Assistant Research Associate

Job summary

Are you passionate about advancing health and care research and making a real impact on the well-being of our local population? The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Regional Research Delivery Network South West Peninsula (RRDN SWP) is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Assistant Research Associate to join our dynamic team.

The NIHR is at the forefront of health and care research, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to enhance the health and wealth of the nation. The NIHR plays a crucial role in driving economic growth by attracting life-sciences investment through our world-class research infrastructure. Our Research Delivery Network supports the rapid set-up and effective conduct of research studies, ensuring robust evidence is gathered to improve treatments and inform the health and care system.

As an Assistant Research Associate, you will be integral to our mission, working closely with NHS Trusts and health providers across Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. Youll use your expertise to support staff in primary care, community, non-NHS, and acute settings, helping to identify and set up high-quality NIHR research studies. Your role will ensure that research is conducted safely and in line with the highest standards, protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of all participants.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

What We Offer:

If you are motivated by the opportunity to support ground breaking research and make a tangible difference in the health sector, we would love to hear from you. Join us at the NIHR RRDN South West Peninsula and be part of an organization that represents the most integrated health research system in the world.

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, Hybrid working, no unsocial hours

Interview Date: Thursday 11th December 2024

For further information please contact: Tania Crabb, Senior Research Associate on or Helen Chenoweth, Agile Research Team Leader on

This is a fixed term contract for 12 months. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

General Requirements

Essential

Desirable