This role will support the delivery of the BRIGHT study and other diabetes research projects led by Professor Angus Jones. Main duties will include participant recruitment, project coordination and the collection & management of patient data and samples. Based at the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility and working with both NHS and University of Exeter researchers, this role is offered initially until 31 May 2027. The ideal candidate will be interested in health research and acquiring the skills required for successful research delivery.

The post combines both desk-based and patient-facing duties including:

Participant recruitment, including telephone interviews, & supporting clinic visits.
Data collection, processing and management
Database development
Coordinating the dispatch and receipt of sample collection packs
Sample storage and audits

This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme and offers full time hours (36.5 per week) from November 2026 to May 2027. You will work from the University of Exeter.

Key Dates

Closing Date: 25/10/26

Interview Date: 10/11/2026 or 11/11/2026

Role Start Date: As soon as possible after interview

Role End Date: 31/05/2027

Starting Salary: £28,029 per annum

Purpose of the Role

Working under the direction of the BRC research trial managers, this role will facilitate the successful delivery of the BRIGHT study, and other diabetes projects, to time and target in line with funder and other stakeholder requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Supporting the recruitment of patient participants, including telephone interviews & participant clinic visits
Coordinating the dispatch and receipt of sample collection packs
Collection, recording, verification and storage of research data
Developing systems for tracking participant visits and samples
Assist with sample audits and sample collation for external analysis
Other duties appropriate to the role and as required by your line manager which may include preliminary data analysis and assisting with sample processing & other laboratory tasks

Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?

Research project coordination experience
Bespoke research & healthcare databases eg REDCap & EPIC
Team work within a multi-disciplinary team across NHS and academic organisations
Research governance including GCP, HTA and Informed Consent
Opportunity to join internal scientific meetings & contribute to data analysis
Develop a network of contacts.

You will be asked to complete the university’s mandatory online training in:

Safeguarding on our Campuses
Diversity in the Workplace
Health and Safety Introduction
Information Governance and Security

Support Available

Regular meetings with the line manager and immediate team
Wider support from research trial managers & other researchers
On the job training and shadowing
The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.

The Benefits

You will have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University including:

Flexible/hybrid working
Generous pension
A holiday allowance of 39 days per year
Totum Card (student discount)
Salary Exchange Schemes such as the Cycle to Work Scheme
Discounted membership to the university's sports facilities including cricket centre, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts and fitness centre’s.
The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.
All Graduates are offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ guide.
You will have access to the university’s Career Mentor Scheme and career consultancy opportunities.
You will have access to the university’s extensive suite of online training which includes Excel, presentation skills, and negotiation skills.
You will be invited to quarterly networking and professional development events through ‘The Graduate Network’.

About You (Person Specification)

Degree and Attainment

Degree from a UK University in Biology, Biomedical Science, Medical Sciences or similar STEM subject within the last 3 years.

Skills

Project planning skills: Able to set and meet priorities, targets and deadlines
Able to work independently, following standard operating procedures and work instructions
Able to quickly master new techniques and technologies
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Personal Qualities and Attributes

Ability to work independently and be self motivated whilst being a dedicated team player
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships within and across teams, with a sensitive awareness of team dynamics.
Highly organised with good attention to detail
A proactive approach to problem solving
A flexible approach to working hours
An interest in health research

Knowledge

An understanding of data protection and confidential health information
Good IT skills including MS Office and some experience of using statistical and database software
Able to apply scientific principles to the role
An understanding of laboratory processes

Prior Experience

Communication with a range of people at different levels
Experience of managing & delivering a project during academic study or for another purpose
Data processing and analysis
Working successfully as part of a team
Effective problem solving

You must have valid right-to-work documents with you for verification if appointed, copies are not accepted. See here for a full list of acceptable documents to confirm your right to work in the UK.

About the University Department/Organisation

The research projects supported by this role are led by the internationally recognised Exeter Clinical Diabetes research team that has impacted diabetes care worldwide, is published in top journals and has received national and international awards. They are supported by the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility (CRF) where the project delivery teams are based. The CRF supports the delivery of a wide range of clinical research studies and is based in a purpose-built unit within the Research Innovation Learning & Development (RILD) building at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The CRF team includes research dedicated nurses, clinicians, scientists and support staff and research facilities include bespoke wards & consulting rooms, sample handling laboratories and other specialist research equipment. The CRF research aims to improve patient care by increasing understanding of the causes of disease and improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment.

Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) Scheme Requirements

To undertake a graduate role through the GBP scheme, you must have either achieved your degree or be nearing completion of your final year at any UK-based university.
If you are nearing completion of your final year, your working hours may be reduced to 15 hours per week (for undergraduates) or 6 hours per week (for postgraduates) to ensure you have the capacity to successfully complete your degree. More hours can be completed if your academic agrees and provides written confirmation.
If you do not pass your degree, the GBP role will end early.
You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).
The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity.
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
Learn about the university’s commitment to the Disability Confident scheme here
At the time of starting employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK and evidence must be provided in advance of the appointment. Examples of suitable evidence can be found here. Candidates should continue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with an EU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with a Graduate Route Visa.
All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.

Application Tips

Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
You can use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.
The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through GBP Scheme. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria.
Please also include details of any reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.
You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.

Further Guidance and Support

(Exeter graduates only) You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.
(Exeter graduates only) If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment through the Career Zone.
Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants.
If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk

About Us

The Graduate Business Partnership scheme supports final year students and recent graduates to launch their careers at the University of Exeter and with recommended employers in the southwest.

GBP roles provide graduate-level employment.
Build experience and develop your skills in a supportive environment.

The GBP scheme is open to everyone who has graduated from a UK-based university in the last 3 years. If you are an international student, you can also apply for GBP roles if you have a Graduate Visa.

You can find out more about the Graduate Business Partnership scheme here.