Overview
Job summary
Why This Role Now?
Changes in staffing and NIHR funding this year have prompted a natural evolution in our research team structure, creating an open and exciting opportunity to rethink how research is conducted within our practice.
Who We're Looking For
We're inviting any enthusiastic member working in a primary care team, whether you're a nurse, healthcare assistant, admin staff, or another healthcare professional with a keen interest in research. You dont need to be a nurse! Because many research activities are administrative or coordination-based, this is an excellent chance to develop in a new direction within the practice.
Preferred background: experience in General Practice and an understanding of how research can improve health outcomes will be advantageous, but passion and energy for research are the real core requirements.
#This post is funded through the Regional Research Delivery Network North West (RRDN NW) (formerly the National Institute of Clinical Research (NIHR) Network, Northwest Coast). The successful applicant will be employed by Queen Square Medical Practice, which will act as the host organisation for the duration of the role. Appointment to the post is contingent on the continuation of this external funding, and employment will be subject to the terms and conditions of Queen Square Medical Practice.
Role Overview
As a Research Practitioner, you will help design, organise, and deliver research projects that improve patient care, often through:
* Supporting recruitment, consent, data collection, and follow-up under ICH GCP guidelines
* Coordinating study activities and liaising across internal and external stakeholders
* Managing administrative research tasks data entry, correspondence, documentation, compliance with GDPR and research protocols
* Contributing to the next chapter of how Queen Square conducts research
About us
About Queen Square Medical Practice
At Queen Square, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of healthcare to patients across Lancaster, Caton and the surrounding areas, including specialist clinics in Gynaecology, Fertility, Sexual Health, and more at our HealthHub on Queen Street.
We are an awardwinning, researchactive practice. Our longstanding dedication to research is reflected in:
* Recognition as a finalist in the 2016 Clinical Research Impact category at the Health Service Journal Awards.
* Primary Care Research Team of the Year at the 2023 North West Coast Research & Innovation Awards.
* A finalist for Innovation in Workforce Culture in 2025.
* Commendations from RCGP and NIHR Clinical Research Network.
* Recruitment of nearly 900 patients in 2022/23, with continued engagement in 2024/25.
Details
* Date posted: 10 September 2025
* Salary: £38,566 to £44,373 a year dependent on experience
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share
* Location: 2 Queen Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1RP
Job responsibilities
Job Description — Research Practitioner
Hours
Up to 37 hours per week (full-time), job share considered
Salary
£38,566 - £44,373, dependent on experience
Tenure
Permanent
Location
Queen Square Medical Practice, Lancaster
Reporting to
Research Development Lead and Practice Director
Who can apply
Anyone in primary care with enthusiasm for research
Role content and development
Queen Square Medical Practice is committed to inclusive practice and development opportunities. The role offers a strong development and career growth pathway within a supportive environment.
About Queen Square Medical Practice (additional)
At Queen Square, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of healthcare to patients across Lancaster, Caton and the surrounding areas, including specialist clinics in Gynaecology, Fertility, Sexual Health, and more at our HealthHub on Queen Street.
We are an awardwinning, researchactive practice. Our longstanding dedication to research is reflected in:
* Recognition as a finalist in the 2016 Clinical Research Impact category at the Health Service Journal Awards.
* Primary Care Research Team of the Year at the 2023 North West Coast Research & Innovation Awards.
* A finalist for Innovation in Workforce Culture in 2025.
* Commendations from RCGP and NIHR Clinical Research Network.
* Recruitment of nearly 900 patients in 2022/23, with continued engagement in 2024/25.
Next steps
If you’re driven by curiosity, patient-centred care, and want to shape future research at Queen Square, we’d like to hear from you. Whether you’re clinical or administrative, discuss how you can contribute and grow in this evolving role.
Person Specification
Essential
* Education / Qualifications – No specific qualification required; open to all staff with keen interest in research. Willingness to undertake relevant training.
* Experience – Experience of working in primary care, general practice, or similar patient-facing or administrative environment.
* Knowledge / Skills – Keen interest in research; strong organisational and administrative skills; good communication and interpersonal skills; ability to use IT systems confidently; ability to follow protocols and procedures accurately.
* Personal Qualities – Motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive; flexible and adaptable; able to work independently and as part of a team; willingness to learn new skills.
* Other – Commitment to patient-centred care; respect for confidentiality and equality, diversity and inclusion; ability to travel between sites if required.
Desirable
* Education / Qualifications – Relevant healthcare qualification (e.g. nurse, HCA, admin or other health role); training or courses in research methods.
* Experience – Previous involvement in research studies or audits; experience with NIHR research processes.
* Knowledge / Skills – Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP); awareness of data protection, GDPR and research governance; venepuncture or clinical sampling skills (with training).
* Personal Qualities – Positive role model within the team; demonstrates leadership potential.
* Other – Full driving licence and access to own transport.
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.
Employer details
Queen Square Medical Practice
2 Queen Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1RP
Website: https://www.queensquare.org/
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