Research Assistant BCC

NHS; Reading; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in Reading is seeking a highly organized administrator to support the Oncology research team. This role involves providing administrative and clerical support, maintaining study records, and ensuring smooth operation of research activities. Ideal candidates will have strong administrative skills, effective communication, and the ability to work in a dynamic healthcare environment. No prior research experience is necessary, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to excel in healthcare administration.

Benefits

Collaborative team environment

Opportunity for professional development

Supportive work culture

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent with passes at grade C or above.
• Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day administrative and clerical support to the research team.
• Maintain accurate study files and records.
• Liaise courteously with staff, patients, and external research partners.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

GCSE level or equivalent

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

RSA Typing Level 2 - 3

Tools

NHS information systems

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly and proactive Oncology researchTeam within the Berkshire Cancer Centre at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated administrator who enjoys supporting busy teams and ensuring research activity runs smoothly day to day. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in an administrative or coordination role within a healthcare setting - it does not require previous research or academic experience.

The post holder will work closely with research nurses, coordinators, and clinical teams to provide comprehensive administrative support across a range of research studies.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

Provide day-to-day administrative and clerical support to the research team.

Maintain accurate study files and records, including correspondence, meeting notes, and data logs.

Schedule meetings, take minutes, manage diaries, and handle general correspondence.

Support study start-up and ongoing maintenance by assisting with document filing, data entry, and communication with clinical areas.

Organise supplies, stationery, and stock control for research studies.

Liaise courteously with staff, patients, and external research partners, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism.

Assist in maintaining finance records, raising purchase orders, and processing invoices where required.

Support audit and compliance activity, ensuring documentation meets regulatory standards.

This is primarily an administrative role supporting research operations. While you will gain valuable exposure to clinical research, the post is not intended for those seeking to conduct independent research or pursue a PhD.

About us

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest general hospital foundation trusts in the South East. Our Research & Innovation Department is nationally recognised for its breadth and quality of studies.

You'll be joining a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive team where initiative, teamwork, and professional development are encouraged. Informal visits are welcomed and encouraged.

Job responsibilities

Were looking for someone who:

Has strong administrative experience, ideally in a healthcare, university, or office environment.

Enjoys coordinating busy workloads and communicating with a wide range of people.

Can work accurately and methodically, following set procedures.

Is keen to support NHS research delivery but not necessarily seeking an academic research career.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications, Experience & Training

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent with passes at grade C or above.
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent knowledge and skills gained through any combination of alternative study, employment or voluntary work (2) Willing to undertake further education.
• Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting
• Proven experience of working within a team.
• RSA Typing Level 2 - 3
• Educated to Degree level
• Good Clinical Practice and EU Directive Training
• Previous experience of administration or clerical work.
• Working knowledge of NHS information systems.
• Experience of clinical audit

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Proven ability to prioritise and manage own workload
• Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal, including courteous telephone manner.
• Proven ability to work on own initiative.
• Able to work flexibly to meet service needs
• Clear understanding of confidentiality issues - knowledge of Caldicott and GDPR / Data Protection Act requirement
• Knowledge of NHS administrative systems.
• Awareness of Clinical and Research Governance.

Personality and Personal Attributes

• Excellent timekeeping and a flexible approach to work. Able to participate with a rotating shift pattern
• Ability to produce timely accurate and useful information tailored to needs of patients
• Ability to work across Trust and Network sites as required to deliver the demands of the service.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This 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.