Job overview

Fixed Term: 12 months | Full time

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join the Directorate of Research & Innovation. As a Paediatric Research Assistant, you will play an important role in the research delivery team, supporting a diverse portfolio of clinical research studies. These range from first-in-human gene therapy trials to phase 4 drug studies and registries.

You will contribute to clinical research delivery from study set-up through to archiving—ensuring studies run smoothly, safely, and in compliance with protocols. You’ll work with multidisciplinary teams and partners, collect and process data and biological samples, and provide support to study participants and their families.

About You:

• Educated to Degree level (in a relevant subject) or equivalent experience.

• Comprehensive administrative/data management experience.

• Excellent IT skills

• Able to communicate in verbal and written formats, prioritise workload and meet agreed delivery timeframes.

• A commitment to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and adherence to study protocols

Main duties of the job

You will report to the Senior Research Nurse , and your responsibilities will include:

• Prepare studies during set-up, ensuring documents and approvals are in place.

• Communicate with clinical teams, support departments, trial sponsors, and vendors to ensure smooth and safe study operations.

• Support participants and their families throughout their research journey.

• Collect and process data and biological samples from children and young people.

• Ensure accurate data collection and entry across different electronic platforms.

• Follow study protocols and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Working for our organisation

At Sheffield Children’s, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children’s Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We’re proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children’s as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England — and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire — in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values — Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence — to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts — helping you thrive at work and beyond.