About this role
Job summary
This is a full-time (37.5 hours p/w), 2-year fixed term contract.
This post is part of a growing team of research nurses and practitioners working in the research and development (R&D) team at CPFT.
The post holder will support the safe and effective delivery of clinical research studies by assisting Research Nurses/Practitioners and the wider research team with patient care, study procedures, and trial administration.
Working in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and local governance frameworks, the role contributes to high-quality data collection, participant experience, and the smooth running of the research portfolio.
The Clinical Research Technician will help identify participants, support study visits, collect and process samples, maintain accurate documentation.
Main duties of the job
The post holder plays an essential role in ensuring research is delivered across Cambridge and Peterborough to a high standard and supports improvements in patient care and clinical outcomes. These studies will cover four main specialities: Mental health, Dementia, Physical health/community and rare diseases.
The postholder's primary base will be at Windsor Research Unit Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, with an expectation to provide support at the research unit at the Cavell Centre, Peterborough.
About us
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.
Our clinical teams deliver a wide range of NHS services across inpatient, primary care and community settings, including children's, adult and older people's mental health, forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, and research and development.
To achieve our goals, we recruit high calibre candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities' employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly under represented groups including people with long term conditions and members of our ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
All appointments for new employees to CPFT are subject to the successful completion of a probationary period.
Please note we reserve the right to close adverts early should we receive sufficient applications.
Regrettably, we cannot offer sponsorship for all roles. If you apply for a post that does not attract sponsorship, your application will be withdrawn from the process.
For further information on CPFT, please visit our website at https://www.cpft.nhs.uk
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities.
Working under supervision to identify potential participants from the Trusts clinical services, community services, university and NHS databases, specialist clinics, third sector organisations, schools and other access routes, for RDN portfolio and non-portfolio studies and clinical trials.
Prepare for and support research study visits, ensuring clinical areas, equipment, and documentation are ready and compliant with study requirements.
Undertake phlebotomy and assist with the collection, labelling, processing, and shipment of biological samples in accordance with study and relevant SOPs.
Perform delegated clinical tasks such as measuring vital signs, ECG recording, height/weight measurements, and other protocolspecific assessments once trained and deemed competent.
To maintain accurate patient records and ensure all relevant information is documented within the patients medical notes and study source documentation.
Supporting the study lead with the preparation for the monitoring visit ensuring the Investigator Site File (ISF) or Trial Master File (TMF) sections are up to date.
Maintain professional awareness of subject area, including up to date understanding of all relevant legislation, Trust policies, procedures and guidelines.
Monitor participants during and after study procedures, promptly escalating any concerns about patient safety or wellbeing to the supervising nurse or clinical team.
Contribute to maintaining a safe clinical environment, including infection control, equipment checks, and adherence to local health and safety policies.
Accompany the participant to the study related procedures, i.e. imaging department and assist with checkin.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent relevant qualification/experience. Evidence of ongoing professional development. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training (or willingness to complete upon appointment).
Desirable
Phlebotomy training and competency. Research-related training (e.g., ICH-GCP, informed consent awareness). Clinical skills certificates relevant to the role (e.g., ECG recording, vital signs
Experience Essential
Experience working in a clinical, healthcare, or patient-facing environment. Experience maintaining accurate records and handling confidential information. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
Previous experience in clinical research or supporting research studies Experience collecting clinical observations or undertaking basic clinical procedures. Experience with data entry, databases, or electronic patient record systems
Skills & Abilities Essential
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain information clearly and sensitively to patients. Ability to work accurately with excellent attention to detail. Competent IT skills, including data entry, email, and use of clinical or administrative systems. Ability to organise workload, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently within defined boundaries and seek support when needed. Ability to follow protocols, SOPs, and instructions precisely.
Desirable
Ability to perform phlebotomy or willingness to train. Ability to collect clinical observations (e.g., BP, pulse, temperature, ECG). Experience coordinating appointments or patient pathways.
Knowledge & Understanding Essential
Understanding of patient confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding principles. Basic understanding of clinical terminology and healthcare processes.
Desirable
Knowledge of clinical trial processes, ethics, and regulatory requirements. Understanding of sample handling, laboratory processes, or clinical pathways relevant to research.
Other Essential
Dedicated to high quality patient care Flexibility and reliability Energy/drive, enthusiasm and tenacity Patient, non-judgmental, respectful and compassionate Good standards of written and verbal communication Willingness to undertake further training relevant to the role.
Desirable
Ability to travel independently and in a timely manner across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to meet strict deadlines.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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).
Employer details Employer name Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Address Windsor Research Unit Fulbourn hospital
Cambridge
CB21 5EF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)