The Research Assistant role at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust offers a unique opportunity for an experienced Healthcare Assistant to transition into the field of healthcare science. This position is meaningful because it places you at the intersection of direct patient care and the discovery of future medical treatments. It allows you to move beyond routine clinical tasks and become an active participant in the innovation process that defines new standards of care.
For a candidate, the true value of this role lies in the expansion of your professional scope. You are a vital link in a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and sponsors. There is profound satisfaction in supporting patients through their research journey, providing the empathy and reassurance they need while ensuring the accuracy of the data that makes scientific breakthroughs possible.
Clinical Support and Patient Care
Clinical Procedures: Perform essential clinical tasks, including ECGs, phlebotomy, and routine clinical observations such as blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation.
Patient Monitoring: Assist in the ongoing monitoring of trial participants by accurately recording and reporting tests as required by specific research protocols.
Direct Care Delivery: Work alongside registered nurses and research staff to deliver planned care, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort for patients and their families.
Patient Preparation: Prepare and support patients for examinations, assessments, and treatments following the informed consent process.
Emergency Response: Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent or emergency clinical situations, summoning assistance from the wider medical team when necessary.
Research and Data Coordination
Trial Documentation: Ensure the accurate and timely entry of trial-related data into both electronic and paper capture systems in strict compliance with study protocols.
Portfolio Support: Assist the wider research team with participant screening, the informed consent process, and the planning of follow-up appointments.
Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.
We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.
We have received an overall Good rating from the CQC with Medical care (including older peoples care), End of Life Care and Maternity services being deemed Outstanding by the CQC.
Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.
Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
A video about the Royal Surrey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HsiGn9joTQ
Please review full Job description & person Specifcation
Clinical Support and Patient Care
Clinical Procedures: Perform essential clinical tasks, including ECGs, phlebotomy, and routine clinical observations such as blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation.
Patient Monitoring: Assist in the ongoing monitoring of trial participants by accurately recording and reporting tests as required by specific research protocols.
Direct Care Delivery: Work alongside registered nurses and research staff to deliver planned care, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort for patients and their families.
Patient Preparation: Prepare and support patients for examinations, assessments, and treatments following the informed consent process.
Emergency Response: Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent or emergency clinical situations, summoning assistance from the wider medical team when necessary.
Research and Data Coordination
Trial Documentation: Ensure the accurate and timely entry of trial-related data into both electronic and paper capture systems in strict compliance with study protocols.
Portfolio Support: Assist the wider research team with participant screening, the informed consent process, and the planning of follow-up appointments.
Specimen Handling: Obtain requested clinical specimens—such as blood, urine, or swabs—and coordinate their safe transportation to the relevant departments.
Treatment Coordination: Support the multidisciplinary team in coordinating the delivery of treatments and ensuring all protocol-defined requirements are met.
Operational and Professional Responsibilities
Environmental Safety: Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe clinical environment for patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring all necessary supplies are stocked and available.
Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all clinical equipment is functioning correctly and used in accordance with supplier instructions and controls assurance procedures.
Effective Communication: Act as a key link between patients, relatives, and colleagues, providing factual information and reassurance with empathy and respect.
Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and annual appraisals to enhance clinical and research skills in line with Trust goals.
Incident Reporting: Proactively report and record any accidents, complaints, or untoward incidents to senior staff to uphold Trust safety policies and in accordance with Study Protocols.
Furthermore, the Royal Surrey’s commitment to "Learning Together" makes this an ideal environment for professional development. The role provides a clear pathway to gain further clinical and research skills within a supportive, nationally recognised R&D department. It is a career choice for those who want their daily work to leave a lasting legacy—where every observation recorded contributes to a healthier future. By joining this team, you ensure that compassionate care and pioneering research are delivered side by side.
