Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to join the team in the Directorate of Research & Innovation at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
Main duties of the job
As a Paediatric Research Assistant you will be responsible for supporting a number of studies across specialties from study set up to archiving in accordance with the clinical trial protocol and Good Clinical Practice.
This is a varied role and may involve collecting, recording and maintaining clinical data for patients and healthy volunteers participating in studies and data management for the Directorate; providing clinical and administrative support to our Research Officers and Nurses; collecting, preparing and shipping biological samples and assisting with recruitment to studies.
The post will also involve elements of data management for the Directorate's governance and research delivery teams. The post holder may also support, and be responsible for studies in their own right.
You will have a good working knowledge of computer software packages and excellent word processing skills. You must have the proven ability to prioritise your workload and produce work of a high standard to tight deadlines. You must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
You will also have a track record of integrating with teams; be aware of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the Research Governance Framework; be able to demonstrate awareness of own limitations and be willing to work flexibly in terms of hours and duties to meet service needs. You will be expected to develop specialized skills and knowledge relating to the conduct of clinical trials.
About us
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
- Leaders in Children's Health
We work successfully with local, regional, and national partners to provide physical and mental healthcare across acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are amongst the best in their field, recognised nationally and internationally for their expertise.
As well as having enormous pride in what we do, we are a friendly, welcoming, and motivated NHS Trust who are guided by our CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Our nearly 4000 colleagues live these values, ensuring kind and compassionate care that makes patients and their families feel safe and at home.
As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to enhancing our reputation in children's health leadership, improving the experiences of both patient and colleagues, and focusing on our communities and population health.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of the role.
Inclusive Recruitment & Selection
We offer encouragement and active support to applicants with additional needs, including those from ethnic minorities, with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you wish to adjust any aspect of the recruitment process or wish to find out more about our recruitment & selection processes, please get in touch with our Recruitment Manager: Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
We are currently reviewing our recruitment & selection process and are looking to make our job adverts more inclusive. This will support the long-term aim of Sheffield Childrens being a champion of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. If you have any ideas in how we can make our recruitment & selection process more inclusive, please get in touch with Catherine Gilbert at Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
Trust Values
The Trust is committed to providing great quality patient care and keep children, young people and families at the heart of what we do by following our CARE values:
- Compassion leading by kindness and showing empathy, understanding and respect
- Accountability striving to do the right thing and owning responsibility
- Respect value differences, tackling inequality and fostering a culture of inclusion
- Excellence delivering a high-quality standard of care
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of the role.
Inclusive Recruitment & Selection
We offer encouragement and active support to applicants with additional needs, including those from ethnic minorities, with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you wish to adjust any aspect of the recruitment process or wish to find out more about our recruitment & selection processes, please get in touch with our Recruitment Manager: Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
We are currently reviewing our recruitment & selection process and are looking to make our job adverts more inclusive. This will support the long-term aim of Sheffield Childrens being a champion of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. If you have any ideas in how we can make our recruitment & selection process more inclusive, please get in touch with Catherine Gilbert at Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
Trust Values
The Trust is committed to providing great quality patient care and keep children, young people and families at the heart of what we do by following our CARE values:
- Compassion leading by kindness and showing empathy, understanding and respect
- Accountability striving to do the right thing and owning responsibility
- Respect value differences, tackling inequality and fostering a culture of inclusion
- Excellence delivering a high-quality standard of care
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Educated to Degree level (in a relevant subject) or equivalent level of experience.
- Comprehensive IT skills including: email, WORD, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Internet or comparable computer packages
- Required to participate in ongoing Professional and Personal Development and undertake additional training as required
Desirable
- Evidence of appropriate further education/development
- Research qualification
- Administrative qualifications
- IT Qualification e.g. ECDL
Experience
Essential
- Comprehensive administrative/data management experience - preferably in an NHS setting or a busy office environment
- Experience in a working environment that involves patient/customer care
- Data entry experience / using databases
- Recent project/ research/ data collection or clinical audit experience
- Experience of communication with a wide variety of people
Desirable
- Experience of working in a NHS setting
- Experience of working within a clinical trial setting
- Experience of working in a paediatric environment
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of clinical trials
- Clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality
Desirable
- Clinical skills (e.g. venepuncture)
- Sample preparation & handling
- Knowledge of research governance and regulations (e.g. ICH-GCP and EU Directives)
- Knowledge of research methodologies
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Educated to Degree level (in a relevant subject) or equivalent level of experience.
- Comprehensive IT skills including: email, WORD, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Internet or comparable computer packages
- Required to participate in ongoing Professional and Personal Development and undertake additional training as required
Desirable
- Evidence of appropriate further education/development
- Research qualification
- Administrative qualifications
- IT Qualification e.g. ECDL
Experience
Essential
- Comprehensive administrative/data management experience - preferably in an NHS setting or a busy office environment
- Experience in a working environment that involves patient/customer care
- Data entry experience / using databases
- Recent project/ research/ data collection or clinical audit experience
- Experience of communication with a wide variety of people
Desirable
- Experience of working in a NHS setting
- Experience of working within a clinical trial setting
- Experience of working in a paediatric environment
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of clinical trials
- Clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality
Desirable
- Clinical skills (e.g. venepuncture)
- Sample preparation & handling
- Knowledge of research governance and regulations (e.g. ICH-GCP and EU Directives)
- Knowledge of research methodologies
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
