Job summary
Are you interested in an exciting career in clinical research?

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the UK and single biggest provider of specialised services in the North West of England.

Research & Innovation at MFT is dedicated to driving continuous improvement in the care our patients receive through clinical research. We support research across a diverse range of clinical areas and deliver improved diagnostics, treatments and devices for patients in Manchester and beyond

Our vision is to improve the health and quality of life of our diverse population by building an organisation that:

Excels in quality, safety, patient experience, research, innovation and teaching

Attracts, develops and retains great people

Is recognised internationally as a leading healthcare provider

Main duties of the job
We are looking for a band 4 research practitioner who is highly motivated and enthusiastic individual who is capable of contributing to the development of research within the Eye research team.

The Team facilitates and supports the delivery of research within Ophthalmology services, enabling patients to access innovative research opportunities and contributing to the advancement of eye care. The Research Practitioner will support the delivery of clinical research studies by undertaking a range of clinical and research-related activities, including venipuncture, recording vital signs, collecting and accurately documenting study data, administering and supporting the completion of patient questionnaires, and coordinating and planning participant study visits. The post holder will work closely with investigators, research nurses and multidisciplinary teams to ensure studies are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice(GCP)and regulatory requirements. Full training and support will be provided to develop specialist skills in ophthalmology assessments, imaging techniques and study-specific procedures.

Prior clinical research experience is not essential, but advantageous. Ideally you will have experience of the NHS and working within a clinical or patient facing environment.

About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Job responsibilities
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place _, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading_ and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

• Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
• Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
• Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Minimum NVQ 3 plus additional experience OR NVQ4

Desirable

• Degree in scientific/healthcare discipline

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge /undersatnding of healthcare environments
• Knowledge of ICH- Good Clinical Practice regulations relating to clinical research
• Medical knowledge/ terminology specific to the speciality
• Knowledge of clinical governance

Desirable

• Knowledge of Trust policies and procedures

Training and Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in a clinical or patient facing environment
• Proven experience of working to deadlines
• Proven experience of dealing with a busy workload
• Experience of working in a research environment

Desirable

• Data management experience
• Research experience

Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Awareness and respect for confidentiality
• Demonstrate IT skills
• Clinical skills, including venepuncture

Desirable

• Knowledge of information governance
• Knowledge of patient information systems i.e HIVE/Epic
• Can perform Visual acuity assessment(without refraction) and perform basic imaging

Attributes
Essential

• Proactive and able to work on own initiative
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
• Team player
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
• Ability to delegate where appropriate
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Self-motivated, Innovative Conscientious and hard working
• Tactful and diplomatic
• Ability to work to tight and / or unexpected deadlines
• Willingness to undertake training
• Willingness to travel across multiple sites as indicated
• Ability to work flexible shift pattern including cross- site working as required

Desirable

• Ability to troubleshoot effectively

Others
Essential

• Demonstrate ability to meet the Trust values

Desirable

• Interest in different speciality research delivery
• Awareness of research at MFT/opthalmology research

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.

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve.