Skip to main content

This site is independent of the NHS and the Department of Health.

Please wait, loading

Job summary

Main area
Research
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 5
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
216-PL-A6793449
Employer
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Research Office, Level 2 MSCP, Bircham Park
Town
Derriford, Plymouth
Salary
£29,970 - £36,483 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
05/12/2024 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust logo

Research Nurse/Practitioner

NHS AfC: Band 5

Job overview

Clinical trials are an essential part of the research and development (R&D) of new medicines and vaccines, bringing benefits to patients, the NHS and economy.

If you want to join this innovative and exciting speciality, we are offering a unique opportunity to work as a Research Nurse/Practitioner in the Synergy Team within the Research and Development Department (R&D) at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The Synergy Team co-ordinates a portfolio of studies in a wide variety of specialities including Hepatology, Paediatrics, Maternity, Dermatology and Orthopaedics.

We offer a friendly, supportive working environment with access to training and professional development. We also offer a full research induction programme with ongoing mentoring.

For further information or if you would like to arrange an informal visit please contact:

Natasha Wilmshurst (Specialist Research Nurse)

[email protected]

01752 431854

or

Sarah Griffee (Specialist Clinical Research Nurse)

[email protected]

01752 432997

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the clinical requirements associated with research to ensure optimum delivery of clinical trials. S/he will ensure that all research procedures are conducted according to study protocols and will be accountable for the recruitment, data collection and care of research participants with a focus on providing a quality experience.

Working for our organisation

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Leadership

1. Have an understanding of the clinical research team work-plan and contribute to its achievement.

2. Manage research performance and study timelines of relevant studies.

3. Collaborate with other Trusts and organisations within the region to improve research delivery.

4. Keep up to date with research management issues through liaison with other Research Specialists /Team leaders and link with national networks.

5. Provide relevant supervision and mentorship to members of staff and students.

6. Take responsibility for own health, safety and security and promote the health, safety and security of the wider team.

7. Contribute to the development and implementation of clinical and research policies, procedures and SOPs.

8. Facilitate and maintain effective communication within the research team and between the multidisciplinary clinical team.

9. Assist in the delivery of education and training regarding research for the wider Multidisciplinary Team and act as an ambassador for research.

10. Promote a blame free culture in reporting incidents and where appropriate support local investigation of incidents.

11. Support appropriate studies within PHNT/UHP and its partner organisations as appropriate.

Research 

1. Be responsible for the delivery of a clinical trial portfolio relevant to the specialty.

2. Ensure that the delivery of studies meet requirements with regards to the Department of Health’s Research Governance Framework for Health & Social Care and the EU Clinical Trials Directive by implementing quality systems.

3. Participate in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.

4. Contribute to the Expression of Interest / Study Selection process for the relevant specialty.

5. Contribute to study set up, recruitment planning and study delivery.

6. Lead forward and contribute to Patient and Public involvement activities.

7. Be responsible for promoting the appropriate referral and recruitment of patients to clinical research studies. Work with the clinical trials team and investigators to develop strategies to overcome barriers to recruitment and to solve other problems relating to specific studies.

8. Coordinate and run study visits including off site visits whilst adhering to the lone worker policy.

9. Work with other departments within the Trust to ensure that trial specific investigations and procedures are undertaken as required by the trial protocol, in order to establish eligibility and safety of patients within clinical trials.

10. Contribute to the accurate costing for clinical trials

11. Ensure clear, accurate and concise records are kept for research projects in accordance with all regulatory requirements including the Data Protection Act.

12. Ensure that data is transcribed accurately where required and assist with the maintenance of the Trial Master File.

13. Respond to data queries generated by the study coordinating team within a timely manner.

14. Ensure the recording & reporting of adverse and serious adverse events that occur whilst the participant is in the clinical trial to the trial co-coordinator/Principal Investigator (PI) and R&D office in line with the study protocol, local policies and regulatory requirements.

15. Assess and evaluate the progress of on-going clinical trials for which the post holder has responsibility, maintaining accurate records of the status of studies and providing regular updates to the department on the status of the studies. This will involve ensuring that any Data Management Systems are updated with key trial data and validated efficiently.

16. Escalate on-going study performance issues to the Senior Research Nurse or Team Lead.

17. Co-operate with external and internal audit, data monitoring and quality assurance by working with R&D, sponsors, study monitors and external bodies.

18. Assist in study close down and the preparation of results of research for presentation as posters, abstracts, papers or scientific presentations.

Clinical & Professional 

1. Be responsible for the care of research participants within the relevant sphere of practice and use opportunities to provide health promotion and patient education.

2. Use relevant clinical knowledge to screen and identify patients suitable for clinical research using inclusion and exclusion criteria and utilising NHS records, screening clinics, visiting wards and outpatients and using Trust IT systems and databases.

3. Act as a resource and role model for all aspects of Research Clinical Practice in order to optimise patient care and clinical practice this may include carrying out physical assessments, conducting sample retrieval and processing, providing or coordinating interventions and treatments, clinical monitoring.

4. Undertake all mandatory training and take part in personal development reviews.

5. Ensure the environment is suitable for patient care and research processes, recognising the importance of privacy, dignity and diversity.

6. Demonstrate professional development and an in-depth knowledge of current clinical and research practice.

7. Provide on-going advice and information to patients and their carers/families with regard to their participation in clinical research in order to facilitate effective informed consent.

8. Where appropriate receive and document written informed consent from research subjects. Training and support for informed consent will be given.

9. Be responsible for the safe and accurate collection of research data through clinical procedures such as venepuncture, history taking, standard observations (height, weight, BP, RR, HR, SpO2 temperature) and other assessments such as ECG, physical examinations, disease specific outcome measures, questionnaires, rated scales, qualitative interviewing as required by the protocol.

10. Centrifuge, process track and ship samples in line with protocol requirements.

11. Ensure the safe administration of any treatments and drugs given within the context of a clinical trial.

12. Monitor treatment toxicity/side effects and initiate changes to treatment as required by the protocol. Escalate any concerns to the Principle Investigator or relevant physician.

13. Ensure accurate patient trial documentation, including the use of electronic data capture systems and ensure relevant information is recorded in patients’ medical notes and case report form in a timely manner.

14. Refer to other specialists as required in order to provide optimal care of the participant.

15. Contribute to the monitoring of clinical standards within the research team.

16. Treat all persons encountered during the course of duties with respect and courtesy and maintain a standard of conduct which best represents the clinical trials team and the Trust.

17. Work within the relevant professional code of conduct (if applicable) demonstrating accountability for own actions and awareness of own limitations.

18. Provide cover for other research nurses/ practitioners as required.

19. Proactively seek feedback from participants and their families during their research involvement.

20. Contribute to Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement activities across the department

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Registered Nurse or Healthcare Professional, currently registered with UK regulatory body NMC/HPC
Desirable criteria
  • Research Training (e.g. GCP, degree module, informed consent)

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria
  • Pertinent clinical skills
  • Computer literacy including ability to work with databases.
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own workload and work to tight deadlines
  • Understand the significance of research and use of validated results to improve practice
  • Demonstrable experience with dealing with confidential patient information
  • Ability to communicate complex information to patients/carers/ members of MDT
  • Demonstrable broad and recent clinical experience relevant to the post
Desirable criteria
  • Proven knowledge of the Research Governance Framework and Good Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • Proven knowledge of clinical trials & research methodologies
  • Demonstrable experience of clinical research within the NHS or commercial setting
  • Understanding of data collection and data entry for clinical trials

Aptitude and abilities

Essential criteria
  • Ability to work cohesively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
  • High level of interpersonal and communication skills

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Disability confident leaderArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - Gold

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Natasha Wilmshurst
Job title
Specialist Research Nurse
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01752 431854
Apply online nowAlert me to similar vacancies