Role Summary
The Research Assistant Practitioner will work as part of the clinical research team to support the safe and effective delivery of research in accordance with the Research Governance Framework and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, ensuring the rights, safety, and well-being of trial participants are protected.
The postholder will provide technical, practical, and clinical support across a range of research projects. Working within a multidisciplinary clinical trials team, they will contribute to the delivery of the study portfolio and help achieve recruitment targets in line with performance and monitoring objectives.
They will be responsible for supporting the implementation and ongoing monitoring of clinical research activities, ensuring all procedures are carried out in accordance with study protocols. The role includes recruiting participants, collecting data, and contributing to the overall care and positive experience of research participants.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
The Clinical Research Practitioner will support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with research governance, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). They will assist with study setup, participant recruitment, data collection, and the delivery of participant care, all while maintaining high standards of professionalism and patient safety.
Working collaboratively as part of the clinical research team, the postholder will contribute to recruitment and delivery planning, assist in identifying and screening potential participants, coordinate and conduct study visits, and ensure adherence to study protocols. They will be responsible for maintaining accurate and concise research records, ensuring timely and accurate data entry, and responding to queries as required.
Additional responsibilities include handling clinical trial samples, including processing and shipment, supporting the safe collection and handling of trial prescriptions and investigational medicinal products, and assisting with the reporting of adverse and serious adverse events. The postholder will also participate in audits, monitoring visits, and other quality assurance processes.
The Clinical Research Practitioner will perform clinical procedures such as venepuncture, observations, ECGs, and basic assessments. They will monitor participants for side effects, escalate concerns appropriately, and obtain and document medical histories and current medications. Participant care will be delivered with dignity and respect, promoting equality and diversity. Following appropriate training, they may also take informed consent for eligible research studies.
The role requires adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and relevant regulatory frameworks. The postholder will maintain effective communication within the research and wider multidisciplinary teams, contribute to the development and review of research policies and SOPs, and support a culture of safety by reporting incidents and assisting with investigations. They will also contribute to the delivery of research-related education and training, ensure compliance with mandatory training, and engage in ongoing professional development.
Candidates should have experience in clinical research or a healthcare setting and a clear understanding of research governance and regulatory requirements. They must demonstrate competence in clinical procedures and patient assessment, strong organisational and communication skills, the ability to work independently and manage priorities under pressure, and a commitment to patient-centred research and continuous learning.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-quality clinical research and support the advancement of healthcare and patient outcomes.
Working Pattern: Monday- Friday 830-1630. Occasional weekends/evenings
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)
For further information please contact: Heather Palfrey, Commercial Research Centre Lead Nurse on 01392 403896 heatherpalfrey@nhs.net
This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees, therefore Bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
