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Clinical research jobs for graduates in the UK

Your degree already gave you research skills. Here is how to turn it into evidence a shortlisting panel will score.

Your biggest advantageResearch methods, data handling and dissertation work
Where most people startClinical Research Assistant (band 3 to 4), university research roles, research data management
Read closelyTurning your degree into evidence on your CV

Where to start

Choose between site roles, where you work with participants, and university research assistant roles, which lean more on data and methods.

Psychology graduates are a strong fit for memory, dementia and mental health research, where cognitive assessments are part of the job.

What to focus on

Lead with your project, not your modules

Your dissertation or research project is evidence for data, methods and organisation criteria.

Show any participant or patient contact

Volunteering, care work or public facing jobs all count as evidence for communication.

Get GCP, even without an NHS email

NIHR Learn accepts personal accounts, and there are alternatives if you cannot get access.

Psychology graduates: learn the assessments

Memory and cognition trials use assessments such as MoCA and CDR. Knowing them sets you apart.

Your full route is in the free guide

  • Which courses to take, including the data management course
  • How to write your degree into the person specification
  • Site roles versus university roles, and which to choose
  • Interview questions on data accuracy, with examples
  • All ten steps, plus three bonus steps from the inside
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Bands are a rough guide. Every advert is different, so always check the person specification.

Other routes

Doctors and IMGsNurses and midwivesAHPs, pharmacists and dentistsHCAs and support workersCareer changers
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