Interim Clinical Research Assistant Practitioner
Job summary
The role combines hands-on clinical responsibilities with research coordination and administrative support.
The post-holder will undertake healthcare assistant level duties including venepuncture, ECG recording, basic health assessments and the processing of biological samples using a centrifuge, ensuring all procedures are carried out in line with study protocols, infection control standards, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
In addition, the role involves supporting the coordination, implementation, and rollout of research projects. This
includes identifying and screening eligible patients using clinical IT systems, managing study documentation, maintaining accurate data entry, liaising with research sponsors and external partners, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
IT competency is essential, as the role requires confident use of electronic clinical systems, research databases, and digital reporting tools to maintain high standards of data quality and governance.
Main duties of the job
This is a varied and rewarding position combining clinical, administrative, and research coordination responsibilities.
You will
Support the delivery of a wide range of clinical research studies.
Conduct clinical procedures including venepuncture, ECG recordings, blood pressure monitoring, health assessments, and physiological observations.
Collect, process, store and prepare biological samples in line with study protocols.
Identify and screen eligible participants using electronic clinical systems.
Manage study documentation and maintain accurate electronic research records.
Coordinate appointments, participant communications, and study follow-up activities.
Liaise with research sponsors, laboratories, research networks and healthcare professionals.
Support data quality, governance, audits and regulatory compliance.
About us
Ashfields Primary Care Centre is a growing practice serving over 28,000 patients in the semi-rural market town of Sandbach, Cheshire, with excellent access to the M6 motorway.
We have:
High patient satisfaction scores
A good CQC report with outstanding features
A supportive and well-established clinical team including a Physicians Assosiate, Nurses, HCA's, Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
A dedicated pharmacist team providing chronic disease management, drug titration clinics, and post-discharge medication reviews
First Contact Physiotherapists, Care Coordinators, and a comprehensive administrative team
As an active member of our Primary Care Network, we maintain close working relationships with local care networks and community services
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Duties
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Undertake venipuncture in accordance with study protocols, infection prevention and control standards, and local policy.
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Perform and accurately record ECGs.
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Process biological samples safely and competently, including the operation of a centrifuge.
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Label, prepare, and dispatch specimens in line with study requirements and laboratory guidance.
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Prepare clinical areas and equipment for research visits, ensuring cleanliness and readiness.
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Support research clinics and participant appointments as required.
Extra physical assessments may be required for specific studies, but full training will be given as per study protocol.
Research Coordination and Administrative Duties
- Provide administrative support for the team which will includes duties such as filing, printing, appointment booking and answering patient calls.
- Support the team with study specific administrative tasks such as managing courier collections, lab kit ordering, lab kit preparation.
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Assist in the coordination, implementation, and rollout of research projects within the practice.
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Identify and screen potential participants using clinical IT systems and approved search tools.
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Maintain accurate and contemporaneous research documentation in accordance with study protocols.
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Complete data entry onto electronic case report forms and research databases.
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Manage study-related correspondence, appointment booking, and participant follow-up.
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Liaise with external research teams, sponsors, and research network staff as required.
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Ensure secure storage, archiving, and maintenance of study files.
Managing samples collections using dry ice.
IT and Data Responsibilities
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Confidently utilise electronic clinical systems for patient searches, coding, and data extraction.
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Maintain high standards of data quality and confidentiality in line with GDPR and NHS data governance requirements.
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Support digital reporting and research performance monitoring.
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Assist with audits and data validation exercises.
Governance and Professional Responsibilities
- Work within the scope of competence and under the supervision of the Research Lead / team
- Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and all relevant research governance frameworks.
- Participate in mandatory training and maintain required clinical competencies.
- Complete all study protocol specific training in a timely manner
- Contribute to incident reporting, significant event reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold professional standards at all times.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
- Polite and confident
- Flexible and co-operative
- Motivated, forward thinker
- Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
- Integrity and loyalty
- Sensitve and empathetic
- Ability to work under pressure
Other requirements
- Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Check
- Occupational Health Clearance
Qualifications
- Qualified to NVQ level 2 in Health and Social care or equivalent
- Educated to GCSE level with minimum grade C or equivalent in Mathematics and English
- Educated to degree level, experience of working in research and of conducting a research project
Experience
- Experience of performing ECGs
- Experience of basic health assesments
- Strong IT skills with experience using electronic clinical systems
- Experience of research management systems i.e., electronic
- data capture systems
- Experience of working autonomously
- Chaperone procedure
- Understand the importance of evidence-based practice
- Knowledge of health promotion strategies
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
- Experience of working in primary care
- Experience of working in research and/or supporting delivering a research project
- Competent in the safe use of a centrifuge
- GCP trained
- Immunisation/Vaccination trained
- Knowledge of public health issues in the local area
- Awareness of issues within the wider health arena
Skills
- Excellent organisational and time management skills - ability to manage competing responsibilities
- Willingness to continually learn and increase knowledge
- Ability to work independently and manage own time and workload
- Adapatable to continual change in daily tasks and daily work requirements.
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Effective record keeping ability
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
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
Ashfields Primary Care Centre
Address
Middlewich Road
Sandbach
Cheshire
CW11 1EQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.sandbachgps.nhs.uk/