Research Assistant
The closing date is 28 June 2026.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Research Assistant to support a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) study of digital sleep support (Sleep Buddy) for children with ADHD. The trial will evaluate the clinical and cost‑effectiveness of a digital intervention for parents of children with ADHD and chronic insomnia.
The appointee will assist in the operational management of Sleep Buddy and other CAMHS-related research studies, and will be based at either Moorgreen Hospital, Hedge End or St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth. Core aspects of the role will include the promotion of recruitment via local child and adolescent mental health and paediatric clinics, online/telephone eligibility screening, data collection, and maintenance of clinical research files. The appointee will work collaboratively with other UK research sites as well as the University of Southampton Clinical Trials Unit.
You will have relevant experience in a health care and research environment, with excellent communication and organisation skills, and will need to be able to work flexibly at times.
Training will be provided in all trial processes.
The role is fixed term until January 2028. Secondment opportunities will be considered; please discuss with your line manager prior to making an application.
Applications may close early if a high volume of applications is received.
Main duties of the job
* Carrying out screening assessments with study participants over the phone to assess trial eligibility, including gaining parent confirmation of ADHD diagnosis.
* Ensuring screening data is reviewed regularly and used effectively to maintain acceptable recruitment rates at each centre.
* Carrying out standard service‑use data collection with study participants over Teams or telephone at 3 and 6 months.
* Assisting parents with completion of baseline and follow‑up questionnaires, as required.
* Responding to parents’ telephone queries, as required.
* Liaising with local Principal Investigator or Clinical Trials Unit staff regarding any queries or concerns (e.g., adverse events/ safeguarding concerns).
* Promoting recruitment of parents of children with ADHD aged 6‑12 years to the Sleep Buddy RCT through:
o Initial study promotion around trial launch with local NHS clinics (paediatric and CAMHS), local charities and support groups, and GP networks.
o Explaining and promoting the trial to ensure wide participation and good accrual of parents.
o Regular contact with clinical teams, local charities and support groups to ensure signposting of parents to trial (e.g., mail‑outs, study adverts handed out/posters in clinics), responsive to needs of each setting.
o Suggesting and implementing strategies for improving recruitment.
Qualifications
* Relevant degree or equivalent qualification or experience acquired in relevant roles and job‑related training.
* Good IT literacy and familiarity with MS Office applications.
Experience
* Experience of a clinical trial in the NHS or the commercial health research sector.
* Knowledge and experience of medical research methodology and statutory clinical trial regulation and GCP.
* Previous experience working in a healthcare, research, or busy office environment.
* Knowledge of medical or medical research terminology.
* Experience of successful project management.
* Experience of administering cognitive assessments.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Salary
£32,073 to £39,043 a year (based on full‑time hours).
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
18 months
Working pattern
Full‑time, Job share
Reference number
348-COR-11580
Job locations
* Moorgreen Hospital, Botley Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 3JB, United Kingdom
* St. Mary's Community Health Campus, Portsmouth
Inclusivity Statement
We strive to ensure our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive to everyone. If any part of the person specification prevents or restricts your application due to unintentional barriers on the grounds of sex, race, age, sexual orientation, religion/belief or disability, please contact the Trust’s Recruitment team for support. The Trust will resolve any such issue wherever possible.
Flexible Working
All requests for flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process.
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