Clinical Research Administrative Assistant Apprentice

Royal Marsden; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an enthusiastic Clinical Research Administrative Assistant Apprentice to join the Clinical Trials team. You will combine practical workplace experience with formal study through the University of Kent, pursuing a BSc (Hons) Applied Science (Clinical Trials Specialist) upon completion.

Based across Sutton or Chelsea, this full-time apprenticeship covers a range of admin tasks in a busy research directorate, with extensive on-the-job training and

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above; one A Level in Biology or Level 3 Laboratory Apprenticeship.
• Good IT skills with Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Commitment to undertaking the apprenticeship alongside the role and learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the clinical trials team.
• Work across Chelsea and Sutton sites and study with the University of Kent.
• Complete the apprenticeship with required learning and development.

Skills

IT skills

MS Office

Organisational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Data protection

Teamwork

Interest in clinical research

Education

GCSE English & Maths

A Level Biology

Level 3 Laboratory Apprenticeship

Job description

Clinical Research Administrative Assistant Apprentice

NHS AfC: Band 2

Main area Clinical Trials Grade NHS AfC: Band 2 Contract Permanent: Apprenticeship Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 282-CR1944-NR

Employer The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site The Royal Marsden - Sutton or Chelsea Town Sutton or Chelsea Salary £30,142 pro rata per annum including HCAS Salary period Yearly Closing 25/10/2026 23:59

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.

· 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)

Working for our organisation

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including research, nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance, and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on the role please refer to the job description and personal specification

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.

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

• 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

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Name Zahara Ghory Job title Project Manager-Trial Access to Private Patients Email address [e-mail]