Clinical Research Administrative Assistant Apprentice

The Royal Marsden; Greater London, Greater London; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Marsden is offering an apprenticeship in Clinical Trials within the Clinical Research team, split across the Chelsea and Sutton sites. You will study with the University of Kent and gain practical experience across one of 14 specialisms, leading to a BSc (Hons) Applied Science (Clinical Trials Specialist).

You will undertake a mix of admin tasks, liaising with clinicians and trial staff, while completing required learning and development.

Qualifications

• GCSE passes (English and Maths) at grade 4 or above and at least one A Level (Biology) or equivalent, or a Level 3 Laboratory Technical Apprenticeship.
• Good IT skills with Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities with attention to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the clinical research activity across Chelsea and Sutton sites.
• Collaborate with doctors, nurses, trial coordinators, data managers and administrators.
• Balance practical workplace experience with study time to support professional development.

Skills

IT skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

A Level Biology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job overview

The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improvement in cancer care through research and innovation, education, and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground-breaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.
The clinical research directorate is made up of multi delivery units, meaning we are a large, busy team. It can be very fast paced, and the successful applicant will need to be able to be adaptable according to the demands of the day.

We are a very friendly, inclusive directorate and offer excellent on the job training and support. Research offers incredible development and education opportunities, and we would love to welcome you to our team as you start a new career journey.

You will study with the University of Kent while working in our Clinical Research team, gaining practical experience across one of our 14 specialisms. Your studies will cover basic biology, clinical trial regulations, health economics and project management. Upon successful completion, you will achieve a BSc (Hons) Applied Science (Clinical Trials Specialist).

Main duties of the job

There are a lot of administrative tasks required to support our research activity, and you will play a key role as part of that. There will be lots of variety in tasks involving dealing with lots of different people such as doctors, nurses, trial coordinators, data managers and fellow administrators.

Based across The Royal Marsden's Chelsea and Sutton sites, the apprenticeship combines practical workplace experience with dedicated study time, supporting your professional development and career progression within clinical research and the NHS.

You must be committed to undertaking the apprenticeship alongside the role and engaging fully with the required learning and development.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

·Applicants must

• Be aged 18 or over. Have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three years. Have the legal right to work and live in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship. If you require a visa, it must allow you to work and undertake an apprenticeship. Visas issued solely for educational or study purposes do not meet the eligibility requirement Not hold a qualification in the same subject at the same level or higher Must be committed to completing the required learning Must be available to start early December 2026 Must be available to attend University of Kent early January 2027 GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C) and one of the relevant L3 qualifications (please see JD)

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are looking for someone who is open-minded, positive, and able to work on their own initiative while following instructions carefully and demonstrating excellent attention to detail.

You will be flexible in your approach, a strong team player, and willing to contribute to a dynamic and supportive research environment.

We would encourage you to look at the person specification when completing your application, and when answering the pre-applications questions, we expect the application to be completed by you.

This is an office-based role located at our Sutton or Chelsea site. Due to the nature of the clinical trials, remote or home working will not be offered.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Please do not rely on AI-generated answers when completing your application. Authenticity, motivation, and genuine interest are essential to the work we do at The Royal Marsden. We want to hear your voice and understand why you are interested in an apprenticeship and a clinical trials role with us. To learn more about our work, please visit our website and explore our mission to drive excellence in cancer research, care, and innovation.

Interview dates

Week commencing 16 November 2026 - will be face to face in Sutton.

Start date

Early December 2026

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria

• GCSE passes (or equivalent), in English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above. They are also required to have achieved at one A Level (or equivalent), in Biology. Alternatively, applicants must have completed a Level 3 Laboratory Technical Apprenticeship in a relevant science discipline.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure, maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to handle patient data appropriately and maintain confidentiality in line with data protection requirements. Essential Application form / Interview/ References
• Demonstrates can work effectively as part of a team and with staff at all levels.
• An interest in clinical research and its contribution to improving patient care.
• Demonstrates commitment to undertaking the apprenticeship alongside the role and engaging fully with the required learning and development. Essential Application form / Interview/ References

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.

The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.