Research Assistant

Job Summary

The purpose of this post is to collect data and provide research support to the research team. The team recruits and supports patients in trials, and the research assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the nurses in the collation and delivery of quality data generated in these trials, contributing to a consistently high standard of care for participants within research studies.

The assistant will be expected to perform a variety of audit, clerical, and research duties within a research environment, aiding the PI and Research Nurses to maximize the effective use of their time.

Main Duties of the Job

Research is the primary focus of this role, with some projects recruiting patients for National and International research studies.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Assisting Research Nurses with study visits and clinical trial procedures, including venepuncture and vital signs (following appropriate training).
2. Collecting, processing (centrifugation, freezing, dry ice handling), and shipping biological specimens per protocol.
3. Coordinating courier collections for blood samples and documents.
4. Completing data queries and CRFs by gathering patient information and inputting data.
5. Accessing and managing data from Trust information systems.
6. Updating project databases, validating details with researchers, running queries, and generating reports.
7. Tracking patient activity, including expenses and financial records.
8. Arranging research-related follow-up appointments.
9. Handling patient and family enquiries professionally, escalating concerns to the consultant.
10. Managing patient complaints with sensitivity and ensuring timely referral.
11. Collecting and recording research data with meticulous attention to detail.
12. Exercising independent judgement to resolve issues or escalate appropriately.
13. Liaising with medics, nurses, admissions, medical records, specialist nurses, hospital management, and research teams to ensure smooth study operations.

About Us

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.

UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.

For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.

Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.

Date posted: 15 April 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 4

Salary: £26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 287-CEF-41-25-A

Job location: Royal Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GN

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential: Educated to NVQ3 in relevant subject or equivalent
• Desirable: Educated to degree level

Experience

• Essential: Demonstrable experience with the collection of data
• Desirable: Experience of working in a Health Care setting; Experience of liaison with staff at all levels in the NHS, Universities and Industry

Knowledge

• Essential: An understanding of ethical and quality standards applicable to clinical trials, including EU Directive on ICH GCP requirements; Knowledge of the principles & practice of clinical research and/or clinical trials; Medical Terminology
• Desirable: Good working knowledge of Hospital information systems

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Employer Details

Employer name: Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Royal Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GN

Employer's website: https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/