PCN Lead Research Nurse

Job responsibilities

1. Clinical Research Management: Organise, arrange and maintain oversight of all studies in support of Principal Investigators, actively leading the team to fulfil delivery requirements and meet recruitment targets across commercial and academic studies. Ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and research department protocols. Coordinate with the research team to manage research activities throughout the study lifecycle.

2. Participant Recruitment: Collaborate with GPs, practice staff, and healthcare professionals to identify and recruit eligible participants for research studies. Screen potential participants, explain study procedures, obtain informed consent, and ensure proper documentation of participant enrolment. Maintain accurate participant recruitment logs and communicate effectively with potential participants regarding study details and requirements.

3. Study Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for research participants, providing ongoing support, answering queries, and ensuring their engagement and compliance with study protocols. Collaborate with study teams as required to ensure the smooth execution of research activities. Coordinate study visits, follow-up assessments, and data collection, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.

4. Data Collection and Documentation: Adhere to standardised data collection procedures, ensuring accurate and consistent collection, recording, and management of research data. Adhere to data protection regulations and maintain strict participant confidentiality. Ensure high-quality data entry, validation, and quality control measures, minimising errors and discrepancies. Maintain detailed and organised study records, including source documents and case report forms.

5. Clinical Procedures: Perform clinical procedures within the scope of a registered nurse's practice, such as blood sampling, electrocardiograms (ECGs), vital signs measurements, and other research-specific assessments. Adhere to standard operating procedures and protocols to ensure participant safety, comfort, and well-being during procedures. Monitor for and manage any adverse events or complications, working closely with study Principal Investigators as required.

6. Compliance and Regulatory Affairs: Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines, NHS policies, local research governance frameworks, and ethical considerations. Maintain positive, productive, working relationships with Research Delivery Network colleagues, NIHR, Clinical Research Associates, and foster and support collaborations with external parties involved in research.

7. Quality Control and Assurance: Ensure the accuracy and integrity of study data. Monitor and/or respond to data queries to identify and address any deviations, non-compliance issues, or protocol violations. Participate in monitoring visits and inspections by external bodies, ensuring readiness and compliance with NHS and research standards.

8. Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams, including GPs, allied healthcare professionals and administrative staff. Contribute to team meetings, provide insights, and support colleagues in research-related activities. Foster a culture of teamwork, open communication, and shared learning to optimise individual and team professional development and research outcomes.

9. Continuous Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest requirements for your nursing role and qualifications for research, including advancements in primary care. Engage in professional development activities, including training programs, conferences, and workshops, to enhance research skills and maintain professional registration and competence.

Other requirements

Essential

• Flexibility to work outside of core office hours
• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
• Access to own transport and ability to travel across the locality on a regular basis, including to visit people in their own home

Experience

Essential

• Must have experience of delivering commercial research studies and be competent in all aspects of GCP

Desirable

• Familiarity with primary care systems and the unique skills associated with conducting research
• Previous leadership experience in a clinical service delivery setting

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills (written and oSound knowledge of IT systems and ability to work with electronic health records and research databases including study research platforms.
• Proficient in conducting clinical assessments and procedures, such as blood sampling, ECGs, and vital signs measurements.
• Clear, empathetic manner
• Detail-oriented approach to data collection, documentation, and record-keeping.
• Effective time management (planning and organising)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with healthcare professionals, patients, and research teams.
• Ability to lead, develop, coach, train, organise and motivate the team
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced research environment.
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• Ability to follow policy and protocols
• Ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously, prioritising as required

Desirable

• Strong understanding of research methodologies, ethics, and regulatory guidelines within the NHS context.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively.
• Problem solving and analytical skills

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Registered Nurse with current registration and valid license to practice in the UK.
• Trained in Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

Desirable

• Qualified in Clinical Assessment and Physical Reasoning

Personal qualities

Essential

• Inclusive and diverse thinker
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to work under pressure

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).