Band 3/4 (Trainee) Clinical Trials Assistant, Research and Development
Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, self-motivated Trainee Clinical Trials Assistant to work with research staff on clinical research studies at all sites within West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (WHTH). As a Trainee Clinical Trials Assistant, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive research support, including (but not limited to) administrative tasks, data collection, and coordination of trials.
The appointment will be fixed term for one year in the first instance. The band will depend on research experience. This role will be Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with full details to be discussed upon appointment. There will be a two-stage interview process. Stage 1 will include a 20-minute Microsoft Excel Task on Wednesday 18th November 2026 (please ensure you have Microsoft Excel and Teams loaded onto your workstation).
The next stage will be an in-person interview on Thursday 19th November 2026.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist in supporting a portfolio of clinical research studies, from study set-up to archiving, in accordance with clinical trial protocols, local SOPs and all relevant regulatory standards. The role will also require collaborative working, with the post holder liaising between the R&D department and all members of the multidisciplinary team in order to assist with the conduct of research studies.
The R&D team work across specialities so the post holder will be given the opportunity to work within varied specialities to support research in those areas. The post holder will provide the highest standards of patient care in line with research protocols and ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines, safeguarding the well-being and safety of the patients and integrity of the data.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job responsibilities
The purpose of this post is to provide a research support service which may include assisting with: General Administration associated with research. Collection and reporting of clinical data as directed. Assist with coordination and set-up of clinical trials at the local site(s). Collection and processing of biological specimens. Coordination of study visits and assessments according to specific research protocols. The specific duties performed will vary according to the needs of the sites and individual research protocols. Please see the attached Job Description for a full list of duties.
Person Specification
Education and
Qualifications · Essential
Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline (i.e. science, health, health management, social science or a registered nurse or Allied Health Professional) or with previous relevant experience.
Desirable
Knowledge of health information management acquired through a relevant specialist qualification or equivalent experience of information handling and analysis gained in a work environment.
Knowledge · Essential
Knowledge of the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Desirable
Knowledge of research methodologies and current national systems and structures for the approval, management and monitoring of clinical research in the NHS. Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Knowledge of web-based applications. Understanding of NHS business and administrative processes. Understanding of NHS IT infrastructure, system requirements and quality standards. Knowledge of medical terminology.
Experience · Essential
Experience of working on multiple parallel tasks to strict and often tight deadlines. Experience of managing information systems and developing databases and spreadsheets.
Desirable
For roles requiring clinical input, relevant clinical experience. Skills and ability
Essential
Numerate with advanced IT skills (MS Office 2016 and above - Access, Excel, Word, Outlook, Google Drive and PowerPoint)
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) .
