Research Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

Department: Department of Clinical Research

Base: Musgrove Park Hospital / Yeovil District Hospital

Why this role matters

Clinical research changes lives. As a Research Nurse/Practitioner at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, you'll help bring cuttingedge studies to patients across Somerset--supporting trials sponsored by the NIHR and industry partners--so that evidence-based care reaches the bedside faster. You'll be a trusted point of contact for patients and families throughout their research journey, ensuring every study is delivered safely, ethically, and to the highest standards.

About the Department

Our Clinical Research Department provides research governance, management, delivery support, and advice across the Trust. We operate two closely connected functions--Research Governance and Research Delivery--working as one team with a clear vision: to support groundbreaking research with our partners to improve the health of our communities, and a mission to embed a culture of research excellence where all colleagues can contribute and develop as research specialists.

Role overview

You will coordinate, deliver, monitor, and record the care and progress of patients involved in research studies and clinical trials, working as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team. You'll recruit participants, obtain informed consent, and provide comprehensive support to patients and carers throughout their involvement.

The post focuses on the safe conduct of NIHR portfolio and industry-funded research, collaborating closely with the Regional Research Delivery Network South West Peninsula (RRDN SWP) to meet local research delivery targets. This role is funded within the RRDN SWP network structure overseen nationally by the NIHR.

You'll ensure all trial activities comply with UK/EU legislation, Trust policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and regulatory requirements--protecting participants' rights, safety, dignity, and wellbeing at all times.

Key responsibilities

Participant engagement and care

Provide clear, compassionate information to patients and carers about study protocols, procedures, treatments, and followup; obtain informed consent and act as a consistent point of contact for trial participants.

Safeguard participant autonomy by ensuring sufficient information is provided during consent and that privacy and dignity are always respected

Conduct study visits and assessments in strict accordance with protocol and Trust policy; interpret results to assess care needs and refer to other health professionals when appropriate.

Study delivery and data quality

Plan and organise study activities, ensuring protocol adherence and GCP compliance; maintain meticulous attention to detail across paper and electronic data capture (EDC) systems.

Collect, verify, and enter data into Case Report Forms and study databases; answer data queries within agreed timescales and archive data per GCP requirements.

Process, prepare, store, and dispatch biological samples safely; complete all related documentation accurately at specified time points

Report Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) promptly; support required study documentation including protocols, amendments, advertisements, and approvals.

Collaboration and communication

Liaise with Principal Investigators, study sponsors, Clinical Research Associates/Monitors, trial managers across sites, and local clinical teams; present study updates at departmental or ward meetings as needed.

Maintain effective crosscover with research colleagues to ensure continuity of trial delivery during leave or sickness

Build strong relationships with the Clinical Trials Pharmacy, diagnostics services, GPs, and other practice staff to facilitate seamless research delivery.

Governance, safety, and improvement

Adhere to ICHGCP, Trust SOPs, policies, and Clinical Governance requirements; promote health, safety, and security by identifying risks, attending essential training, and following agreed procedures.

Contribute to progress reports and updates to the Lead Research Nurse, Research Team Lead, Research Manager, and Assistant Managers throughout each project.

Seek patient and carer feedback and support the embedding of research as part of routine clinical care across the Trust.

Clinical skills (with training)

Undertake phlebotomy; perform ECG, spirometry, and centrifuge use where required by protocols (training provided).

Within scope of practice and competency, administer study medication or teach patients to selfadminister, monitoring for toxicity in line with protocol.

Operational flexibility

Work flexibly to meet study needs, with occasional activity outside normal hours to maintain protocol integrity.

Travel across Trust locations and to offsite meetings or training as required.

What you'll bring

Registered Healthcare Professional with recent experience in General Medicine, Surgery, Mental Health, or Community Care; strong communication skills (verbal and written).

Ability to evaluate research significance, apply evidence to practice, and follow protocols with high accuracy--balancing data integrity with sensitive, personcentred care.

Confidence with data collection, electronic systems, and documentation; proactive approach to recruitment strategies and embedding research in routine care.

Calm under pressure, an excellent listener, and a collaborative teamplayer who organises time effectively and multitasks with attention to detail.

Willingness to undertake physical aspects of the role (e.g., phlebotomy, data entry) and to work across different Trust locations when needed.

Training & development

You'll receive a thorough induction and training in research methodology, design, audit, and GCP, with opportunities to expand diseasespecific knowledge and develop new clinical and research skills. You'll also help train and support colleagues involved in studies, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and clinical governance.

Governance, equality, and safeguarding

We are committed to equality of opportunity for staff and service users. You'll work in line with our E&D policies, safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults, and confidentiality standards under the Data Protection Act (2018) and Trust policies. You'll participate in clinical governance and infection prevention and control, promoting a safe environment for patients, colleagues, and visitors.

What success looks like in this role

Highquality, patientcentred research delivery that meets NIHR and sponsor timelines.

Flawless documentation and data integrity, with timely resolution of queries and safe sample handling.

Strong, collaborative relationships across clinical teams, pharmacy, diagnostics, investigators, sponsors, and the RRDN SWP.

Positive feedback from participants and carers; measurable contribution to embedding research across the Trust.

Practical details

Contract type / hours / salary: 37.5 hours, permanent post, working days are Monday to Friday.

Reports to: Research Team Lead.

Responsible for: Research delivery within the Department of Clinical Research.

How to apply

If you're motivated by improving patient outcomes through research, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your application via NHS Jobs, outlining how your skills and values align with this role. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, where we'll explore your experience of patient centred research delivery, data accuracy, and collaborative working.

A note from our team

You'll join a welcoming, supportive department where curiosity and compassion drive everything we do. Whether it's guiding a patient through consent, processing samples to exacting standards, or collaborating with sponsors to keep studies on track, your work will make a real difference--today and for years to come.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Healthcare Professional
• Must be able to communicate in English Language, both written and verbally appropriate to the post.

Desirable

• Please see the attached JD

Experience

Essential

• Please see the attached JD

Desirable

• Please see the attached JD

Additional Criteria

Essential

• Please see the attached JD

Desirable

• Please see the attached JD

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

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA

Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)