Job overview
Research is a rewarding, patient-centered career that builds on your clinical expertise while making a real difference—not only to the lives of our patients and their carers today, but to countless more people in the future. This is your opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare, both nationally and globally.
We are delighted to offer an exciting 12-month secondment for the position of Senior Clinical Research Nurse / Team Leader within the Cancer Research Team.
Could this be your next step?
* Are you a registered nurse with a passion for research delivery?
* Do you have experience in clinical research?
* Are you ready for a new challenge in your career?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this could be the perfect role for you.
We are seeking a dynamic, engaging, and self-motivated individual to develop as a Senior Research Nurse / Team Leader for the Cancer Research Delivery Team.
The post will be 0.2 WTE working flexibly alongside the current post holder to support staff and portfolio management responsibilities.
We are looking for someone who thrives on challenges, can work autonomously when required, and enjoys contributing to a collaborative team environment. Strong communication skills and confidence in engaging with patients and staff at all levels are essential.
Please note: It is essential that you obtain line manager approval prior to submitting your application.
Main duties of the job
(Please refer to the Job Description for full details)
You will be a registered Nurse with current NMC registration, with proven experience in clinical research and extensive post-registration practice and a strong interest in oncology.
As the post holder, you will lead and manage a team of Research Nurses ensuring the delivery of high-quality research and clinical care, while acting as an expert resource for staff.
You will work closely with the current Team leader, other Team Leaders, Senior Managers, and Support Office colleagues to promote an open, collaborative, and team-focused working environment.
While specific responsibilities will be discussed with the successful candidate to account for the limited hours in the position, the role will primarily focus on:
* Line Management Duties:
o Team leadership, including appraisals, sickness/absence reporting, and monitoring staffing levels and skill mix.
* Clinical Research Delivery:
o Attending meetings, reviewing protocols, contributing to departmental SOPs, and developing action plans for poorly recruiting studies.
The postholder will need to work flexibly to meet service needs and manage their own time effectively to fulfill these key responsibilities.
Working for our organisation
The Research, Development and Innovation Department at East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals works with clinicians, universities, NHS, and industry partners to offer the local population opportunities to participate in research linked to their conditions and care. We have a diverse portfolio and a growing reputation in clinical research. Our team values collaboration, equality, and innovation, always prioritizing the best care for research participants.
Every team member receives tailored induction and training, supported by a strong leadership structure to ensure high standards. We embrace compassionate leadership and flexible working, which can be discussed at interview.
The post spans Burnley General Teaching and Royal Blackburn Hospitals, with occasional travel to other sites. Most research occurs Monday–Friday, but early starts, late finishes, and occasional weekend/night work may be required.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For comprehensive information about this role, please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification provided.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Current NMC Registration – RN Adult
* First Degree or equivalent experience
* Post Registration qualification or equivalent experience
* ICH GCP recognised recent training
Desirable criteria
* Masters level qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience
* Teaching and Assessing
Experience
Essential criteria
* Substantial post registration experience
* Significant Clinical trials experience at band 6 or equivalent
* Experience managing own portfolio of trials, including co-ordinating clinical trials from initiation to closure including archiving
* Demonstrable experience of managing/leading a team
* Able to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
* Experience of managing a commercial trial portfolio
Desirable criteria
* Experience of writing standards operating procedures for clinical research and individual protocols.
* Experience of clinical audits both internal & external
Skills
Essential criteria
* Highly effective communication skills.
* Ability to organise, prioritise and coordinate work of self and others
* Effective team working across professional and organisational boundaries
* Good written and analytical skills. Involvement in informed consent process within scope of professional practice
* Co-ordinates care pathway for patients and carers participating in clinical research
* Manages, assesses and supports the physical and psychological needs of the patient and carer
* Able to manage work autonomously
* Training and leadership skills
* Demonstrable IT Skills able to use Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
Desirable criteria
* Intra-venous access and cannulation skills
* Good presentation skills
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of the clinical trial process from expression of interest to archiving
* Knowledge of the UK Policy for Health and Social Care Research
* Knowledge of professional and NHS issues and policy relating to specialist area
* Familiarity with recent NHS legislation and recommendations in the field of Oncology
* Awareness of changing trends and priorities Cancer care
Other
Essential criteria
* Maintain professional development and have an awareness of current nursing issues
* Motivation to develop the field of Cancer research at ELHT
* Ability to travel between Trust sites and around East Lancashire and other venues as required
* Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
Desirable criteria
* Willing to represent the team, department & trust at various meetings including conferences & study SIVs
* Prepared to travel longer distances on occasional basis, including overseas travel & overnight stays