Research Practitioner

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

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Lancaster is seeking a Research Practitioner to enhance their research team. This role involves designing and coordinating research projects aimed at improving patient outcomes. Ideal candidates will have strong organisational skills and a keen interest in research, regardless of their specific healthcare background. Salary ranges from £38,566 to £44,373 per year, based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in primary care, general practice or similar environments.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver research projects to improve patient care.
• Manage data entry, documentation, and compliance with protocols.
• Coordinate study activities and liaise with stakeholders.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Ability to follow protocols

Interest in research

Education

No specific qualification required

Relevant healthcare qualification

Job description

Changes in staffing and NIHR funding this year have prompted anatural evolution in our research team structure, creating an open and excitingopportunity 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 don't 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.
• 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 us

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.

Job responsibilities

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

Job description / Qualifications

Qualifications

• Education / Qualifications
  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.

• 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.

Salary: £38,566 - £44,373 per year, dependent on experience