R&D Clinical Research Practitioner AA

NHS Scotland; Kirkcaldy; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare research team is seeking an individual to support clinical trials and research projects. Responsibilities include monitoring research participants, managing data, and providing administrative support. Strong organisational and IT skills are essential. This is a 21-month fixed-term position based at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, with potential for extension.

Benefits

Flexible working

Family-friendly policies

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of research principles.
• Strong planning, organisational, and IT skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monitoring and support of research participants.
• Collect, document, and manage research data.
• Provide administrative support and collaborate with teams.
• Manage own caseload of follow-up participants.
• Assist in organising and setting up new studies and trials.

Skills

Planning skills

Organisational skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Job description

We are seeking an individual to join the NHS Fife Research & Development (R&D) Team, part of the Research, Innovation & Knowledge Department. This role involves supporting R&D research nurses and clinical investigators in the delivery of clinical trials and research projects across NHS Fife.

Key responsibilities include assisting with the monitoring and support of research participants, as well as collecting, documenting, and accurately managing research data. You will also provide comprehensive administrative support and collaborate with local investigators and multidisciplinary teams. Under the supervision of experienced R&D research nurses, you will manage your own caseload of follow-up participants and assist in organising and setting up new studies and trials.

The post is primarily based at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, with regular travel to Queen Margaret Hospital and other NHS Fife sites.

While previous experience in clinical trials is desirable, it is not essential. A basic understanding of research principles—such as confidentiality, randomisation, informed consent, and ethical considerations—is expected. Strong planning, organisational, and IT skills are essential, along with excellent attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

This is a 21-month fixed-term post initially, with the potential for extension depending on activity.

Existing permanent employees must first discuss this opportunity with their substantive line manager. The secondment policy can be found here. If you do not have approval for a secondment from your current line manager, you will not be able to proceed with your application. External applicants with continuous NHS service must also have a secondment agreement from their current board.

For informal enquiries, please contact Karen Gray, Lead Nurse, Research and Development, at 07867 331576 or email [e-mail].

NHS Fife is legally obliged to ensure all employees are entitled to work in the UK. If you are not a UK or Irish national, you must confirm your right to work in your application.

To work in the UK, you must demonstrate relevant permission to work, granted by the UK Visa and Immigration Service. NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement during pre-employment. Evidence can include visas or EU settled/pre-settled status. More info is available on GOV.UK.

In some cases, sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa may be possible if the employer is a licensed sponsor and salary thresholds are met. Please verify your eligibility before applying.

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this role may require a different level of criminal records check. If classified as a "regulated role," you will need to join the PVG Scheme. Details are available at Disclosure Scotland. The need for adjustments or different checks will be confirmed by the Hiring Manager or Recruitment Team.

We support flexible working, family-friendly policies, and are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all sections of society.