Go back Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Research Nurse
The closing date is 25 August 2025
We are looking for an exceptional senior research nurse to join the MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasm) Research Team within Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials (OHCT) team. This post is to provide clinical leadership for our rapidly expanding research portfolio, and support the team to deliver high-quality research.
The successful candidate will work alongside the Team Lead. You will be responsible in identifying patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics (screening notes/consultant referral) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings. Participate in the informed consent process acting as a resource and support to patients and their families and coordinate the research patient pathway from screening through to trial closure, creation of prompts at the setup stage of the trial.
Applicants must be a registered adult nurse with evidence of continuing professional development. You should have good experience in clinical research within the NHS, a strong clinical background and desire and willingness to learn & develop others. Essential skills are excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines, the ability and initiative to work independently and manage a patient caseload across a variety of research studies.
Main duties of the job
* Work autonomously to manage a large caseload of patients acting as a professional in ensuring a duty of care to the patient and their families.
* Work within EU clinical trial directives in accordance with ICH GCP (International Conference on Harmonisation and Good Clinical Practice) ensuring that the clinical trial protocol is adhered to at all times.
* Identify patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics (screening notes/consultant referral) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
* Participate in the informed consent process acting as a resource and support to patients and their families
* Co ordinate the research patient pathway from screening through to trial closure, creation of prompts at the setup stage of the trial.
* Ensure that adequate precautions are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection in relation to the safe disposal of body fluids including blood products.
* Support the administration of trial drugs, be aware of and report any side effects as outlined in the protocol, in association with local nursing teams.
* Maintain adequate patients' records and ensure all relevant information is documented in the patient's medical and nursing notes.
About us
OHCT sits within the Haematology Directorate, the team run and manage over 200 trials at any one time and cover all solid tumours and haematological malignancy and non-malignant diseases.
We have a dedicated team running the early phase studies and part of ECMC which is based in the clinical research facility.
Job responsibilities
* Work autonomously to manage a large caseload of patients acting as a professional in ensuring a duty of care to the patient and their families.
* Work within EU clinical trial directives in accordance with ICH GCP (International Conference on Harmonisation and Good Clinical Practice) ensuring that the clinical trial protocol is adhered to at all times.
* Identify patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics (screening notes/consultant referral) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
* Participate in the informed consent process acting as a resource and support to patients and their families
* Co ordinate the research patient pathway from screening through to trial closure, creation of prompts at the setup stage of the trial.
* Ensure that adequate precautions are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection in relation to the safe disposal of body fluids including blood products.
* Support the administration of trial drugs, be aware of and report any side effects as outlined in the protocol, in association with local nursing teams.
* Maintain adequate patients records and ensure all relevant information is documented in the patients medical and nursing notes.
* Responsible for accurate completion of Clinical Report Forms (CRFs).
* Responsible for the collection, co-ordination and computerisation of data generated from the clinical trials.
* Keep up to date with current practices for cannulation, phlebotomy, care of patients with Central Venous Access lines and handling and administration of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and Investigational Products IP).
* To identify strategies for recruiting patients to clinical trials and support less experienced team members to implement those strategies
* Act as a role model for excellence in oncology/Haematology based research.
* Act as the keyworker for trial patients throughout their clinical trials treatments, liaising with the medical and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)team
* Responsible for signposting/referral of trials patients to supportive care services.
* Review trial protocols and identify risk and resource implications for the site.
* Attend pre-study visit and review protocol at feasibility stage to map out patients pathway highlighting any issues and potential resolution to ensure patients safety.
* Liaise with the medical team/sponsor organisation and co-ordinate the on-study treatment and follow up of patient.
* Liaise with Clinical Trial Set Up staff and Team Lead to help assist in the set-up of trials on site.
* Assist in completing submissions to Research & Development departments of relevant sites if applicable.
* Process amendments and disseminate information to relevant departments.
* Supervise the research team in the collation of data generated from clinical trials.
* To be able to provide information to allow for invoice to be raised for payments where appropriate.
* Build strong professional relationships with other departments in order to promote a good working environment.
* Educate appropriate medical and nursing personnel and departments of portfolio of clinical trials.
* Participate in the presentation of research findings within the Trust and other networks.
* To manage clinical incidents effectively
* To report to the Cancer Clinical Governance Team any clinical incidences and follow up to conclusion
* Maintain a dialogue of progress with the Clinical Research Matron and the Clinical Trials Manager.
* Attend monthly portfolio performance review meetings: identify and act on issues.
* Provide cover when necessary for annual leave, study leave, sick leave.
* To assist in the recruitment and selection of the research staff throughout the Trust.
* Contribute to yearly business planning to ensure the research team is properly structured and resourced at all times
* Take the lead in service development for the research team, directorate and the Trust
* Develop and implement the key worker concept within the Research Team.
* To develop and implement strategies to maintain and increase the level of patient recruitment into cancer clinical trials within GSTFT.
* To maintain the high profile of GSTFT in line with the Cancer strategy
* To innovate and contribute to the development of Network wide clinical and research policies and procedures.
* To work with the team leader in ensuring that the Trust is meeting the accrual targets for both NCRN and commercial trials and to act in addressing any shortfalls.
* To contribute in implementing strategies and systems for quality assurance.
* Attend the training programmes and other relevant education and training days as agreed in your development plan.
* Attend investigator meetings and conferences when required
* Takes personal responsibility for own professional growth and keep up to date with professional development and research.
* Prepare posters/research papers for meetings, conferences and publications.
* Represent the research team at local and national forums
* Mentor and support other members of the team
* Participate in clinical supervision as both supervisor and supervisee in accordance with the NMC guidelines.
* Undertake performance review at regular intervals.
* Manage and ensure adherence to trust policies throughout the team.
* Act up for Team Lead and Research Matron as required.
Person Specification
Skills
* You have evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Evidence of accuracy and close attention to details (
* Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a small team, as well as part of the wider multidisciplinary team in relation to clinical trials
* You will have the dexterity and coordination needed for undertaking venepuncture, intramuscular, skin punch biopsies and accuracy required for e.g. intravenous injections, syringe pumps and infusions.
* You will possess basic laboratory skills such as pipetting and centrifugation
* Systemic Anti-cancer Therapies (SACT)/ Chemotherapy accreditation
* Immediate Life Support (ILS) accreditation
Experience
* You will have substantial experience in clinical trials, teaching and mentoring as demonstrated by your individual portfolio
* You will have in depth knowledge of clinical trials and the drug development process.
* You will be able to clearly demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of current UK clinical trial regulations, good clinical practice and the Declaration of Helsinki 1996
* Ability to set direction and lead a team of research professionals
* Demonstrable leadership experience
* Knowledge of recent NHS legislation and recommendations in the field of cancer and palliative care
* In depth understanding of research methodologies including phase I - IV clinical trials
Knowledge/Qualifications
* Your professional knowledge acquired at degree level will be supplemented by specialist training, experience and/or short courses
* Post-registration teaching qualification (e.g. 998 or mentorship course)
* Relevant masters level qualification or higher
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.
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
£56,276 to £63,176 a yearp.a. inclusive of HCA
#J-18808-Ljbffr