Research Nurse

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities Participant-Facing Responsibilities

Act as a key contact for research participants and their families/carers, providing information, support, and reassurance throughout the study.

Conduct telephone pre-screening and arrange screening visits.

Obtain informed consent for study participation in line with ethical and regulatory standards.

Undertake study-specific clinical assessments and procedures (e.g., venepuncture, ECGs, vital signs, sample processing, and drug administration).

Monitor participants progress, safety, and well-being during and after study visits.

Record and report adverse events and serious adverse events (SAEs) promptly and accurately. Clinical Trial Set-up

Attend Study Initiation Visits and contribute to site set-up activities.

Ensure readiness of facilities, equipment, and supplies for research delivery.

Support development of site-specific documentation, including delegation logs and nursing SOPs.

Contribute to the preparation and organisation of Investigator Site Files. Clinical Trial Delivery

Register and recruit participants in line with study inclusion/exclusion criteria. Administer trial treatments according to study protocols and within scope of NMC practice.

Accurately document clinical activities and research data in Case Report Forms (paper and electronic).

Perform study-required sampling, storage, and shipment of biological specimens.

Ensure compliance with GCP, the Research Governance Framework, Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations, and local SOPs.

Liaise with the NIHR Clinical Research Network and other stakeholders to support study delivery. Study Close-out

Support the smooth transition of participants from research to conventional care pathways.

Ensure resolution of outstanding data queries.

Support archiving of study documentation in line with ICH-GCP and study agreements. Communication & Collaboration

Communicate effectively with participants, carers, multidisciplinary teams, research staff, sponsors, and external collaborators.

Provide regular updates to investigators and the Research Unit Manager on recruitment, trial progress, and any issues affecting delivery.

Represent the Unit in local, national, and international research collaborations. Clinical Practice

Communicate effectively with participants, carers, MDT colleagues, research teams and external collaborators.

Maintain competency in emergency procedures and research-related clinical skills.

Uphold high standards of infection control, medicines management, and patient safety.

Promote equality, diversity, and patient-centred practice in all research activities. Education, Training & Research

Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base in research legislation, governance, and GCP.

Undertake mandatory training and role-specific professional development.

Contribute to the training and supervision of junior staff, students, and Clinical Research Practitioners.

Support audits, quality assurance activities, and dissemination of research findings. Leadership & Management

Manage personal workload effectively, prioritising competing clinical and research demands.

Support investigators and the research team in trial planning, organisation, and problem solving.

Monitor and maintain adequate study supplies, equipment, and clinical materials.

Contribute to inspections, audits, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Liaise with investigators, sponsors, and external research bodies as appropriate.

This list is not exhaustive

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Adult) with valid registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
• Degree in Nursing (or equivalent qualification)
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification (e.g., NIHR GCP)

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in Clinical Research or related field
• Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification
• Non-Medical Prescribing qualification

Experience

Essential

• Minimum 1 to 2 years post-registration clinical experience
• Experience working within the NHS in England
• Experience in direct patient care within a relevant specialty (e.g., oncology, cardiology, primary care)
• Experience in documentation and maintaining accurate patient records
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to explain complex study information to participants clearly
• Ability to build rapport with patients and families
• Confident liaising with Principal Investigators, sponsors, and multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent time management
• Ability to manage competing priorities
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Professional and patient-centred approach
• High level of integrity and confidentiality
• Flexible and adaptable
• Motivated and proactive
• Commitment to evidence-based practice
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Willingness to travel between sites (if required)
• IT competency (e.g., electronic patient records, databases, Microsoft Office)
• Ability to work occasional extended hours depending on study requirements

Desirable

• Previous experience in clinical research or research delivery
• Experience recruiting patients into research studies
• Experience in clinical trial coordination
• Experience in adverse event reporting and safety monitoring
• Experience working with NIHR portfolio studies
• Knowledge of Clinical Trial Regulations (UK)
• Familiarity with MHRA requirements
• Understanding of trial protocols and regulatory submissions

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).