About this role
Job summary
The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improvement in cancer care through research and innovation, education, and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground-breaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.The clinical research directorate is made up of multi delivery units, meaning we are a large, busy team. It can be very fast paced, and the successful applicant will need to be able to be adaptable according to the demands of the day.
We are a very friendly, inclusive directorate and offer excellent on the job training and support. Research offers incredible development and education opportunities, and we would love to welcome you to our team as you start a new career journey.
You will study with the University of Kent while working in our Clinical Research team, gaining practical experience across one of our 14 specialisms. Your studies will cover basic biology, clinical trial regulations, health economics and project management. Upon successful completion, you will achieve a BSc (Hons) Applied Science (Clinical Trials Specialist).
Main duties of the job
There are a lot of administrative tasks required to support our research activity, and you will play a key role as part of that. There will be lots of variety in tasks involving dealing with lots of different people such as doctors, nurses, trial coordinators, data managers and fellow administrators.
Based across The Royal Marsden's Chelsea and Sutton sites, the apprenticeship combines practical workplace experience with dedicated study time, supporting your professional development and career progression within clinical research and the NHS.
You must be committed to undertaking the apprenticeship alongside the role and engaging fully with the required learning and development.
Apprenticeship Eligibility
Applicants must
Be aged 18 or over. Have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three years. Have the legal right to work and live in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship. If you require a visa, it must allow you to work and undertake an apprenticeship. Visas issued solely for educational or study purposes do not meet the eligibility requirement Not hold a qualification in the same subject at the same level or higher Must be committed to completing the required learning Must be available to start early December 2026 Must be available to attend University of Kent early January 2027 GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C) and one of the relevant L3 qualifications (please see JD)
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including research, nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance, and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information on the role please refer to the job description and personal specification
For further information on the apprenticeship please follow the link: Clinical Trials Specialist Degree Apprenticeship - Apprenticeships - University of Kent
We are looking for someone who is open-minded, positive, and able to work on their own initiative while following instructions carefully and demonstrating excellent attention to detail.
You will be flexible in your approach, a strong team player, and willing to contribute to a dynamic and supportive research environment.
We would encourage you to look at the person specification when completing your application, and when answering the pre-applications questions, we expect the application to be completed by you.
This is an office-based role located at our Sutton or Chelsea site. Due to the nature of the clinical trials, remote or home working will not be offered.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Please do not rely on AI-generated answers when completing your application. Authenticity, motivation, and genuine interest are essential to the work we do at The Royal Marsden. We want to hear your voice and understand why you are interested in an apprenticeship and a clinical trials role with us. To learn more about our work, please visit our website and explore our mission to drive excellence in cancer research, care, and innovation.
Interview dates: Week commencing 16 November 2026 - will be face to face in Sutton.Start date: Early December 2026
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications Essential
GCSE passes (or equivalent), in English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above. They are also required to have achieved at one A Level (or equivalent), in Biology. Alternatively, applicants must have completed a Level 3 Laboratory Technical Apprenticeship in a relevant science discipline.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge Essential
Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook. Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines. Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure, maintaining attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Commitment to handle patient data appropriately and maintain confidentiality in line with data protection requirements.EssentialApplication form / Interview/ References Demonstrates can work effectively as part of a team and with staff at all levels. An interest in clinical research and its contribution to improving patient care. Demonstrates commitment to undertaking the apprenticeship alongside the role and engaging fully with the required learning and development.EssentialApplication form / Interview/ References
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.
Employer details Employer name The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Royal Marsden - Sutton or Chelsea
Sutton or Chelsea
SM2 5PT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (Opens in a new tab)