Job summary
Fixed Term: 12 months | Full time

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join the Directorate of Research & Innovation. As a Paediatric Research Assistant, you will play an important role in the research delivery team, supporting a diverse portfolio of clinical research studies. These range from first-in-human gene therapy trials to phase 4 drug studies and registries.

You will contribute to clinical research delivery from study set-up through to archiving--ensuring studies run smoothly, safely, and in compliance with protocols. You'll work with multidisciplinary teams and partners, collect and process data and biological samples, and provide support to study participants and their families.

About You:

• Educated to Degree level (in a relevant subject) or equivalent experience.
• Comprehensive administrative/data management experience.
• Excellent IT skills
• Able to communicate in verbal and written formats, prioritise workload and meet agreed delivery timeframes.
• A commitment to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and adherence to study protocols

Main duties of the job
You will report to the Senior Research Nurse , and your responsibilities will include:

• Prepare studies during set-up, ensuring documents and approvals are in place.
• Communicate with clinical teams, support departments, trial sponsors, and vendors to ensure smooth and safe study operations.
• Support participants and their families throughout their research journey.
• Collect and process data and biological samples from children and young people.
• Ensure accurate data collection and entry across different electronic platforms.
• Follow study protocols and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

About us
At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage all applicants to review their right to work eligibility before submitting an application to help avoid any disappointment during the recruitment process.

This role has been assigned occupation code 3111 using the CASCOT coding tool. Under current Home Office guidance for further information on occupation codes, sponsorship eligibility and right-to-work requirements, please visit: Skilled Worker visa: Your Job GOV.UK. Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK

Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Educated to Degree level (in a relevant subject) or equivalent level of experience.
• Comprehensive IT skills including: email, WORD, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Internet or comparable computer packages
• Required to participate in ongoing Professional and Personal Development and undertake additional training as required

Desirable

• Evidence of appropriate further education/development
• Research qualification
• Administrative qualifications
• IT Qualification

Experience
Essential

• Comprehensive administrative/data management experience - preferably in an NHS setting or a busy office environment
• Experience in a working environment that involves patient/customer care
• Data entry experience / using databases
• Recent project/ research/ data collection or clinical audit experience
• Experience of communication with a wide variety of people

Desirable

• Experience of working in a NHS setting
• Experience of working within a clinical trial setting
• Experience of working in a paediatric environment

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Knowledge of clinical trials
• Clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality

Desirable

• Clinical skills (e.g. venepuncture)
• Sample preparation & handling
• Knowledge of research governance and regulations (e.g. ICH-GCP and EU Directives)
• Knowledge of research methodologies

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).

Employer details
Employer name
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Address
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TH
United Kingdom

Employer's website
https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
CRF Nurse Manager
Paula Froggatt or Becky Wetherill
paula.froggatt@nhs.net
01142717417