Research Assistant/Clinical Studies Officer (Phlebotomy Trained) | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

North East London NHS Foundation Trust; Tendring; On-site; GBP 4,000 - 6,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in England is seeking a research assistant phlebotomist to join their R&D team. This role involves establishing relationships to facilitate research activities, conducting venepuncture, and collecting biological samples. Candidates must have a phlebotomy qualification and experience with mental health and physical health issues. The position offers professional development opportunities and a supportive environment.

Benefits

High Cost Area Supplement

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive induction process

Qualifications

• Phlebotomy qualification or equivalent required.
• Experience working with people with mental health and physical health problems is essential.
• Understanding of NHS research methods is desired.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships for research activities.
• Collect and transport blood samples in a community environment.
• Enroll patients, carers, and staff into research projects.

Skills

Phlebotomy qualification

Experience with mental health issues

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently

Creativity in problem-solving

Job description

About the Role

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.

About NELFT

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications & Experience

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.

Other Requirements

Valid UK driving licence and access to a motor vehicle is essential. The role will include collecting and transporting blood samples in a community environment. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in‑person interview that will include a practical phlebotomy assessment.

Professional Development

The post-holder will have the opportunity to develop their research skills through formal and experiential learning, supervision, mentoring and peer support.

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.

Compensation

High Cost Area Supplement – Outer London: 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: 5 % of the basic salary (with a minimum of £1,192 to a maximum of £2,011 p.a. pro rata for part‑time).

Company Culture

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.

Values 2025 – 2030

• 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.

For more information about the main duties of the job and role requirements, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

This advert closes on Thursday 4 Dec 2025.