Job summaryThe Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is committed to delivering Modern, Integrated and Outstanding research that transforms patient care and drives clinical innovation across our Oncology and Medicine services. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated ST1/2 level Research Fellow to join our Research & Development team.
The postholder will contribute to high impact clinical research, support ongoing NIHR portfolio studies, and help develop new research activity within the Trust.
This role offers excellent opportunities for specialty development, academic growth, and building a research focused clinical career within a dynamic and supportive environment.
The Clinical Research Fellow will work at ST1/2 level to support the delivery of clinical research within the Trust, combining research activity with continued clinical development. The postholder will contribute to study set-up, participant recruitment, informed consent (where delegated), protocol delivery, data collection, and follow-up across a portfolio of commercial and non-commercial studies.
They will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, research staff, and study sponsors, ensuring compliance with GCP, research governance requirements, and Trust policies. The role involves direct patient contact, coordination across departments, accurate documentation, and contribution to research performance, quality improvement, and academic activity under appropriate senior supervision.
Main duties of the job- Work with Principal Investigators to deliver Oncology and General Medicine studies in accordance with approved protocols, ethical approvals, and governance standards.
- Support identification, screening, consent, and recruitment of participants to clinical trials, maintaining GCP compliant practice at all stages.
- Undertake study specific clinical assessments, documentation, and follow up according to trial requirements (where appropriate for ST3 competency level).
- Ensure accurate and timely collection of clinical and research data using approved Trust systems
- Liaise with clinical teams across Oncology, General Medicine, and associated specialties to embed research within routine pathways.
- Coordinate patient visits, investigations, sample handling, and study procedures.
- Maintain clear communication with research nurses, practitioners, and multidisciplinary teams to support seamless study delivery.
About usThe Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job responsibilitiesDetailed job description and main responsibilitiesThe Clinical Research Fellow will support the safe, effective and high-quality delivery of clinical research across Oncology, Rheumatology and General Medicine, working closely with Principal Investigators, Sub-Investigators, research nurses, clinical trial practitioners, data staff, sponsors and wider multidisciplinary teams. The postholder will contribute to the set-up, coordination and delivery of commercial and non-commercial studies, ensuring that all activity is undertaken in accordance with approved protocols, study manuals, ethical approvals, sponsor requirements, Good Clinical Practice, the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, Trust policies and relevant regulatory standards.
The role will include delegated screening activity to identify potentially eligible participants through review of clinic lists, medical records, laboratory results and diagnostic information. Where appropriately trained and delegated, the postholder will support the informed consent process, ensuring that participants receive clear, balanced and understandable information and have sufficient opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to take part. They will contribute to recruitment and retention by supporting participant appointments, follow-up activity and communication with patients and carers in a professional, sensitive and patient-centred manner.
Under appropriate senior supervision, the postholder will undertake study-specific clinical assessments, physical examinations, toxicity and symptom reviews, review of clinical results and completion of clinical documentation within the limits of ST3-level competence. They will work with clinical and support departments, including pharmacy, pathology, radiology and outpatient services, to ensure protocol-mandated assessments, investigations, samples, treatment pathways and follow-up requirements are coordinated safely and within required study timelines.
A key expectation of the role is the maintenance of accurate, contemporaneous and complete research records. The postholder will ensure that source documentation, case report forms, electronic systems, consent records, eligibility assessments and sponsor-required platforms are completed to a high standard, supporting data integrity, audit readiness and timely resolution of data queries. They will maintain appropriate training records, CVs, delegation log entries and Good Clinical Practice certification, ensuring that delegated duties are only undertaken when the postholder is trained, authorised and competent to do so.
The Clinical Research Fellow will uphold robust governance and patient safety standards, recognising, documenting and escalating adverse events, serious adverse events, suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions, protocol deviations, breaches and safeguarding or clinical concerns in line with sponsor requirements, regulatory timelines and Trust procedures. The postholder will participate in monitoring visits, audits, quality assurance activity and inspections where required, responding promptly to queries and supporting corrective and preventative actions.
The role will also support research development and academic activity. This may include contributing to feasibility discussions, pathway mapping, literature reviews, evidence summaries, research proposals, abstracts, posters, presentations, reports, service evaluations and quality improvement outputs. The postholder will help identify barriers to recruitment or delivery, escalate operational risks appropriately and contribute to the achievement of study timelines, recruitment targets and NIHR portfolio delivery expectations.
The postholder will be expected to demonstrate clinical judgement appropriate to ST1/2 level, recognise the limits of personal competence, seek senior advice when required and practise in accordance with GMC standards, Trust policies and research governance requirements. They will communicate complex clinical and research information clearly and professionally to patients, carers, clinical colleagues, research staff, sponsors and external partners, adapting their approach to individual needs while maintaining confidentiality, dignity and respect.
The Clinical Research Fellow will manage competing clinical and research priorities effectively, demonstrating reliability, attention to detail, responsiveness to deadlines and the ability to work independently while remaining fully integrated within the multidisciplinary team. They will contribute to teaching, research education, journal clubs, multidisciplinary learning and mentorship opportunities, helping to build research awareness and capability across clinical services.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- MBBS or equivalent; GMC Registered
- ST1 Level clinical competence
ExperienceEssential- Knowledge of oncology/general medicine
- Current GCP certificate or willingness to obtain immediately
DesirableDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. 
