Clinical Research Technician

Job overview

This is a full-time (37.5 hours p/w), 2-year fixed term contract.

This post is part of a growing team of research nurses and practitioners working in the research and development (R&D) team at CPFT.

The post holder will support the safe and effective delivery of clinical research studies by assisting Research Nurses/Practitioners and the wider research team with patient care, study procedures, and trial administration.

Working in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and local governance frameworks, the role contributes to high‑quality data collection, participant experience, and the smooth running of the research portfolio.

The Clinical Research Technician will help identify participants, support study visits, collect and process samples, maintain accurate documentation.

Main duties of the job

The post holder plays an essential role in ensuring research is delivered across Cambridge and Peterborough to a high standard and supports improvements in patient care and clinical outcomes. These studies will cover four main specialities: Mental health, Dementia, Physical health/community and rare diseases.

The postholder’s primary base will be at Windsor Research Unit Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, with an expectation to provide support at the research unit at the Cavell Centre, Peterborough.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities.

• Working under supervision to identify potential participants from the Trust’s clinical services, community services, university and NHS databases, specialist clinics, third sector organisations, schools and other access routes, for RDN portfolio and non-portfolio studies and clinical trials.
• Prepare for and support research study visits, ensuring clinical areas, equipment, and documentation are ready and compliant with study requirements.
• Undertake phlebotomy and assist with the collection, labelling, processing, and shipment of biological samples in accordance with study and relevant SOPs.
• Perform delegated clinical tasks such as measuring vital signs, ECG recording, height/weight measurements, and other protocol‑specific assessments once trained and deemed competent.
• To maintain accurate patient records and ensure all relevant information is documented within the patients’ medical notes and study source documentation.
• Supporting the study lead with the preparation for the monitoring visit ensuring the Investigator Site File (ISF) or Trial Master File (TMF) sections are up to date.
• Maintain professional awareness of subject area, including up to date understanding of all relevant legislation, Trust policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Monitor participants during and after study procedures, promptly escalating any concerns about patient safety or wellbeing to the supervising nurse or clinical team.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe clinical environment, including infection control, equipment checks, and adherence to local health and safety policies.
• Accompany the participant to the study related procedures, i.e. imaging department and assist with check‑in.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.