Main area Ophthalmology Research Assistant Grade Band 4 Contract Fixed term: 9 months (End date 18th April 2027) Hours Part time - 30 hours per week (na) Job ref 384-AR-EMF20612
Employer Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site The Royal Surrey Hospital Town Guildford Salary £29,812 - £32,715 per annum pro rata inc HCAS Salary period Yearly Closing 18/06/2026 23:59
Research Assistant – Ophthalmology
Band 4
Job overview
The Research Assistant role at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust offers a unique opportunity for an experienced Healthcare Assistant to transition into the field of healthcare science. This position is meaningful because it places you at the intersection of direct patient care and the discovery of future medical treatments. It allows you to move beyond routine clinical tasks and become an active participant in the innovation process that defines new standards of care.
For a candidate, the true value of this role lies in the expansion of your professional scope. You are a vital link in a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and sponsors. There is profound satisfaction in supporting patients through their research journey, providing the empathy and reassurance they need while ensuring the accuracy of the data that makes scientific breakthroughs possible.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Support and Patient Care
* Clinical Procedures: Perform essential clinical tasks, including ECGs, phlebotomy, and routine clinical observations such as blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation.
* Patient Monitoring: Assist in the ongoing monitoring of trial participants by accurately recording and reporting tests as required by specific research protocols.
* Direct Care Delivery: Work alongside registered nurses and research staff to deliver planned care, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort for patients and their families.
* Patient Preparation: Prepare and support patients for examinations, assessments, and treatments following the informed consent process.
* Emergency Response: Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent or emergency clinical situations, summoning assistance from the wider medical team when necessary.
Research and Data Coordination
* Trial Documentation: Ensure the accurate and timely entry of trial-related data into both electronic and paper capture systems in strict compliance with study protocols.
* Portfolio Support: Assist the wider research team with participant screening, the informed consent process, and the planning of follow-up appointments.
Operational and Professional Responsibilities
* Environmental Safety: Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe clinical environment for patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring all necessary supplies are stocked and available.
* Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all clinical equipment is functioning correctly and used in accordance with supplier instructions and controls assurance procedures.
* Effective Communication: Act as a key link between patients, relatives, and colleagues, providing factual information and reassurance with empathy and respect.
* Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and annual appraisals to enhance clinical and research skills in line with Trust goals.
* Incident Reporting: Proactively report and record any accidents, complaints, or untoward incidents to senior staff to uphold Trust safety policies and in accordance with Study Protocols.
Person specification
Qualifications
* Good level of English language demonstrated through effective written and excellent verbal communication skills.
* Participation in a recognised CPD scheme
* Evidence of ICH/GCP training
* National Care certificate
Knowledge and Experience
* Experience in management of own workload, under supervision.
* Experience in surgical health care setting, in particular working alongside medical and nursing staff.
* Clinical trial document recognition
* Generic laboratory and histology expertise and knowledge
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