Clinical Research Practitioner

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Manchester is seeking a full-time Band 5 Clinical Research Practitioner to coordinate clinical research studies. The candidate will work within a dedicated team focused on cancer research, supporting patient recruitment and ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice. Essential qualifications include a scientific degree and experience in clinical trials administration. This role offers competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in clinical trials administration, data management or project coordination in a healthcare setting.
• NHS experience and ability to work within a multidisciplinary clinical team.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and clinical skills (e.g., phlebotomy).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate a portfolio of research studies across different specialties within the Trust.
• Interview, recruit, and support patients and carers in non-treatment clinical trials/studies.
• Maintain adequate patient records and ensure documentation in medical and nursing notes.
• Provide continuity of care and non-clinical support.

Skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

IT literacy

Attention to detail

Education

Scientific degree

Postgraduate certificate in Clinical Research

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a full-time Band 5 Clinical Research Practitioner to coordinate and deliver clinical research studies at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The successful candidate will be either a registered Clinical Research Practitioner with the Academy of Healthcare Sciences or working towards registration. The role involves contributing to the development of clinical research for people with cancer within the Breast Research Team. The Christie runs an extensive portfolio of trials, including NIHR academic and commercial trials. The CRP will recruit patients to clinical trials, obtain informed consent where appropriate, support patients enrolled in trials, and ensure study interventions are completed according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Trust standards. You will work with a supportive team of experienced clinical research nurses and a clinical trial administration team.

Main duties and responsibilities

The post will involve coordinating a portfolio of research studies across different specialties within the Trust. It is ideal for individuals with an interest in Breast and experience in a busy clinical/research environment who wish to further develop their skills. Candidates should have experience in NHS clinical research and demonstrate knowledge of Good Clinical Practice and clinical skills such as phlebotomy. Strong communication and organisational skills, and a flexible working approach, are essential.

About Us

The Christie is one of Europe\'s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, with national referrals as needed. We provide radiotherapy, chemotherapy on site and through partner hospitals, highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer, and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are a leading and international hub for research with a large early clinical trial unit and numerous trials each year.

Job Details

Date posted: 07 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change | Band 5 | Salary £31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 413-98050-RI-MS-A
Job locations: CT Breast - Q00117, Manchester, M20 4BX

Job Description and Responsibilities

The specific responsibilities will depend on the requirements of each team, but may include:

• Management: Provide induction support and training to new and existing clinical trials staff, develop training sessions and guidance documents; promote best practice through regular structured meetings with trials administration staff; assist with metric tracking for performance indicators such as mandatory training, divisional KPIs (e.g., time to recruit first patient from NHS permission, patient recruitment to time and target), amendment timelines and divisional absences.
• Clinical Research Co-ordination/Data Management: Interview, recruit, obtain informed consent and support patients and carers in non-treatment clinical trials/studies; educate patients on trials and their advantages/disadvantages; assess patients as required by trial protocols; maintain adequate patient records and ensure documentation in medical and nursing notes; provide continuity of care and non-clinical support; act as a key contact with R&D core team, study sponsors, CROs and research teams; coordinate feasibility for new studies; manage setup and initiation of allocated trials; ensure regulatory compliance; oversee investigator site files and essential documentation; prepare for audits and inspections; obtain NHS permissions (R&D approval) before recruitment; record activities in systems in a timely manner; meet trial-specific targets and arrange clinical trial meetings; perform general administrative tasks; coordinate reporting mechanisms and complete case report forms; participate in monitoring visits and produce minutes; attend project and disease-specific meetings and ensure proper archiving.
• Clinical Service Responsibilities: Demonstrate awareness of divisional and trust objectives, escalate governance issues, act as primary contact for trial patients, participate in monitoring and audit activities.
• Personal and Professional Development: Maintain NHS KSf development path; participate in Trust-wide education programmes and study days, and regional/national meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Scientific degree or relevant experience in scientific and medical research
• Experience in clinical trials administration, data management or project coordination in a healthcare setting
• NHS experience and ability to work within a multidisciplinary clinical team
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and clinical skills (e.g., phlebotomy)
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; IT literate; attention to detail

Desirable

• Registered Clinical Research Practitioner with the Academy of Healthcare Sciences or working towards registration
• Postgraduate certificate in Clinical Research or equivalent
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (ECDL or equivalent)
• Experience in oncology and collection/processing of bloods; dealing with patient queries on sensitive issues
• Advanced spreadsheet skills; ability to create PowerPoint presentations; willingness to train in clinical skills

Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding of clinical research, GCP/EU directives, clinical governance, and patient information systems

Desirable

• Knowledge of medical terminology and oncology

Other/Values

Essential

• Tactful, diplomatic, flexible, conscientious and hardworking; ability to work unsupervised or as part of a team; ability to meet tight or unexpected deadlines

Disclosure

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the DBS will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

The Christie NHS FT, CT Breast - Q00117, Manchester, M20 4BX
Website: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/