Primary Care Sheffield

Lead Research Nurse

The closing date is 23 November 2025

Job summary

*Please note this vacancy will be closed early if there is a high number of applications

Interviews will be held on w/c 1st December

Salary Band: Band F - £43,885.57 - £50,350.58

Hours: Monday Friday (37.5 hours per week)

Are you an experienced nurse who thrives on delivering high quality research? Do you want to be involved in primary care research that aims to improve the quality of life of our patients? Do you have an interest in governance and compliance?

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated experienced research nurse to join the Primary Care Sheffield Research Office. https://www.primarycaresheffield.org.uk/research-office

The post holder will provide an essential leadership role within our established Research Office. They will work as part of a team, support and line manage our research nurses and clinical trials assistant, develop and monitor policies and frameworks as well as support the delivery of our portfolio of academic and commercial research projects. They will work with the Clinical Lead for Research and Research Service Manager to ensure the highest quality research and research education can be supported and delivered in NHS primary care sites in South Yorkshire. They will liaise with external/partner organisations such as the NIHR CRN, NHS trusts and GP practices.

Main duties of the job

It is essential that the successful candidate:-

  • Is a first level registered nurse with evidence of continuing professional development
  • Can show evidence of working in a research role within an NHS organisation
  • Has knowledge of the informed consent process, good clinical practice and ethics and research governance
  • Has experience of policy and framework development and monitoring.
  • Can demonstrate leadership skills including being capable of setting the vision and leading research nurses, practitioners and admin staff
  • Has experience of mentorship and clinical and non-clinical training and development
  • Is self-confident and able to motivate and inspire and instil confidence in a range of stakeholders.
  • Can demonstrable capability and capacity for managing complex deliverables at a senior level.
  • Has excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders: patients who have been diagnosed with a serious/terminal illness, carers, GPs, health professionals, and Clinical Trial Managers.
  • The ability to prioritise competing priorities, making difficult decisions and manage a varied workload, meeting trial related targets.
  • Can demonstrate experience of embedding effective governance, accountability and demonstrates the ability to delivery complex programmes and projects with multi organisational partnerships and collaborations
  • Willingness to work flexibly to ensure the goals and timescales of the research study are achieved.

About us

Primary Care Sheffield (PCS) is a GP-led organisation. Our shareholders are 75 GP practices in Sheffield covering around 600,000 patients. We have a social purpose; improving the quality of care for the residents of Sheffield. We exist to create services which make the health and care system work better for everyone. To do that we are focussed on bringing more services closer to the places people live, improving the quality of those services, and breaking down the barriers between different types of services.

The PCS Research Office was formed in 2019 and delivers research projects in primary care that aims to improve patient outcomes. We have expertise in contracts, human resources, and research finance, and we work in partnership with other organisations in Sheffield to ensure that research is delivered efficiently and effectively. Primary Care Sheffield is currently expanding its research programmes. This is an exciting post that is pivotal to improving the future quality of care, so it requires motivation and passion to deliver excellent service within general practice.

We offer the following benefits:

  • NHS Pension
  • Private Health Scheme
  • Educational and training ethos
  • Opportunities to contribute to the further development of the services.

We are more than happy to meet informally to provide further information and would love to hear from you. For further information in the first instance please contact Mel Celikkol:melanie.celikkol@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

10 November 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£43,885.57 to £50,350.58 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A3466-25-0085

Job locations

Primary Care Sheffield Ltd

28 Kenwood Park Road

Sheffield

S7 1NF


Darnall Primary Care Centre

290 Main Road

Sheffield

S9 4QH


Job description

Job responsibilities

The Lead Nurse (Research) has a key management and leadership role in clinical governance and leadership of the research nurses and clinical trials assistants.

The post holder will:

  • Combine their leadership with the delivery of our clinical research portfolio to ensure safe and effective research practice within the organisation.
  • Work to further develop the Research Office and its staff to support all strands of the service's ambitions, including developing and monitoring governance frameworks.
  • Work with the Clinical Lead and Research Service Manager will actively horizon scan for both academic and commercial study opportunities.
  • They will ensure all studies are delivered to an outstanding level, integrating research into clinical care, developing the personnel to the highest of standards, and growing the capacity and capabilities of the primary care research team.
  • Will be responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality research and excellent patient experience, through proactive clinical and professional leadership, and building collaborations.
  • Provide excellent management, support, and professional development for all research staff in the service to promote recruitment and retention of skilled and motivated staff and achieve excellent performance in research studies.
  • The role will have no budgetary responsibility; however, will be expected to contribute to innovative solutions to workforce and capacity management.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As a Lead Nurse for Research, your main duties will include:

1. Research and Patient Care

  • Ensure that delivery of studies meets targets/KPIs including identifying and sourcing appropriate /resources
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of different research designs and methodologies and the regulatory and legal frameworks related to clinical research studies.
  • Provide comprehensive advice and guidance on matters relating to protocol design, research ethics and governance.
  • Lead in planning, conducting, and supervising research.
  • Overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the research nurses.
  • Take the lead on developing and updating SOPs and research processes within the designated area
  • Ensure that local policies, procedures, and best practices are followed by all members of the research team.
  • Ensure that Good Clinical Practice & research governance standards for clinical research studies are adhered to and maintained.
  • Develop and implement strategies to overcome barriers of recruitment to studies and ensure each study has an efficient and effective delivery plan in place, running smoothly.
  • Take an active and leading role in local and national forums and networks related to clinical research.
  • Lead on a supportive internal audit programme for research studies to ensure compliance with scientific protocols, regulatory standards, and to maintain a high quality of delivering clinical research.
  • Manage the implementation of preventative and corrective action plans arising from research audits or inspections, and in the conduct of regular informal (supportive) study spot checks to ensure regulatory standards are met.
  • Organise/attend site selection meetings, site initiation meetings, and other relevant meetings, and capitalise on opportunities to increase the trials' success as well as build relationships and market the team/units services to sponsor contacts.
  • Ensure that the clinical study protocols and related study SOPs the team is working on are adhered to and that research does not deviate from them.
  • Autonomously manage your own caseload of research studies/patients as appropriate, to maintain your clinical and research skills.
  • Ensure the studies are run to excellent standards, including providing accurate study data in a timely manner.
  • Manage patients/participants' pathways while they are on research studies.
  • Ensure the safe administration of treatments and drugs that are given within the context of a clinical research study.
  • Build collaborative links across the Sheffield and South Yorkshire with other research clusters/units/teams/staff, taking the lead on research initiatives, projects, or programmes of work, and building the positive research culture at PCS.

  • Promote the continued development of research awareness, research competence, and scholastic activity (e.g., writing for publishing, critical appraisal, and presenting at conferences) in the application of research into nursing practice.

2.Staff management and development

  • Provide line management for research nursing staff and lead on developing job descriptions, recruitment, induction, appraisal, training and development and retention of research staff.
  • Assist the Service Manager in managing sickness and absence, disciplinary and performance issues that may arise.
  • Comply with PCS staff management policies and procedures
  • Develop and implement an innovative, outstanding research training and development programme to grow the capacity and capability of the Service staff, maximising staff retention and education.
  • Ensure that regular training needs analysis for staff are undertaken, with signposting to appropriate opportunities and development and delivery of training to support patient safety and expert practice.
  • Recognise and respond to factors which impinge upon staff morale, delivery of research and standards of care.
  • Investigate and influence the potential for establishing new initiatives and roles for Research Nurses, and to contribute to their development, liaising with stakeholders to create innovative opportunities.
  • Assist the Clinical Lead to support, signpost and facilitate opportunities for research staff to develop their own research.
  • Ensure that staff are deployed in a cost-effective way and that controls are in place to meet key workforce performance indicators on sickness absence reduction and staff retention.
  • Contribute to the effective management of research budgets
  • Lead by example and act as a positive role model for all staff, taking responsibility for your own professional development.
  • Ensure appropriate mentors are available for research staff.

3. Financial Management

  • Assist the Service Manager in identifying research activity for invoicing
  • Assist the Service Manager in the financial scrutiny of new studies

4. Operational and Business Management

  • Day-to-day management of the research nurses and work plans.
  • Provide operational leadership for research, ensuring there is a clear framework for the delivery of high-quality care and clinical research and that best practice is maintained at all times.
  • Liaise with external agencies and internal departments to promote and facilitate the establishment of new research studies and/ or services.
  • Develop and implement local strategies to increase the number of commercial trials open as well as the total number of patients recruited to commercial trials.
  • Support the development and submission of research grant applications to both commercial and non-commercial funders to grow our home-grown study portfolio.
  • Good Clinical Practice, Research and Clinical Governance, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Infection Control, and Ethics
  • Prepare and deliver reports as requested.
  • Liaise and develop excellent working relationships with stakeholders to ensure issues are resolved in a timely manner.
  • As part of the research office and in partnership with the Clinical Lead and Service Manager, organise, lead on, and attend relevant Research Committees and forums, making recommendations on the feasibility of studies, including the level and type of resource your delivery team can provide/is required, and the financial arrangements
  • Prepare and present data, papers, and presentations

General

The post holder will:

  • Provide management cover within the Research team.
  • Coordinate the resolution of complaints, conflicts, and issues from patients and/or staff in a timely manner in line with PCS policies
  • To be actively involved in the development and implementation of PCS policies and procedures at the department level and reinforce their use
  • Ensure that standards are maintained and monitored to improve the quality of care to all those who come in contact with the service provided by Primary Care Sheffield.
  • Maintain patient/participant confidentiality at all times.
  • Ensure that the views of consumers are effectively sought, channelled and acted upon, including the efficient actioning of the complaints procedure in accordance with the PCS policy in conjunction with the Service Manager and Clinical Lead
  • Develop a culture that promotes equality and values diversity. The postholder must be aware of and committed to the Equality and Diversity policies of Primary Care Sheffield (as the employing organisation), comply with all the requirements of these policies and also actively promote Equality and Diversity issues relevant to the post.
  • Ensure the principles of openness, transparency and candour are observed and upheld in all working practices.
  • The post holder will have, or acquire through training provided by the organisation, the appropriate level of safeguarding and knowledge, skills and practice required for the post and be aware of and comply with the organisations safeguarding protection policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that any infection prevention and control issues are reported to the line manager/Infection Prevention and Control

This job description should not be regarded as definitive. It is intended to provide the post-holder with a broad outline of their function.

The post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties reasonably falling within the grade of this post.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Lead Nurse (Research) has a key management and leadership role in clinical governance and leadership of the research nurses and clinical trials assistants.

The post holder will:

  • Combine their leadership with the delivery of our clinical research portfolio to ensure safe and effective research practice within the organisation.
  • Work to further develop the Research Office and its staff to support all strands of the service's ambitions, including developing and monitoring governance frameworks.
  • Work with the Clinical Lead and Research Service Manager will actively horizon scan for both academic and commercial study opportunities.
  • They will ensure all studies are delivered to an outstanding level, integrating research into clinical care, developing the personnel to the highest of standards, and growing the capacity and capabilities of the primary care research team.
  • Will be responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality research and excellent patient experience, through proactive clinical and professional leadership, and building collaborations.
  • Provide excellent management, support, and professional development for all research staff in the service to promote recruitment and retention of skilled and motivated staff and achieve excellent performance in research studies.
  • The role will have no budgetary responsibility; however, will be expected to contribute to innovative solutions to workforce and capacity management.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As a Lead Nurse for Research, your main duties will include:

1. Research and Patient Care

  • Ensure that delivery of studies meets targets/KPIs including identifying and sourcing appropriate /resources
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of different research designs and methodologies and the regulatory and legal frameworks related to clinical research studies.
  • Provide comprehensive advice and guidance on matters relating to protocol design, research ethics and governance.
  • Lead in planning, conducting, and supervising research.
  • Overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the research nurses.
  • Take the lead on developing and updating SOPs and research processes within the designated area
  • Ensure that local policies, procedures, and best practices are followed by all members of the research team.
  • Ensure that Good Clinical Practice & research governance standards for clinical research studies are adhered to and maintained.
  • Develop and implement strategies to overcome barriers of recruitment to studies and ensure each study has an efficient and effective delivery plan in place, running smoothly.
  • Take an active and leading role in local and national forums and networks related to clinical research.
  • Lead on a supportive internal audit programme for research studies to ensure compliance with scientific protocols, regulatory standards, and to maintain a high quality of delivering clinical research.
  • Manage the implementation of preventative and corrective action plans arising from research audits or inspections, and in the conduct of regular informal (supportive) study spot checks to ensure regulatory standards are met.
  • Organise/attend site selection meetings, site initiation meetings, and other relevant meetings, and capitalise on opportunities to increase the trials' success as well as build relationships and market the team/units services to sponsor contacts.
  • Ensure that the clinical study protocols and related study SOPs the team is working on are adhered to and that research does not deviate from them.
  • Autonomously manage your own caseload of research studies/patients as appropriate, to maintain your clinical and research skills.
  • Ensure the studies are run to excellent standards, including providing accurate study data in a timely manner.
  • Manage patients/participants' pathways while they are on research studies.
  • Ensure the safe administration of treatments and drugs that are given within the context of a clinical research study.
  • Build collaborative links across the Sheffield and South Yorkshire with other research clusters/units/teams/staff, taking the lead on research initiatives, projects, or programmes of work, and building the positive research culture at PCS.

  • Promote the continued development of research awareness, research competence, and scholastic activity (e.g., writing for publishing, critical appraisal, and presenting at conferences) in the application of research into nursing practice.

2.Staff management and development

  • Provide line management for research nursing staff and lead on developing job descriptions, recruitment, induction, appraisal, training and development and retention of research staff.
  • Assist the Service Manager in managing sickness and absence, disciplinary and performance issues that may arise.
  • Comply with PCS staff management policies and procedures
  • Develop and implement an innovative, outstanding research training and development programme to grow the capacity and capability of the Service staff, maximising staff retention and education.
  • Ensure that regular training needs analysis for staff are undertaken, with signposting to appropriate opportunities and development and delivery of training to support patient safety and expert practice.
  • Recognise and respond to factors which impinge upon staff morale, delivery of research and standards of care.
  • Investigate and influence the potential for establishing new initiatives and roles for Research Nurses, and to contribute to their development, liaising with stakeholders to create innovative opportunities.
  • Assist the Clinical Lead to support, signpost and facilitate opportunities for research staff to develop their own research.
  • Ensure that staff are deployed in a cost-effective way and that controls are in place to meet key workforce performance indicators on sickness absence reduction and staff retention.
  • Contribute to the effective management of research budgets
  • Lead by example and act as a positive role model for all staff, taking responsibility for your own professional development.
  • Ensure appropriate mentors are available for research staff.

3. Financial Management

  • Assist the Service Manager in identifying research activity for invoicing
  • Assist the Service Manager in the financial scrutiny of new studies

4. Operational and Business Management

  • Day-to-day management of the research nurses and work plans.
  • Provide operational leadership for research, ensuring there is a clear framework for the delivery of high-quality care and clinical research and that best practice is maintained at all times.
  • Liaise with external agencies and internal departments to promote and facilitate the establishment of new research studies and/ or services.
  • Develop and implement local strategies to increase the number of commercial trials open as well as the total number of patients recruited to commercial trials.
  • Support the development and submission of research grant applications to both commercial and non-commercial funders to grow our home-grown study portfolio.
  • Good Clinical Practice, Research and Clinical Governance, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Infection Control, and Ethics
  • Prepare and deliver reports as requested.
  • Liaise and develop excellent working relationships with stakeholders to ensure issues are resolved in a timely manner.
  • As part of the research office and in partnership with the Clinical Lead and Service Manager, organise, lead on, and attend relevant Research Committees and forums, making recommendations on the feasibility of studies, including the level and type of resource your delivery team can provide/is required, and the financial arrangements
  • Prepare and present data, papers, and presentations

General

The post holder will:

  • Provide management cover within the Research team.
  • Coordinate the resolution of complaints, conflicts, and issues from patients and/or staff in a timely manner in line with PCS policies
  • To be actively involved in the development and implementation of PCS policies and procedures at the department level and reinforce their use
  • Ensure that standards are maintained and monitored to improve the quality of care to all those who come in contact with the service provided by Primary Care Sheffield.
  • Maintain patient/participant confidentiality at all times.
  • Ensure that the views of consumers are effectively sought, channelled and acted upon, including the efficient actioning of the complaints procedure in accordance with the PCS policy in conjunction with the Service Manager and Clinical Lead
  • Develop a culture that promotes equality and values diversity. The postholder must be aware of and committed to the Equality and Diversity policies of Primary Care Sheffield (as the employing organisation), comply with all the requirements of these policies and also actively promote Equality and Diversity issues relevant to the post.
  • Ensure the principles of openness, transparency and candour are observed and upheld in all working practices.
  • The post holder will have, or acquire through training provided by the organisation, the appropriate level of safeguarding and knowledge, skills and practice required for the post and be aware of and comply with the organisations safeguarding protection policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that any infection prevention and control issues are reported to the line manager/Infection Prevention and Control

This job description should not be regarded as definitive. It is intended to provide the post-holder with a broad outline of their function.

The post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties reasonably falling within the grade of this post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse.
  • Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
  • Current Good Clinical Practice Certificate.
  • Management/Leadership Qualification.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

  • Proven staff management experience with the ability to gain their support, motivate, and develop them.
  • Able to balance competing priorities and make difficult decisions.
  • Confident presenter to all levels.
  • Ability to delegate effectively.
  • Ability to produce clear and concise written materials for a variety of audiences, including the analysis of data, using appropriate IT and online systems.
  • MS Office literate.
  • Leadership skills, including being capable of setting the vision and leading research nurses, practitioners, and admin staff.
  • Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
  • Self-motivated and resilient, politically astute, with the ability to persevere in order to achieve objectives and have the flexibility to take the views of others into the right level of account.
  • Ability to inspire, motivate, persuade and empower staff of all levels and professions, winning hearts and minds.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, whilst successfully managing multiple work streams at the same time.
  • Able to deal effectively with difficult situations with staff and patients, skilled in conflict resolution.
  • Able to communicate performance requirements clearly and ensure they are met.
  • Demonstrable capability and capacity for managing complex deliverables at a senior level.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and self-assured initiative .
  • Proven ability to manage processes, quality, and productivity.
  • Ability to apply current research to practice.
  • Methodical approach and excellent attention to detail.

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a clinical research role in an NHS environment.
  • Experience of leadership.
  • Experience of research workforce planning.
  • Expertise in developing and reporting key performance indicators in relation to clinical research .
  • Experience of working in a primary care environment .
  • Experience of developing and delivering a training programme for a wide range of staff.

Desirable

  • Experience of managing projects effectively and delivering project outcomes on time.

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

  • Understands and has a commitment to upholding NHS principles and values as set out in the NHS Constitution.
  • Well-developed understanding of equality, diversity, and human rights issues.
  • Able to understand and analyse complex issues, drawing on the breadth of data needed to inform decision-making.

Desirable

  • In-depth understanding of health and social care, and an appreciation of the broad social, political, and economic trends influencing them.

Attributes

Essential

  • Embraces effective governance, accountability, and demonstrates the ability to deliver complex programmes and projects with multi-organisational partnerships and collaborations.
  • Professional and flexible attitude to work.
  • Diplomatic and calm under pressure.
  • Committed to personal and professional development.
  • Enthusiastic and capable of enthusing others.
  • Confident and articulate.
  • Influential and credible.
  • Motivated and energetic.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse.
  • Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
  • Current Good Clinical Practice Certificate.
  • Management/Leadership Qualification.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

  • Proven staff management experience with the ability to gain their support, motivate, and develop them.
  • Able to balance competing priorities and make difficult decisions.
  • Confident presenter to all levels.
  • Ability to delegate effectively.
  • Ability to produce clear and concise written materials for a variety of audiences, including the analysis of data, using appropriate IT and online systems.
  • MS Office literate.
  • Leadership skills, including being capable of setting the vision and leading research nurses, practitioners, and admin staff.
  • Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
  • Self-motivated and resilient, politically astute, with the ability to persevere in order to achieve objectives and have the flexibility to take the views of others into the right level of account.
  • Ability to inspire, motivate, persuade and empower staff of all levels and professions, winning hearts and minds.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, whilst successfully managing multiple work streams at the same time.
  • Able to deal effectively with difficult situations with staff and patients, skilled in conflict resolution.
  • Able to communicate performance requirements clearly and ensure they are met.
  • Demonstrable capability and capacity for managing complex deliverables at a senior level.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and self-assured initiative .
  • Proven ability to manage processes, quality, and productivity.
  • Ability to apply current research to practice.
  • Methodical approach and excellent attention to detail.

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a clinical research role in an NHS environment.
  • Experience of leadership.
  • Experience of research workforce planning.
  • Expertise in developing and reporting key performance indicators in relation to clinical research .
  • Experience of working in a primary care environment .
  • Experience of developing and delivering a training programme for a wide range of staff.

Desirable

  • Experience of managing projects effectively and delivering project outcomes on time.

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

  • Understands and has a commitment to upholding NHS principles and values as set out in the NHS Constitution.
  • Well-developed understanding of equality, diversity, and human rights issues.
  • Able to understand and analyse complex issues, drawing on the breadth of data needed to inform decision-making.

Desirable

  • In-depth understanding of health and social care, and an appreciation of the broad social, political, and economic trends influencing them.

Attributes

Essential

  • Embraces effective governance, accountability, and demonstrates the ability to deliver complex programmes and projects with multi-organisational partnerships and collaborations.
  • Professional and flexible attitude to work.
  • Diplomatic and calm under pressure.
  • Committed to personal and professional development.
  • Enthusiastic and capable of enthusing others.
  • Confident and articulate.
  • Influential and credible.
  • Motivated and energetic.

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).

Additional information

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Primary Care Sheffield

Address

Primary Care Sheffield Ltd

28 Kenwood Park Road

Sheffield

S7 1NF


Employer's website

http://www.primarycaresheffield.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Primary Care Sheffield

Address

Primary Care Sheffield Ltd

28 Kenwood Park Road

Sheffield

S7 1NF


Employer's website

http://www.primarycaresheffield.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Details

Date posted

10 November 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£43,885.57 to £50,350.58 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A3466-25-0085

Job locations

Primary Care Sheffield Ltd

28 Kenwood Park Road

Sheffield

S7 1NF


Darnall Primary Care Centre

290 Main Road

Sheffield

S9 4QH


Privacy notice

Primary Care Sheffield's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)