Senior Research Nurse/Coordinator - Band 6
The closing date is 26 May 2026.
The role of Senior Research Nurse/Coordinator is to provide specialist knowledge and expertise to a Research Delivery Team based within Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The postholder will provide leadership for the delivery of a portfolio of studies under the direction of the Lead Research Nurse/Coordinator, ensuring assessment, planning, organisation and ongoing care of research participants according to study protocols. The role involves all aspects of study co‑ordination and patient recruitment, requiring close liaison with clinical teams, community settings, the RIG Departments, other Clinical Specialists and the Governance & Oversight Group to meet GHNHSFT Key Performance Indicators. The postholder is an independent worker who may also line‑manage and train staff, promote research, and act as a keyworker for patients and carers throughout their clinical trial experience.
Responsibilities
Feasibility and Study Set‑up
* Contribute to the set‑up of research studies, liaising with the RIG Professional Services Team, Principal Investigators and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a thorough feasibility process.
* Identify and plan strategies for recruiting patients into trials, working with Principal Investigators to develop initiatives that increase patient involvement.
* Ensure trial protocols are followed and that trials comply with national research legislation, the Research Governance Framework, RIG SOPs, GHNHFT policies and Good Clinical Practice.
* Lead on, and maintain expert knowledge of a portfolio of trials, acting as a reference point for team members, training the research and wider healthcare team for patient safety, and attending multi‑disciplinary meetings.
* Liaise with MDT members to establish procedures for safe set‑up and smooth running of clinical trials, acting as a resource and contact point for all stakeholders and assisting in achieving GHNHSFT and NIHR research KPIs.
Study Delivery / Monitoring
* Ensure safety and wellbeing of clinical trial patients, including safe administration of treatments and drugs within the context of a clinical trial, following professional registration and Trust POPAM policy.
* Report serious adverse events to all relevant personnel following SOPs.
* Assess patients as required by trial protocols and take timely action for complications or toxicities. May be required to take blood, test urine samples and administer treatments for which training has been given.
* Coordinate clinical trials, assist in day‑to‑day running of the Research Delivery Teams, and take an active role in line management, recruitment and development of staff.
* Act as a key worker for patients throughout their trial experience, providing continuity of care, obtaining informed consent, and offering ongoing information, education and support.
* Keep accurate trial records across paper and electronic notes, case report forms, site files, and the EDGE clinical trials system.
Professional Development, Education and Training
* Maintain personal and professional development, keeping evidence for re‑validation and professional registration accreditation.
* Act as a credible clinical role model and practice professionally.
Management and Leadership
* Assess and train junior staff within the research delivery team, line‑manage, coordinate, delegate duties, and support personal and practice development including annual and performance management where necessary.
* Work closely with the Lead Research Nurse/Coordinator, Research Matrons and the Governance & Oversight Group to monitor performance and ensure research is conducted according to current regulations.
* Recruit and retain team members in conjunction with the Lead Research Nurse/Coordinator.
* Support induction of new staff to the research team.
Communications and Working Relationships
* Communicate with stakeholders at all levels, including National Clinical Trials Units, pharmaceutical companies, other research sponsor organisations, Clinical Research Network staff, researchers, support staff and clinicians both within the Trust and beyond.
Other Responsibilities
* Promote research for staff and patients, provide teaching on clinical trials, and assist in educating patients and relatives.
* Develop and teach local SOPs for the trials team and contribute to quality assurance programmes.
* Provide cover for other Senior Research Nurses/Coordinators during absences.
* Coordinate, set up and maintain research co‑ordinator/nurse led clinics.
* Act as Principal Investigator for clinical trials when appropriate.
* Maintain a high standard of clinical trial practice across the portfolio, developing and promoting effective channels of communication.
General Working Conditions
* Travel between Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals; occasional community or home visits to patients.
* Occasional lifting of boxes up to 5 kg and transporting them between sites.
* Work involves a mix of sitting, standing and walking; use of a computer is required.
* Attend meetings, training and education at other sites.
* Concentrate on information for long periods, whether reviewing research applications or preparing reports.
* Approximately 50 % of time in an open‑plan office; 50 % in clinical areas.
Qualifications
* First level nursing degree or qualification; graduated with a health science degree and registered or working towards Clinical Research Practitioner registration, or allied healthcare professional with post‑registration patient‑facing experience.
* Appropriate experience in clinical research or in a Band 6 health‑care role.
Knowledge
* Self‑motivated with a desire to be effective and efficient.
* Ability to support patients during their clinical trial experience.
* Ability to work flexible hours and travel between hospital sites as required to meet service needs.
* Extensive knowledge of clinical trials, including the Research Governance Framework and Good Clinical Practice.
* Highly developed organisational skills, ability to multi‑task, prioritise and work on own initiative.
* Well‑developed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively to a multidisciplinary team and patients.
* Ability to line‑manage, motivate and develop more junior staff.
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Adaptability to achieve KPIs within changing environments.
* Proficient in computer programmes including Microsoft Office and Google Apps, with ability to master new applications.
* Clinical skills: venepuncture, specimen collection, clinical observations and assessments.
* Able to act as an assessor or supervisor for students as applicable to professional registration.
Experience
* Appropriate experience in clinical research or in a Band 6 health‑care role.
* Line management and supervisory skills.
* Experience of working across multiple clinical specialties or settings.
* Comfortable working under pressure and to tight deadlines.
* Excellent attention to detail with high standards of accuracy.
* Self‑motivated with a desire to be effective and efficient.
* Ability to demonstrate credibility with peers and key stakeholders.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Salary & Benefits
* £39,959 to £48,117 a year (pro rata if part‑time).
* Competitive annual leave allowance.
* Access to the NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, two on‑site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition programmes and health and wellbeing initiatives.
Contract & Working Pattern
* Fixed‑term contract: 12 months.
* Full‑time working pattern.
Location
* Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital.
Reference Number
318‑26‑T0317
Contact
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
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