Job summary
The Head and Neck Unit at the Royal Marsden is looking for an enthusiastic Lead Clinical Research Nurse to work with them full time .
We are a highly regarded busy multidisciplinary team performing both clinical and research work and are seen as pioneers in managing head and neck cancer treatment.The successful applicant should have a flexible approach to their duties and the ability to work both as part of the team as well as independently. In addition; excellent communication, administrative and IT skills and being supportive and open to new initiatives are particularly valued by the team.
The portfolio includes both sponsored, commercial and non-commercial studies as well as translational studies with genetic components. Such diversity requires a dedicated team combining different backgrounds and expertise to provide not only high quality data and patient care but also continued input into screening and identifying suitable patients from this tumour group.
The successful candidate will be required to work as a self directed practitioner and have the skills to motivate others.What's in it for you?
o Opportunities to develop your leadership and clinical skills.o Continuous on-going learning with internal and external courses available.o Flexible working arrangements available.o Working as a highly valued member of the MDT.
Main duties of the job
The key responsibilities for the lead clinical research nurse are to provide clinical management, leadership and expertise in clinical research nursing. This includes acting as a resource and advisor to patients and staff, working with and supporting the clinical unit in which you specialize and maintaining a high quality of service to patients, whilst undertaking your own clinical trial caseload. It is the responsibility of the post holder, working with the lead consultant, caseload research head and STC, to keep abreast of national and international studies and their relationship with trials being performed in the clinical unit. The post holder will be expected to attend internal or external meetings as required by their line manager and/ or their lead consultant. The post holder will also be expected to contribute to both internal and external educational programmes. The post holder is expected to work within the multi-disciplinary team, using leadership and communication skills to improve the quality of the clinical service (research) using research and audit where appropriate.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Details
Date posted
13 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£64,156 to £71,148 a year Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
282-CR1228
Job locations
Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea
Chelsea
SW3 6JJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
* To be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective operational management of the research nursing team, liaising with other staff as required.
* To work with the Unit Head/ Principal Investigator to quickly resolve problems and operational issues and to contribute strategically to implement longer term solutions to issues raised.
* To act as the nursing management lead within the Clinical Research Unit for the implementation of any local R&D, BRC and national NIHR directives.
* To support the Clinical Research Executive to ensure an environment that is responsive to the changing needs and strategy of the R&D Department, BRC and Trust, enhancing institutional reputation.
* To ensure facilities and other resources are available to meet service needs, including analysing and managing space requirements.
* Building alliances and working partnerships.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:
* To be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective operational management of the research nursing team, liaising with other staff as required.
* To work with the Unit Head/ Principal Investigator to quickly resolve problems and operational issues and to contribute strategically to implement longer term solutions to issues raised.
* To act as the nursing management lead within the Clinical Research Unit for the implementation of any local R&D, BRC and national NIHR directives.
* To support the Clinical Research Executive to ensure an environment that is responsive to the changing needs and strategy of the R&D Department, BRC and Trust, enhancing institutional reputation.
* To ensure facilities and other resources are available to meet service needs, including analysing and managing space requirements.
* Building alliances and working partnerships.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
* First level registration
* Post registration oncology qualification or equivalent relevant qualification
* Relevant diploma/degree
* MSc in relevant area (or be working towards)
* Well-developed IT skills/word processing, data collection/internet skills
* Competence in research orientated PC software (Access, Excel, SPSS)
* Research methods education
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Skills Abilities/Knowledge
Essential
* Experience as a senior staff nurse or above working in a clinical research environment
* Experience as a senior staff nurse in oncology nursing
* Personal and Leadership Management experience
Desirable
* Previous experience in clinical speciality of post applied for e.g. haematology, gynaecology, palliative care
Special Aptitude & Disposition
Essential
* Proven experience of team leadership and team building initiatives
* Advanced organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of development & organisation
* Excellent cross-disciplinary/interagency communication skills and ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships
* Ability to initiate and drive original research
* Confident and articulate
* Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise
* Ability to innovate and respond to change
* Able to work unsupervised.
Desirable
* Ability to appraise junior staff through performance review
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
* First level registration
* Post registration oncology qualification or equivalent relevant qualification
* Relevant diploma/degree
* MSc in relevant area (or be working towards)
* Well-developed IT skills/word processing, data collection/internet skills
* Competence in research orientated PC software (Access, Excel, SPSS)
* Research methods education
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Skills Abilities/Knowledge
Essential
* Experience as a senior staff nurse or above working in a clinical research environment
* Experience as a senior staff nurse in oncology nursing
* Personal and Leadership Management experience
Desirable
* Previous experience in clinical speciality of post applied for e.g. haematology, gynaecology, palliative care
Special Aptitude & Disposition
Essential
* Proven experience of team leadership and team building initiatives
* Advanced organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of development & organisation
* Excellent cross-disciplinary/interagency communication skills and ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships
* Ability to initiate and drive original research
* Confident and articulate
* Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise
* Ability to innovate and respond to change
* Able to work unsupervised.
Desirable
* Ability to appraise junior staff through performance review
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea
Chelsea
SW3 6JJ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea
Chelsea
SW3 6JJ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)