Role Summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Research Support Worker to join our Clinical Research Team at North Devon District Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of high-quality clinical research that helps improve patient care and shapes the future of healthcare.
Working alongside research nurses, practitioners, clinicians, study coordinators and multidisciplinary teams, you will provide essential administrative and practical support to ensure research studies are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Whether you already have experience in healthcare or administration, or are looking to develop a career in clinical research, we welcome applications from motivated individuals with excellent organisational skills and a passion for improving patient outcomes.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
As a Research Support Worker, you will:
- Provide administrative support for a portfolio of clinical research studies.
- Assist with participant identification, recruitment and follow-up activities.
- Prepare and maintain study documentation and research files.
- Support data collection and accurate data entry into research databases.
- Coordinate appointments and liaise with participants and clinical teams.
- Assist with the collection, processing and transport of research samples, following local procedures.
- Monitor study supplies and equipment.
- Contribute to maintaining accurate records and supporting study audits.
- Ensure all work complies with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), NHS policies and research governance requirements.
Join Our Growing Research Team
This is an exciting time to join our Clinical Research Team. In Spring 2027, North Devon District Hospital will open a new purpose-built Clinical Research Hub, providing a dedicated environment for the delivery of high-quality clinical research across a range of specialties. The successful postholder will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day running of this new facility, helping to create a welcoming, efficient and patient-centred research environment.
Alongside supporting the delivery of clinical research studies, the role will include a variety of practical and administrative duties.
These will include:
Booking research participants into clinics
Supporting the organisation and management of patient appointments.
Undertaking routine stock checks and replenishing clinical supplies.
Maintaining clean and tidy treatment and clinical areas in line with infection prevention and control standards.
Ensuring refreshments are available for patients attending research visits.
These responsibilities are integral to providing a high-quality experience for research participants and supporting the smooth operation of the Clinical Research Hub.
Why Join Us?
Clinical research is at the heart of improving healthcare. Every study contributes to developing better treatments, improving patient experiences and advancing medical knowledge. By joining our team, you will play an important role in enabling patients across North Devon to access innovative research opportunities close to home.
If you are organised, motivated and enjoy working with people while making a real difference to patient care, we would love to hear from you.
Working Pattern: This post is primarily based on a Monday to Friday working pattern, with standard daytime hours of either 8:00am to 4:00pm or 9:00am to 5:00pm, depending on service requirements. Flexibility is important, as occasional later working may be required to support evening research clinics and accommodate participant appointments. Any variation to the standard working pattern will be planned in advance wherever possible, ensuring the needs of both the service and research participants are met while supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Interview Date: Wednesday 26th August 2026
For further information please contact: Maria Dark - Senior Research Practitioner on 01271 311889 OR ria.dark@nhs.net
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.
