Job vacancy: Clinical Research Assistant - Indicative banding, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley

Job summary

Main area

Research & Innovation

Grade

NHS AfC: Band 3

Contract

Fixed term: 12 months (part of a secondment opportunity)

Hours

Part time
Job share
Flexible working

22.5 hours per week

Job ref

253-0626-8016422

Employer: The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: The Dudley Group NHS FT
Town: Dudley
Salary: £25,760 - £27,476 pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 29/06/2026 23:59

Clinical Research Assistant - Indicative banding

NHS AfC: Band 3

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical & Participant Support (Under Supervision)

· Assist with collection and preparation of research samples and participant observations in line with study protocols (e.g. blood pressure, phlebotomy, urine testing).

· Arrange and liaise with sample couriers and study sponsors to ensure the effective collection and delivery of study samples.

· Utilise extended skills such as venepuncture and ECG where trained and competent.

· Maintain participant dignity, privacy and confidentiality at all times.

· Support infection prevention and control measures within the research environment.

Research Administration & Governance

Download, collate, file and maintain study documentation in accordance with ICH GCP, Trust SOPs and research governance requirements.
Support version control, archiving and retrieval of study records.
Maintain training records, CVs and GCP certification for research staff on relevant systems (e.g. EDGE or equivalent).
Organise and support monitoring, audit and inspection visits.
Liaise with clinical and non‑clinical teams to compile essential study paperwork, logs and recruitment reports.

Data Management & IT Systems

Input and retrieve study data using approved research databases and hospital systems.
Maintain accurate records, spreadsheets and trackers in line with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
Support routine reporting and respond to data queries as required.

Administrative & Operational Support

Act as first point of contact for the research team, answering telephone and email enquiries and taking messages as appropriate.
Book and manage appointments, rooms, diaries, transport and meeting arrangements.
Attend and minute research meetings as required, distributing actions and notes.
Maintain stationery and Research Laboratory stocks and coordinate equipment repair and maintenance requests.

Communication & Teamwork

Communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, research participants and external stakeholders.
Work collaboratively within the Research & Innovation team to support service delivery and continuity.
Support students, apprentices or work placements as required.

Governance, Safety & Professional Practice

Comply with Trust policies including confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, infection control and information governance.
Report incidents, accidents or risks in line with Trust procedures.
Participate fully in mandatory training, appraisal and personal development activities.
Demonstrate Trust values in all aspects of work.

Person specification

Qualifications and Education

Essential criteria

GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent (or Functional Skills Level 3) in Maths and English
Medical/Clinical Laboratory Assistant training/qualification
Evidence of basic education and willingness to undertake further training

Desirable criteria

NVQ Level 3 in Health Care, Business Administration or equivalent

Communication Skills

Essential criteria

Good written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Knowledge and Training

Essential criteria

Understanding of confidentiality and data protection principles
Willingness to undertake training to meet role requirements (including GCP)

Desirable criteria

Skills in venepuncture, or specimen handling (with training)
Working knowledge of the NHS
Understanding of clinical research processes and governance

Experience

Essential criteria

Medical Laboratory Assistant experience
Experience of working in a patient-facing, care or support role within a healthcare setting
Experience of administrative or clerical work

Desirable criteria

Experience within a health research or research administration environment
Experience using databases, spreadsheets or hospital IT systems

Analytical & Judgement Skills

Essential criteria

IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and email systems
Caring, respectful and professional approach

Desirable criteria

Experience of data entry for research or clinical purposes

Planning Skills

Essential criteria

Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
Organised, accurate and methodical approach to work
Self motivated with ability to use initiative
Flexible and adaptable

Management Skills

Essential criteria

Ability to manage own workload and priorities
Provide training and/or shadowing opportunities for student placements

Equality, Diversity Inclusion, Trust Values

Essential criteria

Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong and their contribution is valued

Using AI for jobs applications:

Whilst we encourage the use of technology to help manage time and support innovation. However, it is your responsibility to ensure your application is personalised and clearly reflects your own skills and experiences. While AI can assist with drafting, it should only be used as a support tool. The content must be your own work and accurately represent your knowledge, abilities, and values. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may result in your application being rejected. A common issue arises when we receive multiple applications with identical or overly generic language.

The use of AI during assessments, including interviews, is not permitted unless it has been pre-approved as part of a reasonable adjustment. For digital interviews, you may be asked to provide a 360-degree view of your surroundings on camera and confirm that no additional devices are present. If we suspect AI is being used during an interview, we may pause the process to clarify or adjust our approach to questioning.

Caring for patients demands integrity, honesty, and accountability. We expect your application and participation to be authentic and a genuine reflection of your own experiences and values.

UK Home Office Visa Sponsorship Requirements

In line with UK Home Office rules, Band 2 clinical and non‑clinical roles, and Band 3 non‑clinical roles, are not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Please note that most non‑clinical roles at Agenda for Change Bands 3–6 will not meet the minimum skill or salary requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration for sponsorship, except for those listed here: Skilled Worker visa: immigration salary list - GOV.UK.

Non‑clinical roles at Agenda for Change Bands 7–9 that meet the required skill level (RQF 6) and salary threshold are eligible for sponsorship.

The Trust will also accept applications from candidates who can evidence their existing right to work in the UK or who hold an alternative eligible visa.

RECRUITMENT EQUALITY STATEMENT

We are committed to equal opportunities and want to ensure our workforce is representative of the population we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and diverse groups. It is essential we understand our demographics, in order that we can monitor our performance as an equal opportunity employer, as well as continuing to embed a culture of inclusivity across the organisation, which supports the active participation and contribution of our diverse staff groups in the Trusts decision making processes . On application the shortlisting manager will not see this criterion and therefore it cannot be part of their decision making. Please ensure you complete your equal opportunities questions for us and help us to make sure everyone is welcome.

The Trust is committed to employing and supporting people with disabilities. It is the Trust’s policy to interview all candidates with a disability who meet the minimum ‘essential’ criteria as identified on the person specification. To ensure we know you have a disability, please inform us under the appropriate section on the application form. We welcome applications from the LGBTQ+ community and openly encourage people with different sexual orientation, gender identity and expression to apply to join our team. We promise to respect and encourage the use of all pronouns and will not purposefully mis-gender anyone.

We are governed by the public sector equality duties and by our values of Care, Respect and Responsibility to ensure we eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other behaviour that is unlawful, undermines our core values and/or falls short of our Behaviour Framework. We want all of our staff to ‘call out’ any behaviour from colleagues, patients or visitors that constitutes the above and appropriate action be taken.

We will, at every opportunity, advance equality and inclusivity for all staff, at all levels within the organisation, by removing or minimising disadvantage, encouraging participation and taking all relevant steps to meet the needs of anyone who shares a protected characteristic. We will also foster good relations between persons who share a protected characteristic by tackling prejudice and promoting understanding at every opportunity.

We have staff Networks in place to help support staff experience of diverse staff groups and inform us on the actions, interventions and support what we need to put in place to improve the working lives and daily experiences of all colleagues and all teams. Anyone can join the networks and we take pride in having Allies as part of every network within the organisation.

By submitting an application for a position with this organisation, you are declaring that the information given is true and complete, any deliberate omission, falsification or misrepresentation will be grounds for rejecting the application or subsequent dismissal, and where applicable, for positions that requires registration with a professional body, you authorise us to make the required employer checks on your professional registration status.

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date. Please note, preference will be given to at risk employees.

Applicants MUST ensure that they provide details of their referees and their referee email addresses on their application form otherwise their application may not be considered.

By applying for this post you are agreeing to the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in your application to its preferred applicant management system. All subsequent information regarding your application will be generated from apps.trac.jobs. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the NHS Electronic Staff Record system.