About this role
Job summary
Research Nursing Associate
Department - Research & Innovation
Band 4: £28,392 - £31,157 per annum
Fixed term contract or secondment until 26th May 2028
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Nursing Associate, ideally with an interest in Diabetes to join Milton Keynes University Trust's Research & Innovation Department on a fixed term contract/secondment.
You will be liaising with clinical teams to recruit eligible patients, support delivery of clinical interventions and conduct tests according to specific study protocols.
You will also be responsible for study follow up, data entry, ensuring patient safety and maintaining high levels of quality assurance.
You may have the opportunity to be involved in the set-up of new trials and will be required to work within the multidisciplinary team to deliver high quality clinical research.
Focus for this role will be the ACTIVATE study, including leading on associated research clinic activity; however, responsibilities will extend across a broader portfolio of studies within the department as time allows.
Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role
Interview 20 July 2026
Main duties of the job
This team always knows what their work responsibilities are, scoring 93%.''NHS Survey, 2024''
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
The Research Nursing Associate will provide clinical and administrative support to the clinical research teams within the Research & Innovation Department, in the first instance ensuring the safe conduct of research in accordance with the regulatory and legal frameworks relating to the planning, undertaking and closure of research studies, providing assurance that the rights, safety and well-being of trial participants are protected.
You will be supported through a comprehensive training/competency package as appropriate to the job role and will assist in the identification, recruitment, and management of participants into a portfolio of research studies including but not restricted to commercial and non-commercial clinical trials.
Nursing Associates are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Nursing Associate and will work to a nationally recognised code of conduct.
Having completed all relevant competencies and under the direct and indirect supervision of registered nursing staff they will also be responsible for the co-ordination and management of a portfolio of research studies that do not involve administration of medicines and contribute to the delivery of clinical trials within bounds of their clinical practice.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description Job responsibilities
You may be required to carry out other similar or related duties which do not fall within the work outlined in the description which may reasonably be required to deliver a comprehensive research service to our patients.
Integral to all of these is the ability to communicate effectively, with sensitivity and compassion, and to manage relationships with people, making reasonable adjustments where necessary.
The Line Manager, in consultation with the post holder will undertake any review.
Clinical
Provide appropriate information to patients and their carers prior to and during participation in studies.Arrange patient assessments and visits as appropriate to relevant study protocol.
Education, Training and Development
Understand the scope of practice of the Nursing Associate role within different care settings and develop effective ways of working.Continually work to expand practical and theoretical knowledge and improve competence and skills for the benefit of themselves and their patients.
Research
Support Research Nurses and Physicians by assisting in the planning and conduct of all types of research studies.
Adhere to trial protocols and work in accordance with ICH GCP and Trust Standard Operating Procedures.
Communication and relationships
Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, such as patients and their relatives and health and social care professionals to keep them updated on research study status/participation.
Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust.
Analytical and judgmental skills
Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical, research and care skills consistent with the role, responsibilities and professional values of a Research Nursing Associate.
Update and maintain mandatory and statutory training as required by the Trust.
Freedom to Act
Work within the organisational policy, procedures and guidelines.
Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and within professional boundaries.
Teaching and Training
Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop their own knowledge and skills.
Work in partnership with their line manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meetings.
Please refer to the attached job description for further information
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge Essential
NVQ3 in Healthcare or Foundation Degree course in a healthcare related discipline or equivalent qualification Nursing Associate, registered with the NMC (or intention to be registered if NMC delayed) Proficient in Excel and other IT systems ICH(International Council for Harmonisation) good clinical practice certification
Experience Essential
Recent nursing knowledge and experience gained across the lifespan and in a range of care settings from home to hospital
Desirable
Experience in research or clinical trials
Skills Essential
Strong communication and interpersonal skills Evidence of accuracy to detail in data collection Ability to work autonomously and part of a team Ability to work flexibly as required to meet the need of the service Evidence of computer literacy. Competency in obtaining vital signs, ECG, height, weight etc. Phlebotomy skills
Desirable
Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise work Receive, process and store/ship biological samples.
Personal and people development Essential
Participate in personal objective setting and review, including a personal development plan. To participate in regular one to one meeting with your line manager Participate in the placements of students within the team, providing a supportive environment and sharing skills and knowledge as appropriate Behave consistently with the values and beliefs of the organisation and promote these on day-to-day basis Act as a role model to colleagues, always seeking to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity Ability to organise allocated workload Motivated and positive Resilient under pressure Smart and presentable
Desirable
Attend NIHR( National Institute of Health and Care Research) and Thames Valley Comprehensive Research Network relevant training events as required
Communication Essential
Provide and receive complex or sensitive information Recognise difficult circumstances that require clear, supportive, and empathetic conduct Maintain clear communication with colleagues and line management. Communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, relatives, and all members of the multidisciplinary team regarding research studies
Desirable
Communicate effectively and with sensitivity
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Research & Innovation
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh (Opens in a new tab)