Paediatric Research Assistant

Haringey GP Federation; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's healthcare organization in Sheffield seeks an enthusiastic Paediatric Research Assistant to support clinical research studies ranging from gene therapy to drug trials. The role includes preparation of studies, data collection, and providing support to families. Applicants should hold a degree in a relevant subject and possess strong communication and data management skills. Join for a fulfilling career making a difference in children's health.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing programmes

Qualifications

• Educated to Degree level or equivalent experience.
• Comprehensive IT skills including Excel and Access.
• Experience in a clinical trial setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare studies during set-up and ensure documentation is complete.
• Collect and process data and biological samples from participants.
• Support participants throughout their research journey.

Skills

Communication skills

Data management

Clinical skills

Knowledge of clinical trials

Education

Degree level education in relevant subject

Research qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Access

Job description

Overview

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Paediatric Research Assistant

The closing date is 18 February 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join the Directorate of Research & Innovation. As a Paediatric Research Assistant, you will play an important role in the research delivery team, supporting a diverse portfolio of clinical research studies. These range from first-in-human gene therapy trials to phase 4 drug studies and registries.

You will contribute to clinical research delivery from study set-up through to archiving—ensuring studies run smoothly, safely, and in compliance with protocols. You’ll work with multidisciplinary teams and partners, collect and process data and biological samples, and provide support to study participants and their families.

About You:

Educated to Degree level (in a relevant subject) or equivalent experience.

Able to communicate in verbal and written formats, prioritise workload and meet agreed delivery timeframes.

A commitment to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and adherence to study protocols.

Main duties of the job

You will report to the Senior Research Nurse, and your responsibilities will include:

• Prepare studies during set-up, ensuring documents and approvals are in place.
• Communicate with clinical teams, support departments, trial sponsors, and vendors to ensure smooth and safe study operations.
• Support participants and their families throughout their research journey.
• Collect and process data and biological samples from children and young people.
• Ensure accurate data collection and entry across different electronic platforms.
• Follow study protocols and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

About us

At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We’re proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values — Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence — to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts — helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Job responsibilities

For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

This role has been assigned the occupation code 3111 using the CASCOT coding tool. To check the eligibility of this code for sponsorship and right to work please visit the UK government site for Skilled Worker visa-eligible occupations and codes.

Diversity Statement

At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [e-mail]. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.

#LI-Onsite

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Educated to Degree level (in a relevant subject) or equivalent level of experience.
• Comprehensive IT skills including: email, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Internet or comparable computer packages
• Required to participate in ongoing Professional and Personal Development and undertake additional training as required
• Evidence of appropriate further education/development
• Research qualification

Experience

• Comprehensive administrative/data management experience - preferably in an NHS setting or a busy office environment
• Experience in a working environment that involves patient/customer care
• Recent project/ research/ data collection or clinical audit experience
• Experience of communication with a wide variety of people
• Experience of working in a NHS setting
• Experience of working within a clinical trial setting
• Experience of working in a paediatric environment

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of clinical trials
• Clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Clinical skills (e.g. venepuncture)
• Knowledge of research governance and regulations (e.g. ICH-GCP and EU Directives)
• Knowledge of research methodologies

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.

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust