Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Research Nurse to join our expanding epilepsy research delivery team at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). This is an excellent opportunity for a registered nurse with clinical trials experience to step into a more autonomous role, supporting the delivery of a growing portfolio of commercial epilepsy trials.
You will be based across both UCLH sites: NHNN Queen Square (London) and NHNN Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (Buckinghamshire), working closely with senior research nurses, a Clinical Research Operations Manager, Principal and Co-Investigators, and the wider clinical and research teams. You will take responsibility for coordinating trial activity, line managing the Band 5 Clinical Trial Practitioner, and ensuring studies are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with GCP and regulatory requirements.
You do not need prior experience or knowledge of epilepsy; full training will be provided. The ideal candidate will be confident working independently, comfortable coordinating complex research activity, and enthusiastic about supporting high-quality, patient-centred research. Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills are essential.
The post is a fixed term 12-month contract. There is potential for this FTC to be extended in the future.
A 5-10 minute presentation will be required for the interview. The topic will be shared with applicants at time of shortlisting.
Main duties of the job
As Band 6 Research Nurse, you will take a leading role in the set-up and day-to-day delivery of commercial and non-commercial clinical trials within the epilepsy team. Your responsibilities will include identifying and screening participants, supporting the informed consent process, coordinating study visits, conducting trial-related assessments, and managing the accurate and timely completion of data and documentation in line with GCP.
You will maintain oversight of the Investigator Site File (ISF), lab files, and participant records, and ensure studies are audit-ready at all times. You will liaise with external sponsors, CROs, and support departments, contribute to quality assurance, and assist with audit preparation and monitoring visits.
In addition to delivering trial activity, you will line manage the Band 5 Clinical Trial Practitioner, providing day-to-day guidance, allocating tasks, supporting their development, and contributing to appraisal and performance discussions. You will also provide informal supervision and leadership within the team, helping to ensure a positive, well-organised, and responsive research service. You will work closely with the Senior Research Nurse, who holds overall clinical responsibility for a subset of commercial studies, ensuring aligned trial delivery and consistent standards across the team.
About us
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
This role requires the same attention to quality in documentation as it does in patient care. You will be expected to maintain accurate, contemporaneous source data, apply ALCOA principles consistently, and respond to data queries in a timely and thorough manner. Ensuring high-quality, auditable records is a core part of delivering safe, compliant, and successful research.
You will be required to work flexibly across both Queen Square and Chalfont, with some evening or weekend work depending on study needs.
Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*
UCLH top trust to work at in England for the second year running! : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust*In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the second year in a row.
UCLH top trust to work at in England for the second year running! University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.Once again, UCLH has received the highest score of all general acute and acute/community NHS trusts in England for staff that would recommend us as a place to work.
To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
This role requires the same attention to quality in documentation as it does in patient care. You will be expected to maintain accurate, contemporaneous source data, apply ALCOA principles consistently, and respond to data queries in a timely and thorough manner. Ensuring high-quality, auditable records is a core part of delivering safe, compliant, and successful research.
You will be required to work flexibly across both Queen Square and Chalfont, with some evening or weekend work depending on study needs.
Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*
UCLH top trust to work at in England for the second year running! : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust*In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the second year in a row.
UCLH top trust to work at in England for the second year running! University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.Once again, UCLH has received the highest score of all general acute and acute/community NHS trusts in England for staff that would recommend us as a place to work.
To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualification
Essential
- Registered Nurse Part 1,2 12
- Relevant post registration qualification
- GCP training (up-to-date)
Desirable
- Teaching or mentor course
- Completed/working towards degree in the speciality or related fields
Experience
Essential
- Post registration nursing experience
- Clinical research/trials experience
- Experience of formal/ informal teaching of patients and staff
- Experience working as a preceptor/facilitator
- Experience of phlebotomy, cannulation and management of central lines
- Experience in the caring of complex and acutely ill patients
Desirable
- Experience with the specialty (epilepsy)
- Previous experience in audit and evaluation
- Knowledge of Trust research governance issues
- Experience in delivering training
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Demonstrates ability to prioritise workload and meet SMART objectives
- Demonstrates ability to work under own initiative
- Demonstrates evidence of professional development
- Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit/quality
- Proven knowledge of ICH GCP guidelines
- Proven ability to work effectively under pressure
- Computer literacy
Communication
Essential
- Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Personal and People Development
Desirable
- Experience in managing or supervising staff
Specific Requirements
Essential
- Willingness to work flexible hours (evening, weekend, or out-of-hours work may be required to meet participant or study needs) on occasion
- Willingness to work at both sites (NHNN, Queen Square and Chalfont), if required
Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Demonstrates understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and has Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualification
Essential
- Registered Nurse Part 1,2 12
- Relevant post registration qualification
- GCP training (up-to-date)
Desirable
- Teaching or mentor course
- Completed/working towards degree in the speciality or related fields
Experience
Essential
- Post registration nursing experience
- Clinical research/trials experience
- Experience of formal/ informal teaching of patients and staff
- Experience working as a preceptor/facilitator
- Experience of phlebotomy, cannulation and management of central lines
- Experience in the caring of complex and acutely ill patients
Desirable
- Experience with the specialty (epilepsy)
- Previous experience in audit and evaluation
- Knowledge of Trust research governance issues
- Experience in delivering training
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Demonstrates ability to prioritise workload and meet SMART objectives
- Demonstrates ability to work under own initiative
- Demonstrates evidence of professional development
- Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit/quality
- Proven knowledge of ICH GCP guidelines
- Proven ability to work effectively under pressure
- Computer literacy
Communication
Essential
- Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Personal and People Development
Desirable
- Experience in managing or supervising staff
Specific Requirements
Essential
- Willingness to work flexible hours (evening, weekend, or out-of-hours work may be required to meet participant or study needs) on occasion
- Willingness to work at both sites (NHNN, Queen Square and Chalfont), if required
Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Demonstrates understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and has Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, and Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy
Queen Square
London
WC1N 3BG
Employer's website
https://www.uclh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
