleagues and line management.
- Communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, relatives, and all members of the multidisciplinary team regarding research studies.
Desirable
- Communicate effectively and with sensitivity.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Diploma, Life Sciences degree or NVQ level 3 plus relevant course or experience
- Proficient in Excel and other IT systems.
- ICH good clinical practice certification
Experience
Essential
- Broad experience of working in a healthcare setting.
Desirable
- Experience in research or clinical trials
Skills
Essential
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Evidence of accuracy to detail in data collection.
- Ability to work autonomously and part of a team.
- Ability to work flexibly as required to meet the need of the service.
- Evidence of computer literacy.
- Competency in obtaining vital signs, ECG, height, weight etc.
- Phlebotomy skills.
Desirable
- Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise work.
- Receive, process and store/ship biological samples.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Participate in personal objective setting and review, including a personal development plan.
- To participate in regular one to one meeting with your line manager
- Participate in the placements of students within the team, providing a supportive environment and sharing skills and knowledge as appropriate.
- Behave consistently with the values and beliefs of the organisation and promote these on day-to-day basis.
- Act as a role model to colleagues, always seeking to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
- Ability to organise allocated workload.
Desirable
- Be actively working towards CRP accreditation or registered to do so.
- Attend NIHR and Thames Valley Comprehensive Research Network relevant training events as required.
Communication
Essential
- Provide and receive complex or sensitive information.
- Recognise difficult circumstances that require clear, supportive, and empathetic conduct.
- Maintain clear communication with colleagues and line management.
- Communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, relatives, and all members of the multidisciplinary team regarding research studies.
Desirable
- Communicate effectively and with sensitivity.
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.
