Research Assistant/Clinical Studies Officer (Phlebotomy Trained)

NELFT North East London Foundation Trust; Ilford; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Ilford is seeking a Research Assistant/Clinical Studies Officer. The role requires a phlebotomy qualification and experience working with diverse populations. You will be responsible for establishing relationships for research activities and conducting clinical tasks like blood sample collection. This position offers opportunities for professional development in research skills and a supportive work environment. The salary is competitive, with additional allowances for living in a high-cost area.

Benefits

High Cost Area Supplement

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work culture

Qualifications

• Aptitude and enthusiasm for working with a diverse range of people.
• Experience working with people with mental health problems or disabilities.
• Understanding of research methods used in the NHS.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships to facilitate research activities.
• Collect and transport blood samples in a community environment.
• Identify and enroll patients into research projects.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving

Understanding of research methods

Education

Phlebotomy qualification or equivalent

Job description

Go back NELFT North East London Foundation Trust

Research Assistant/Clinical Studies Officer (Phlebotomy Trained)

The closing date is 06 January 2026

We are looking to appoint a new research assistant phlebotomist to join our progressive and vibrant R&D team. The role is patient / staff facing and requires the post holder to have an aptitude and enthusiasm to work with a range of people from different cultures, ages, diagnosed conditions and environments. Our research portfolio covers mental health, dementia and community care services.

NELFT is an innovative and dynamic organisation with an accomplished record of delivering research studies throughout the Trust thanks to our skilled staff and clinicians. In the last year the team collaborated with community and mental health services to deliver more than 40 NIHR Portfolio Studies and the team enrolled more than 1400 people into research.

The post holder will work with services to establish, develop and maintain relationships to facilitate research activities and clinical tasks such as venepuncture and biological sample handling. Through these relationships they will identify and enrol patients, their carers and staff into research projects, undertaking duties such as advertising, screening, consent and data collection with participants as required.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will have a phlebotomy qualification (or equivalent) and experience of working with people with mental health problems, physical health problems and/or other disabilities and possess an understanding of research methods used in the NHS. They will be a creative problem solver, who is comfortable working independently and as part of a team. They will have excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. The post-holder will have the opportunity to develop their research skills through formal and experiential learning, supervision, mentoring and peer support. This role will include collecting and transporting blood samples in a community environment and having a valid UK driving license and access to a motor vehicle is essential.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview that will include a practical phlebotomy assessment.

Here at NELFT, embracing a Just and Compassionate Culture is our commitment to our colleagues and to our patients that we will support and promote a culture based on fairness, respect, honesty, and trust, ensuring that we have consistent leadership behaviours and styles across the Trust. Our vision is to create an engaging place to work in partnership, where we value diverse perspectives and work in an environment in which you feel valued, supported, understood, and developed.

About us

Our Values 2025 - 2030

Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have co‑produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.

• We are kind.
• We are respectful.
• We work together with our communities.

These three values help us to strive to provide the best care by the best people.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,714 to a maximum of £5,941 per annum (pro rata for part time).

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer to this when completing your application.

We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Please apply as soon as possible as some posts close early to limit the number of applications.

Certificates of Sponsorship

Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High‑Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.

Use of AI

Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Experience

• Research Experience
• Working with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.

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.

NELFT North East London Foundation Trust

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum pro rata plus HCAS