At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clinical research delivery and recruit participants for exciting studies.
- Company: Join South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, a leader in mental health care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, ongoing training, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are key!
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term role with potential for growth across various specialties.
South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust is committed to hosting high-quality research. The Clinical Research Unit based at Barnes Hospital (temporarily based in Teddington) serves a Trust-wide research portfolio in observational and interventional Phase II-IV trials. We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic Trainee Clinical Research Trials Assistant to join the Team and support our work on National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Portfolio studies.
This post provides a great opportunity for the successful candidate to gain experience in clinical research delivery, work together with other researchers in the Team, recruit participants and carry out clinical and psychometric assessments. Personal professional development through training, educational meetings and career guidance will also be available.
We are committed to get the very best out of our staff and support staff in their career aspirations. We have career pathways available, where you will be able to develop your skills and build on your experience to progress into other roles across different specialties. For this role, we offer career pathways in R&D Governance and Clinical Research Delivery.
In addition, we offer ongoing training and development in R&D Governance, setting up and delivering clinical research. As part of this role, the candidate would be expected to support our clinical research delivery team with the screening, identification, and recruitment of participants into NIHR clinical research studies, and support the research delivery team across all areas of the Trust NIHR research portfolio. This may involve cross-site working. The post will be for 6 months fixed term in the first instance.
As one of the few Trusts in London, we are proud to offer flexible and agile working as part of our new ways of working, and we are happy to talk flexible working at the interview stage. In this role, you will be able to work Monday to Friday in the time frames from 08:00 to 18:00, giving you the very best of good work-life balance.
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ - we aspire to be ‘outstanding’. This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti-racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do. We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
The post will be based in the R&D Office located at Springfield University Hospital, with cross-site working across the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) located at Barnes Hospital (temporarily in Teddington) and Tolworth Hospital.
Contact Detail:
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust Recruiting Team
Tania.west@swlstg.nhs.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Clinical Trials Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Portfolio studies. Understanding the types of studies and their significance will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to Tania West, the Head of Research, for an informal chat about the role. This can give you valuable insights into what they are looking for and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have in clinical settings or research environments during your discussions. Even if it's volunteer work or internships, showing that you understand the clinical research landscape can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and adaptability, especially since the role involves cross-site working. Emphasising your willingness to embrace new challenges will resonate well with the Trust's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Clinical Trials Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trainee Clinical Trials Research Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, education, and skills. Emphasise any previous research experience or roles that demonstrate your ability to work in a clinical setting.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific aspects of the South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust that resonate with you, such as their commitment to high-quality research and career development opportunities.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, consider sending a polite follow-up email to Tania West, expressing your continued interest in the position and asking if there are any updates regarding your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Clinical Trials Research Assistant. Familiarise yourself with terms like NIHR, clinical research delivery, and psychometric assessments, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Research
Demonstrate your passion for clinical research and mental health. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work in this field and how you can contribute to the Trust's mission of 'Making Life Better Together'.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates on research projects. It shows your interest and engagement.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role involves cross-site working and collaboration with various teams, emphasise your ability to adapt and work well with others. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked in a team or adapted to changing circumstances.