Research Support Assistant

Lancashire Care Foundation Trust; Preston; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health foundation in the United Kingdom is seeking a Research Support Assistant to aid in a mental health research study. You will lead recruitment, manage data integrity, and collaborate with clinical teams. Candidates must have a degree in a relevant field, knowledge of research designs, and strong communication skills. The position offers flexible working options and a supportive environment for all applicants. The role starts in April 2026, with applications closing on February 10, 2026.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Supportive work environment

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline is required.
• Familiarity with clinical trial designs, recruitment, and retention is essential.
• Effective data collection and analysis skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment and data collection for a funded trial.
• Conduct clinical assessments and manage study data.
• Receive training and supervision from clinical academics.

Skills

Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research designs

Competence in data collection

Experience in clinical trial management

Ability to work collaboratively in a team

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint a Research Support Assistant in Mental Health Research, to work in close partnership with the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research at Lancaster University, in the delivery of an NIHR funded trial Mouth Matters in Mental Health Study.

The Trust is a large health and wellbeing organization employing over 7,000 staff and serving a population across the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System. It provides inpatient and community specialist Mental Health services to children and young people, adults and older adults, and also delivers forensic mental health services. The Trust also provides a range of physical health care community services and children’s services.

The project aims to improve access to dental services for people with severe mental health difficulties, addressing poor oral health and barriers to attending the dentist. The post starts in April 2026.

Responsibilities

• Lead on recruitment and data collection for a NIHR-funded trial.
• Liaise with clinical teams, meet potential participants, and conduct clinical assessments (e.g., interviews, self-report measures).
• Manage data and ensure quality and integrity of study information.
• Receive clinical supervision and training from experienced clinical academics (e.g., Clinical Psychologists) working in mental health research.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research designs, including clinical trial designs with recruitment and retention targets.
• Competence in data collection and both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Experience of working collaboratively in clinical trial management with large multi-disciplinary research teams, service users/relatives, clinicians and service providers (desirable).
• We are looking for an energetic, dynamic, self-directed and committed individual with an interest in becoming a key part of the research team.

About Spectrum and the Trust

All research through Spectrum is conducted with people with lived experience to ensure it focuses on priorities relevant to them. Spectrum actively influences practice through national policy levels and by training clinicians. See the Trust’s Spectrum information for more details.

Diversity, Inclusion and Working Style

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 experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT supports flexible working and recognises that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.

Additional Information

For more details on this vacancy please review the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date

This advert closes on Tuesday 10 February 2026.