Job summary
Were looking for a highly organised and motivated
individual to join our Research & Innovation (R&I) team as an
Administrator and Personal Assistant. Based within a busy NHS research
department, this is a varied and rewarding role that supports high-quality
research to improve patient care.
You'll be a key contact for research queries, helping
clinicians and researchers navigate processes and paperwork. From managing
diaries to organising major events like conferences and training days, this
role is ideal for someone who enjoys juggling different tasks and being part of
a dynamic, forward-thinking team.
If you have strong administrative skills, a keen
eye for detail, and a proactive approach, wed love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
As the R&I Administrator, youll provide essential
administrative support to the department and act as a key link between
researchers, clinicians, and the wider Trust. Youll help manage the research
application process, keep databases and records up to date, and ensure studies
are approved and amended efficiently.
You'll also support senior staff by arranging meetings,
taking minutes, booking travel, and handling day-to-day office tasks. A big
part of the role involves assisting the setup of events such as conferences and
training, so good organisation and communication skills are essential.
Your work will directly contribute to how
research is delivered across the Trust helping us improve care, develop new
treatments, and create a culture of innovation.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a hands-on and varied role supporting the delivery
of high-quality clinical research across the Trust. A key focus will be working
closely with the Research Facilitator to support the smooth setup of research
studies. Youll help ensure studies meet all governance requirements and are
ready to begin on time.
Youll assist with collecting and reviewing essential
documents, helping researchers navigate the approval process, and tracking
applications through to capacity and capability sign-off. Youll support the
amendment process toomaking sure updates are properly reviewed, recorded, and
communicated to all relevant teams.
Other aspects of the role include:
- Advising researchers and clinicians on whats needed for
their studies, including IRAS submissions, research passports, and local
approvals.
- Maintaining accurate records and databases to monitor
study progress, generate reports, and support regulatory compliance.
- Organising meetings and events, including the R&I
Committee and the annual research conference.
- Providing PA support to the Director and senior team,
including diary management and correspondence.
- Helping with general office functions, such as
procurement, stock control, absence tracking, and managing communications.
- Welcoming and supporting new staff, helping then gain
access to necessar systems.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong eye
for detail, excellent organisational skills, and a desire to play a vital part
in how research is set up and delivered within the NHS.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a hands-on and varied role supporting the delivery
of high-quality clinical research across the Trust. A key focus will be working
closely with the Research Facilitator to support the smooth setup of research
studies. Youll help ensure studies meet all governance requirements and are
ready to begin on time.
Youll assist with collecting and reviewing essential
documents, helping researchers navigate the approval process, and tracking
applications through to capacity and capability sign-off. Youll support the
amendment process toomaking sure updates are properly reviewed, recorded, and
communicated to all relevant teams.
Other aspects of the role include:
- Advising researchers and clinicians on whats needed for
their studies, including IRAS submissions, research passports, and local
approvals.
- Maintaining accurate records and databases to monitor
study progress, generate reports, and support regulatory compliance.
- Organising meetings and events, including the R&I
Committee and the annual research conference.
- Providing PA support to the Director and senior team,
including diary management and correspondence.
- Helping with general office functions, such as
procurement, stock control, absence tracking, and managing communications.
- Welcoming and supporting new staff, helping then gain
access to necessar systems.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong eye
for detail, excellent organisational skills, and a desire to play a vital part
in how research is set up and delivered within the NHS.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good Standard of Education - Minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at C Grade or above including English Language
- NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent knowledge/experience (or working towards)
- Keyboarding/typing qualification equivalent to RSA 3/OCR Advanced text/word processing or equivalent proven typing skills to a high standard (or working towards)
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of computer packages, e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Knowledge of Data Protection and Caldicott Principles and understanding of the need to maintain strict confidentiality
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and verbal
- Excellent time management and a flexible willing attitude to work with ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
- Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision following set procedures and the ability to work effectively within a team
- IT skills including ability to manage databases and retrieve information
Experience
Essential
- Experience in planning and organising own time and diary management for senior staff
- Administration and Secretarial experience
- Skilled and knowledgeable in the use of Microsoft Office Software Package
Desirable
- Experience in organising conferences and training days
- Experience in demonstrating procedures to new starters and demonstrating new procedures to members of the team.
- Experience of maintaining stock control and use of NHS procurement system
- Experience in planning and organising regular departmental and directorate meetings
- Experience of taking and transcribing Minutes of Meetings
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good Standard of Education - Minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at C Grade or above including English Language
- NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent knowledge/experience (or working towards)
- Keyboarding/typing qualification equivalent to RSA 3/OCR Advanced text/word processing or equivalent proven typing skills to a high standard (or working towards)
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of computer packages, e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Knowledge of Data Protection and Caldicott Principles and understanding of the need to maintain strict confidentiality
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both written and verbal
- Excellent time management and a flexible willing attitude to work with ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
- Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision following set procedures and the ability to work effectively within a team
- IT skills including ability to manage databases and retrieve information
Experience
Essential
- Experience in planning and organising own time and diary management for senior staff
- Administration and Secretarial experience
- Skilled and knowledgeable in the use of Microsoft Office Software Package
Desirable
- Experience in organising conferences and training days
- Experience in demonstrating procedures to new starters and demonstrating new procedures to members of the team.
- Experience of maintaining stock control and use of NHS procurement system
- Experience in planning and organising regular departmental and directorate meetings
- Experience of taking and transcribing Minutes of Meetings
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.
