Research Practitioner

NHS; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare practice in Lancaster is looking for a Research Practitioner to support and coordinate research projects that enhance patient care. This role welcomes candidates from all backgrounds in primary care, focusing on developing research skills and contributing to innovative health solutions. Insurance, GDPR compliance, and stakeholder engagement will be key aspects of your role. Join us to shape the future of research while growing your career in an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• No specific qualification required; open to all staff with keen interest in research.
• Experience of working in primary care, general practice, or similar patient-facing or administrative environment.
• Keen interest in research.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment, consent, data collection, and follow-up under ICH GCP guidelines.
• Coordinate study activities and liaise across internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage administrative research tasks (data entry, correspondence, documentation).

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant healthcare qualification

Job description

Overview

Job Summary

Why This Role Now? Changes in staffing and NIHR funding this year have prompted a natural evolution in our research team structure, creating an open and exciting opportunity to rethink how research is conducted within our practice.

Who We're Looking For

We're inviting any enthusiastic member working in a primary care team, whether you're a nurse, healthcare assistant, admin staff, or another healthcare professional with a keen interest in research. You dont need to be a nurse! Because many research activities are administrative or coordination-based, this is an excellent chance to develop in a new direction within the practice. Preferred background: experience in General Practice and an understanding of how research can improve health outcomes will be advantageous, but passion and energy for research are the real core requirements.

#This post is funded through the Regional Research Delivery Network North West (RRDN NW) (formerly the National Institute of Clinical Research (NIHR) Network, Northwest Coast). The successful applicant will be employed by Queen Square Medical Practice, which will act as the host organisation for the duration of the role. Appointment to the post is contingent on the continuation of this external funding, and employment will be subject to the terms and conditions of Queen Square Medical Practice.

Main duties of the job

Role Overview

As a Research Practitioner, you will help design, organise, and deliver research projects that improve patient care, often through:

• Supporting recruitment, consent, data collection, and follow-up under ICH GCP guidelines
• Coordinating study activities and liaising across internal and external stakeholders
• Managing administrative research tasks (data entry, correspondence, documentation, compliance with GDPR and research protocols)
• Contributing to the next chapter of how Queen Square conducts research

About Queen Square Medical Practice

At Queen Square, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of healthcare to patients across Lancaster, Caton and the surrounding areas, including specialist clinics in Gynaecology, Fertility, Sexual Health, and more at our HealthHub on Queen Street. We are an award-winning, research-active practice. Our longstanding dedication to research is reflected in:

• Recognition as a finalist in the 2016 Clinical Research Impact category at the Health Service Journal Awards.
• Primary Care Research Team of the Year at the 2023 North West Coast Research & Innovation Awards.
• A finalist for Innovation in Workforce Culture in 2025.
• Commendations from RCGP and NIHR Clinical Research Network.
• Recruitment of nearly 900 patients in 2022/23, with continued engagement in 2024/25.

Details

• Date posted 10 September 2025
• Pay scheme Other
• Salary £38,566 to £44,373 a year dependent on experience
• Contract Permanent
• Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share
• Reference number A1352-25-0009
• Job locations 2 Queen Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1RP

Job Description

Job responsibilities

Job Description Research Practitioner

Hours Up to 37 hours per week (full-time), job share considered

Salary £38,566 - £44,373, dependent on experience

Tenure Permanent

Location Queen Square Medical Practice, Lancaster

Reporting to Research Development Lead and Practice Director

Who Can Apply Anyone in primary care with enthusiasm for research

Why Join Us?

Join a respected, research-accredited practice, with a track record of innovation and excellence in primary care research. Shape the future of research at Queen Square at an exciting moment of team development and change. Broaden your skills, even if you're not clinically trained—this role offers a strong development and career growth pathway. Be part of a practice known for inclusivity, teamwork, and staff development, with a flexible and supportive environment.

Next Steps

If you're driven by curiosity, patient-centered care, and want to play a part in shaping future research at Queen Square, then we want to hear from you. Whether you're clinical or administrative, let's talk about how you can contribute and grow in this evolving role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• No specific qualification required; open to all staff with keen interest in research. Willingness to undertake relevant training.

Experience

• Experience of working in primary care, general practice, or similar patient-facing or administrative environment.

Knowledge / Skills

• Keen interest in research. Strong organisational and administrative skills. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to use IT systems confidently. Ability to follow protocols and procedures accurately.

Personal Qualities

• Motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive. Flexible and adaptable. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Willingness to learn new skills.

Other

• Commitment to patient-centred care. Respect for confidentiality and equality, diversity and inclusion. Ability to travel between sites if required.

Desirable

• Education / Qualifications: Relevant healthcare qualification (e.g. nurse, HCA, admin or other health role). Training or courses in research methods.
• Experience: Previous involvement in research studies or audits. Experience with NIHR research processes.
• Knowledge / Skills: Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Awareness of data protection, GDPR and research governance. Venepuncture or clinical sampling skills (with training).
• Personal Qualities: Positive role model within the team. Demonstrates leadership potential.
• Other: Full driving licence and access to own transport.

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.

Employer details

Employer name: Queen Square Medical Practice

Address: 2 Queen Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1RP

Employer's website: https://www.queensquare.org/

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