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.
Furthermore, the Royal Surrey’s commitment to "Learning Together" makes this an ideal environment for professional development. The role provides a clear pathway to gain further clinical and research skills within a supportive, nationally recognised R&D department. It is a career choice for those who want their daily work to leave a lasting legacy--where every observation recorded contributes to a healthier future. By joining this team, you ensure that compassionate care and pioneering research are delivered side by side.
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.
Job responsibilities
* Specimen Handling: Obtain requested clinical specimens such as blood, urine, or swabs and coordinate their safe transportation to the relevant departments.
* Treatment Coordination: Support the multidisciplinary team in coordinating the delivery of treatments and ensuring all protocol‑defined requirements are met.
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
Carry out clinical procedures, including but not limited to performing ECGs, phlebotomy and clinical observations. Provide care as required within set protocols and within the scope of the role.
Responsible for delegated aspects of assessment, planning and delivery of clinical care in support of the research teams ensuring the highest possible standard of care.
Assist in the monitoring of patients by performing and accurately recording and reporting all appropriate tests as per protocol.
Prepare patients for examination, treatments or assessment following consent and adhering to protocol.
Transfer patients safely to other departments and wards as requested.
Document observations in patient/client records paper / electronically.
Recognize and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations and summon assistance.
Maintain and ensure that equipment is working correctly, adhering to suppliers instructions and with knowledge of controls assurance procedures.
Participate fully in the delivery of planned nursing care as delegated by the registered nurse.
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 (or willing to work towards)
Knowledge and Experience
* Experience in management of own workload, under supervision.
* Experience in health care setting, in particular working alongside medical and nursing staff.
* Clinical trial document recognition
* Generic laboratory and histology expertise and knowledge
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.
£29,812 to £32,715 a yearper annum pro rata including HCAS High Cost Area Supplement
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