Job overview
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is one of the world’s leading cancer research centres. The Trust works in partnership with The Institute of Cancer Research to produce high quality basic research, translational studies and clinical trials with the aim of developing better treatments for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide.
An opportunity has arisen to work within the Haemato-Oncology Unit as a Research Nurse providing support for our complex research portfolio during a 12 month maternity cover.
This is a pivotal role and you will be part of a multidisciplinary team including experienced medical and research staff, taking part in an exciting range of clinical research studies. Ideally with previous clinical research experience, you will work within the guidelines and policies for the conduct of clinical trials, ensuring high standards of practice in accordance with the principles of GCP.
The successful applicant will be required to work as a self directed practitioner and have the skills to motivate others. They should also have a flexible approach to their duties and the ability to work both as part of the team as well as independently. In addition, you will have excellent communication, administrative and IT skills and be supportive and open to new initiatives.
Main duties of the job
The experienced research nurse works as a self-directed practitioner, with a key role to play in the organisation and management of clinical trials within the Trust. These trials may be related to anti-cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, gene therapy or surgery), symptom management or some other aspect of cancer care, such as screening. Central to the role are the recruitment, education and monitoring of patients entering a clinical trial. Working closely with the principal investigator and members of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate. The post holder will take responsibility for the co-ordination and management of a clinical research portfolio, collaborating with key personnel to ensure continued care and support for patients involved in clinical trials.
The post holder will support more junior research nurses, assisting them to develop their clinical research skills thorough education and training. Further responsibility will include monitoring and raising the standard of nursing input within the team.
The opportunity to undertake personal research projects or further study, in consultation with the lead medical investigator and Lead Nurse Clinical Trials, is also encouraged.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more information please refer to the job description and personal specification:
1. To assess and evaluate the progress of on-going clinical trials and research undertaken in the unit, maintaining an accurate account of the status of the projects and to regularly update the department on the status.
2. To assist with the organisation and implementation of clinical trials and liaising closely with the multi-disciplinary team to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to patient care.
3. To ensure that proposed research projects for which the post-holder has responsibility are registered and reviewed by the Trust’s R & D department and Research Ethics Committee (REC) prior to commencement and that updates and amendments are reported in a timely fashion.
4. To liaise with pharmaceutical sponsors regarding feasibility and implementation aspects of proposed clinical trials.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. NMC registration
6. Post registration experience in a cancer care / acute care environment
7. BSc
8. Research methods education
9. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Desirable criteria
10. Recognized cancer nursing qualification
11. MSc or studying at relevant level
Experience
Essential criteria
12. Experience as a research nurse/senior staff nurse working in a clinical research environment
13. Experience as a research nurse/senior staff nurse in oncology nursing
14. Previous experience in clinical specialty of haematology
15. Personal and leadership management experience
16. Evidence of innovative practice, service development or change management
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
Essential criteria
17. Proven experience of team leadership and team building
18. Advanced organisational and time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects at various stages
19. Excellent cross-disciplinary/interagency communication skills and ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships
20. Ability to appraise junior staff through performance review
21. Able to work unsupervised
22. Good presentation and teaching skills
23. Ability to work under pressure to meet service and patient priories
24. Computer literate in Microsoft outlook, office, word, excel and PowerPoint
Desirable criteria
25. Ability to initiate and drive original research
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.