Job summary
- Main area
- Research and development
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- 23 months (Fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity)
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 234-24-R047
- Employer
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Quadram Institute
- Town
- Norwich
- Salary
- £24,625 - £25,674 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 23/05/2025 23:59
- Interview date
- 10/06/2025
Employer heading

Senior Health Care Research Assistant (Adult)
NHS AfC: Band 3
At NNUH it is our privilege to provide healthcare to over one million people across Norfolk and surrounding areas. Our vision is to ‘provide the best care for every patient’, and if this inspires you and you share our values, we really want you to join our team.
NNUH is currently the busiest Trauma Unit in the East of England caring for almost 850 trauma patients annually many with complex care needs. We are enhancing our urgent and emergency care specialist services for patients with significant injuries as a result of trauma and have an ambition to become a Major Trauma Centre.
Our values support our vision and guide the behaviour of everything we do, these are:
People-focused
We look after the needs of our patients, carers and colleagues, to provide a safe and caring experience for all.
Respect
We act with care, compassion and kindness and value others’ diverse needs.
Integrity
We take an honest, open and ethical approach to everything we do.
Dedication
We work as one team and support each other to maintain the highest professional standards.
Excellence
We continuously learn and improve to achieve the best outcomes for our patients and our hospital.
Wish you were here? So do we.
We want all our staff to achieve a balance between work and personal life and understand how important flexible working can be. We welcome applications on a full or part time basis, various shift patterns and hybrid working, where roles allow.
At the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH), we know the benefits diversity can bring to our organisation such as creativity, innovation and compassion. All of which have a direct impact towards our staff and patient experience. We are committed to being a Hospital for All – being equitable and inclusive, and a place where all feel a sense of belonging. We therefore particularly encourage and welcome applications from candidates who are underrepresented in NNUH’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people with diverse abilities and people within the LGBT+ community.
Job overview
Fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity for 23 months
An exciting 23-months fixed term contract/secondment opportunity has arisen for a Healthcare Research Assistant to join the Research Nursing Team at the NNUH, Clinical Research Facility based at the Quadram Institute part of the Norwich Research Park. CRF-QI offers an excellent way of conducting research, supporting the delivery of clinical studies for a wide range of specialties throughout the Trust as well as our close partners, The Quadram Institute Bioscience and The University of East Anglia.
This is a great opportunity to join an experienced research team, to build upon current skills and knowledge, working across different specialties.
If you are considering applying for this post on a secondment basis, please discuss with your Line Manager prior to applying to ascertain whether this could be supported.
Main duties of the job
Previous experience of working with research studies would be beneficial but not a necessity as training would be provided.
Specific to the delivery of clinical trials and in addition to core HCA clinic service duties, this role includes significant amount of research study office admin activities (data entry, booking appointments, follow-ups, etc.) as well as house-keeping of the research unit.
The post holder will work under the supervision of the Clinical Research Nursing team at the Clinical Research Facility- QI. The post offers an exciting opportunity to develop research skills, working on a variety of National Institute for Health and Care Research as well as commercial sponsors studies.
Working for our organisation
Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!
The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.
We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
- Flexible working hours
- Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
- Multi Faith prayer room
- Discounted gym memberships
- Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
- Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
- Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH site
- Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
- On-site Nursery
- On-site cafes offering staff discounts
- Support in career development
- Flexible staff bank
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Obtain blood samples and basic measurements from participants in accordance with the protocol for the study. Be aware of normal measurements and report any concerns and abnormal results to the RN/CRP/RM.
- To carry out duties as specified within the Trust’s approved core task list for Senior Health Care Assistants qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Care/Health/Health and Social Care
- To accurately document all information collected from participants countersigned by a senior member of the team and record in the research study database
- To respond appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the participant receives appropriate care. Be aware of role in emergency situations.
- To be aware of and adhere to all Trust policies/procedures/nursing guidelines when undertaking any activities.
- To make participants welcome to the clinical area and participate in the recruitment process under the supervision of the RN/CRP/RM.
- To provide and deliver a high standard of individualised personal care.
- To keep the clinical area clean and tidy maintaining a safe environment. Ensure all clinical waste and soiled linen is disposed of in line with Trust policy.
- To adhere to Trust infection control procedures demonstrating an understanding of cross infection.
Please refer to the Job Description for the full specification of responsibilities and requirements for this post.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- City and Guilds NVQ Level 3/Diploma in Care/Health/Health and Social Care or equivalent experience
- Phlebotomy training and experience
Experience
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable experience in a hospital setting, working minimum NVQ Level 2
Skills
Essential criteria
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Basic I.T. and computer skills
Attitude, aptitude
Essential criteria
- Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH’s PRIDE values of People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence
- Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Clare Ferns
- Job title
- Clinical Research Practitioner
- Email address
- Clare.ferns@nnuh.nhs.uk
- Telephone number
- 01603 647321
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