Role Summary
At Royal Devon, research isn’t an add-on—it’s at the heart of how we deliver outstanding care.
In collaboration with the University of Exeter, the Royal Devon hosts a nationally significant research infrastructure, including the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and HealthTech Research Centre (HRC). We also have a thriving and expanding Commercial Research Centre, and host both the NIHR Peninsula Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) and the NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN).
Together, this infrastructure enables us to deliver high-impact research that improves patient outcomes at regional, national and international levels.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
This is a rare opportunity to take on a strategic, Trust-wide leadership role, driving an ambitious and expanding portfolio of clinical research that directly improves patient outcomes.
As Lead Research Nurse, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing this vision. Leading the delivery of over four hundred clinical trials and studies, your leadership will directly influence patient experience, broaden access to cutting-edge treatments, and strengthen the Trust’s position as a leader in research excellence.
As the strategic and professional lead for research delivery, and a key member of the Trust’s R&D Leadership Team, you will:
1. Lead and inspire a large multidisciplinary workforce (~ staff, £4m budget)
2. Drive innovation and expand capacity across early- and late-phase trials
3. Influence strategy at senior leadership level within the Trust and across regional networks
4. Build strong collaborations with NIHR, universities and national partners
5. Provide visible, compassionate leadership across the clinical research workforce
6. Champion staff development, education and wellbeing
7. Drive research excellence
8. Help to shape strategy and growth
9. Lead the development of the clinical research delivery service
10. Contribute to Trust-wide R&D strategy and operational planning
11. Strengthen partnerships across the NHS, NIHR networks and academia
About You
We’re looking for a credible, senior leader with the passion and expertise to transform research delivery with the following skills and experience:
12. Registered Nurse or Healthcare Professional with extensive NHS research experience
13. Strong knowledge of clinical trials, GCP and research governance frameworks
14. Proven leadership experience, including managing large teams and budgets
15. Experience delivering both commercial and academic research studies
16. A strategic thinker with the ability to influence at senior level
17. A strong commitment to improving patient care through research and innovation
If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and help shape the future of clinical research, we’d love to hear from you.
Working hours across Monday to Friday
Interview Date: Tuesday st July 6
For Further Information: Informal discussions are warmly encouraged. Please contact Michelle Treglown, Executive and Specialist Recruitment Resourcer on or
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 2, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over, staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than, people, cover more than 2, 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 people’s 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.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
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 are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
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 will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will 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:
18. National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
19. Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
20. Car lease schemes.
21. The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
22. Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.