Research Assistant for SOLUTIONS Trial

Lancashire Care Foundation Trust; Preston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Preston seeks an experienced researcher to join their team. The role focuses on participant recruitment for a research study aimed at supporting children facing criminal exploitation. Candidates should possess strong research skills and the ability to engage effectively with staff and patients. Emphasis on diversity and inclusion; flexible working arrangements are encouraged. Apply by February 10, 2026.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Support for diverse applicants

Qualifications

• Strong grasp of research-related participant recruitment.
• Experience with data analysis in research contexts.

Responsibilities

• Work in the Research & Development Department at LSCFT.
• Recruit participants for an ongoing research study.
• Engage with staff and patients at NHS sites.

Skills

Research skills

Qualitative and quantitative data collection

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an experienced researcher to join our delivery team within the research and development department at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. The role is focused on recruitment and engagement to an exciting ongoing research study (The Solutions Trial - https://youthendowmentfund.org.uk/funding/who-we-fund/lancashire-and-south-cumbria-nhs-foundation-trust/) within the liaison and diversion service and broader settings across England.

Child Criminal Exploitation Safeguarding Context

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) forms part of the contextual safeguarding agenda and has been identified as a strategic priority by the Children’s Safeguarding and Assurance Partnership (CSAP) in Lancashire. The liaison and diversion service is provided by LSCFT in 12 custody suites across Lancashire and Cumbria. The Solutions trial aims to test whether offering these children and young people a psychological treatment called Brief Solution Focused Therapy is helpful. Brief Solution Focused Therapy is a short‑term therapy that helps people to change by focusing on building solutions rather than getting stuck thinking about problems.

Responsibilities

The post-holder will work in the LSCFT Research & Development Department, which is based at the Lantern Centre in Preston. Recruitment will take place primarily across Lancashire and other sites in the Northwest and involves working with the liaison and diversion team, safeguarding teams and police custody suites. The post-holder will have a good grasp of research skills related to participant recruitment, and qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. They will be required to travel to NHS sites and utilize communications skills to engage staff and patients.

Diversity and Inclusion

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups. If you’d like to discuss your application, please ask. We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

Flexible Working

LSCFT supports flexible working. We believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi‑time.

Closing Date

This advert closes on Tuesday 10 Feb 2026.