South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Research Nurse
The closing date is 05 July 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated nurse to join our small and friendly research team.
The successful candidate will work alongside dedicated research nurses to deliver a growing portfolio of commercial and non-commercial clinical trials.
The research nurse is expected to support the safe conduct of research in accordance with the regulatory and legal frameworks related to clinical research studies.
Working as part of the general research team, the research nurse will be responsible for a wide variety of research study activities. This will give you exposure to many different aspects of research and there will be day to day variation in your work. You will also work across many different specialities and clinical areas in the Trust and in the community.
There will be ongoing learning and development opportunities for the role. Your relevant clinical skills and knowledge will be transferable to the role of the research nurse.
The team collaborates with a variety of healthcare professionals, so flexibility and effective communication skills are desired.
Excellent organisational and time management skills are essential.
Main duties of the job
* The post holder will be responsible for assessing and managing the care pathways for patients and carers participating in clinical trials. This will involve establishing feasibility, pre-trial set-up, recruitment, education and monitoring of trial patients and the collection, documentation and analysis of complex, accurate data.
* The role involves using an in-depth knowledge of trial protocols and their application in practice, alongside knowledge and application of, and compliance with the local, national and international research regulations. The post holder will work collaboratively with a number of trial stakeholders (e.g. Principal Investigators, clinicians, academics, industry and Research Network colleagues) in the management of their own caseload of clinical trial patients.
* The post holder will employ specialist clinical nursing skills to assess patient suitability for studies, perform research activities, interpret complex data, communicate effectively and ensure patient safety.
Job responsibilities
* Leadership and Managerial
* Manage own workload effectively and delegate roles appropriately.
* Constantly review study performance, identify opportunities for improvement and suggest new strategies.
* Encourage, motivate and support research colleagues, and enhance retention.
* Provide day-to-day supervision of other Research staff, including sickness management, appraisals, performance management etc.
* Write SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and guidelines for practice for use by research staff, following national guidance from Health Research Authority (HRA), using specialist clinical knowledge.
* Provide new ideas and initiatives, facilitate their implementation and evaluate outcomes.
* Participate in the management of change.
* Strive to continuously develop resources, facilities and services.
* Support research-active clinicians and encourage potential Principal Investigators.
* Support research personnel in other departments.
* Incorporate flexible approach to accommodate the unpredictability of the workload.
* Promote a healthy and safe working environment.
* Clinical
* Demonstrate knowledge and skills commensurate with significant specialist clinical experience.
* Ability to learn, assimilate and retain new clinical knowledge as required for each research study.
* Understand complex clinical information across multiple specialities.
* Understand and be able to explain the concept and details regarding each study, where there may be barriers to understanding and where concepts may be complex.
* Employ specialist knowledge to assess the suitability of patients for inclusion in a study.
* Demonstrate skill at interpreting complex clinical information and data.
* Ability to review medical notes and hospital databases to extract relevant information.
* Display insight into workload and demands of clinical colleagues, displaying empathy and flexibility.
* Competence in clinical skills required for research study visits including venepuncture and a variety of clinical measurements.
* Use hospital information systems and wider NHS systems effectively and appropriately to collate and analyse data.
* Participate in clinical decision-making regarding patient treatment and care, where a range of options may need to be analysed in relation to ongoing participation and results.
* Research
* Take responsibility for all aspects of study conduct.
* Work autonomously to manage their caseload of studies and patients, whilst working as part of the research team.
* Actively seek potential research study opportunities and promote SWFT as an attractive site.
* Establish, manage and complete studies across multiple specialities in the Trust.
* Perform feasibility assessment for potential studies and submit Expression of Interest as appropriate.
* Facilitate study set up which includes liaising with clinical staff, ensuring equipment and supplies are available, documentation is prepared, approvals are in place, study training is completed, recruitment strategies are agreed, access to databases is organised.
* Develop a working knowledge of both the theoretical and practical aspects of each research study.
* Identify barriers to recruitment and assist in finding solutions.
* Attend and contribute to Site Initiation Visits, Investigator meetings, Study team meetings.
* Undertake study activity alongside other members of the research team, leading on own studies and cohorts of participants, including screening potential study participants, checking eligibility, approaching patients, obtaining Informed consent, collecting and uploading data, performing study visits, delivering interventions, handling and processing samples, completing follow ups, attending to data queries, maintaining study documentation and files, liaising with study teams, organising study close-out and archiving.
* Ensure patients are randomised and allocated treatment in accordance with the clinical trial protocol.
* Perform study activity with regard to timelines and targets.
* Keep Principal Investigator updated.
* Demonstrate advanced computer skills and be able to use databases, spreadsheets, flowcharts and tables.
* Maintain study site information files, manage version control, archive documentation and ensure security of data, confidentiality and anonymity.
* Implement study amendments and communicate effectively with R&D governance team.
* Collect, manage and upload data accurately.
* Forward trial data in a timely manner to trial teams, including responses to data queries.
* Supply trial progress data/information as required to senior managers, Trust R&D departments and Management Systems.
* Maintain, troubleshoot and operate specialist study devices and laboratory equipment for the purpose of each study.
* Check stock levels of study supplies and ensure timely replacement as required.
* Perform laboratory procedures as required for each study, including centrifuging and aliquoting.
* Arrange and prepare transport of specimens including hazardous substances.
* Monitor, analyse and classify Adverse Events, Serious Adverse Events, SUSARs (Suspected, Unexpected, Serious Adverse Reactions) and report to regulatory authorities as required.
* Conduct all aspects of research in accordance with ICH (International Conference for Harmonisation) GCP (Good Clinical Practice) guidelines, relevant legislation, SOPs and protocols.
* Prepare and participate in clinical trial audit and monitoring conducted by sponsoring companies and regulatory authorities.
* Store, maintain, handle, dispense and dispose of study medication in strict accordance with ICH GCP, IMP (Investigational Medicinal Product) and manufacturers guidelines.
* Accurately enter pertinent information into patients medical notes.
* Act as patient advocate ensuring the best interests of the patient are upheld at all times.
* Provide expert clinical care, advice and support to study participants and their families.
* Be aware of and promote study involvement opportunities for patients.
* Disseminate study results to clinical teams.
* Promote patient and public engagement in research and seek feedback.
* Education, Training and Development
* Mentor, support and train research delivery colleagues, imparting acquired knowledge and skills.
* Disseminate internal and external learning opportunities for research team members.
* Promote a learning environment within the research team.
* Educate the multidisciplinary team about each study and achieve ongoing effective communication ensuring dissemination of information and providing opportunity for them to contribute ideas and suggestions.
* Act as a resource of clinical and research expertise, both theoretically and practically.
* Utilise recently published research to promote evidence based practice.
* Facilitate research training for the wider team in the Trust, utilising expertise within the core team.
* Provide medical trainees with opportunities to engage with research, achieve authorship in publications and acquire acknowledgement of their research participation for CV enhancement.
* Promote and support the Associate PI scheme.
* Maintain professional registration and sustain own knowledge and skills.
* Keep up to date with developments and initiatives in the Trust, NHS and wider arenas.
* Attend relevant lectures, conferences and symposia and contribute as appropriate.
* Seek feedback and identify own development needs.
* Professional
* Responsible for, and demonstrate commitment to, own personal and professional development, identifying needs and utilising all reasonable opportunities to maintain and advance personal and professional knowledge and skills.
* Assess own educational needs, arrange personal training and keep up to date with clinical advances and current issues.
* Set personal and professional standards and seek performance appraisal and feedback.
* Promote the professional Research Nurse role within the multidisciplinary team.
* Act as professional representative for the Trust at local and national level.
* Maintain a political awareness of issues pertaining to research.
* Contribute to the field of research knowledge.
* Practice in a confident and competent professional manner.
* Act as credible role model.
* Act and work autonomously, managing own workload, planning own time effectively and efficiently.
* Evaluate own performance and instigate plans for improvement.
* Aware of implications of and have an understanding of current legislation pertaining to research.
* Conduct clinical research according to ICH GCP guidelines.
* Aware of and adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
* Work in accordance with UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research.
* Practice at all times within the NMC Code of conduct, taking responsibility for own actions and seeking guidance from senior colleagues where appropriate.
* Recognise and work within HCPC Scope of Practice.
* Keep up to date with Trust mandatory training.
* Communication
* Communicate effectively in a wide variety of situations with ability to deliver complex, specialist information at an appropriate level for the recipient.
* Liaise with clinical staff to explain requirements of study and the extent of their required participation.
* Maintain regular communication with clinical staff to ensure appropriate recruitment and study conduct.
* Liaise with Consultants and PIs (Principal Investigators) to ensure availability of patient cohort, understand patient pathways, complete required documentation, agree strategies for screening, recruitment and study visits.
* Communicate in a knowledgeable, professional manner with study teams, CTUs (Clinical Trial Units), Trial Managers, sponsors, couriers, diagnostic laboratories and other external agencies to ensure smooth study conduct.
* Liaise with other research staff, both locally and in other Trusts, and share information and resources.
* Awareness of other research studies that participants may be enrolled in and liaise with other research groups.
* Establish links with Primary Care, Community teams and other NHS Trusts.
* Build and maintain a network of effective contacts within the Trust and external organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Registered General Nurse, NMC registered
* First level degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience
* Evidence of continued professional development
* International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certified or willing to work toward
Experience
* Experience of teaching, coaching, mentoring
* Experience and understanding of audit and evidence-based care
* Experience of undertaking research
Skills
* Clinical, managerial and leadership skills
* Proven listening and counselling skills
* Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
* Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and communication skills
* Organisational skills
* Able to work autonomously, managing a caseload
* Able to work within multidisciplinary team
* Able to apply extensive clinical knowledge in a variety of situations
Personal Qualities
* Creative thinker
* Diplomatic
* Resilient
* Good decision-making abilities
Other
* Flexible and adaptable to meet the differing demands of research studies
* Potential need to work across sites and in the community
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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