Research Assistant/Clinical Studies Officer (Phlebotomy Trained)

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

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the United Kingdom seeks a Research Assistant/Clinical Studies Officer trained in phlebotomy to join their R&D team. This role involves building relationships to facilitate mental health research, performing clinical tasks like venepuncture, and collecting data from participants. Candidates should have a phlebotomy qualification and experience in mental health settings. A valid UK driving licence and vehicle access are essential. Competitive salary ranges from £31,049 to £37,796, plus High Cost Area Supplement.

Qualifications

• Phlebotomy qualification or equivalent.
• Experience working with people under mental health treatment.
• Understanding of research methods within the NHS.
• Valid UK driving licence and access to a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships for research activities.
• Perform clinical tasks such as venepuncture.
• Collect and transport blood samples.
• Advertise, screen, consent, and collect data from participants.

Skills

Phlebotomy qualification

Experience with mental health problems

Excellent communication skills

Strong problem-solving abilities

Ability to work independently

Job description

Research Assistant/Clinical Studies Officer (Phlebotomy Trained)

The closing date is 04 December 2025

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 licence 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.

They are:

• 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.

Starting with Us

NELFT places great importance on new starters being properly welcomed into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process, new starters will also have the opportunity to meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend several drop‑in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

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 £4,313 to a maximum of £5,436 p.a. pro rata for part‑time).

High Cost Area Supplement – Fringe

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £1,192 to a maximum of £2,011 p.a. pro rata for part‑time).

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 (plus HCAS)