Job summary
Clinical Research Nurse
Department: Research & Development
Band 6: £37,338- £44,962
Hours: 22.5 hrs/wk
Fixed Term Contract until 25/11/2026
This is an exciting opportunity for a registered nurse, educated to a degree level, with substantial clinical nursing experience to work in research delivery to cover maternity leave. We are looking for someone who can multitask, is resourceful, patient centred and able to work in clinical settings as well as an office (IT, e-calendars, virtual meetings, data management, etc). Prior experience in research delivery prioritised.
The post holder will join our team and work towards set-up, delivery, and follow-up of research studies across various specialties, hence the requirement for a sound clinical base, ability to process complex information and assuredness. Due to the nature of research your workload will cover different specialties and may vary depending on the need on the department.
However, gaining insight and experience into research governance, delivery and process which leads to evidence-based practice is a great addition to your career and strengthens your communication, organisational skills and multidisciplinary work.
Sponsorship is not available currently.
For an informal discussion, please contact Reema Alen Babu - Senior Research Nurse, 01908 995113
Interview date: 17.02.2026
Main duties of the job
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
"- NHS Survey, 2024'' 94% feel that their role makes a difference to patience and service users.
MKUH Research and Development team is well established and has achieved great success in recent years in recruiting patients to NIHR RRDN trials, achieving several awards including the All-round High Performing Team and Outstanding Research Team Leader. We have a variety of studies across many specialties looking at cutting edge innovations and advancements aiming to improve patient outcomes.
The post holder will work within the Research and Development Team at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, with a primary aim of promoting the entry of patients into clinical trials across the Trust in line with the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research high level objectives. The post holder will be allocated specialty dependant on workload demands and departmental needs, work collaboratively with other members of the research team to ensure sufficient cover and support across studies.
Central to this role is the informed recruitment, education and monitoring of the patient entering a clinical trial; good communication skills are imperative for effective collaboration and organised management of the varied workload to allow regular prioritisation along with maintenance of a transparent record of research schedules.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
The role involves using in-depth knowledge of trial protocols and their application in practise, research methodology and an in-depth working knowledge of local, national and international research regulation requirements to implement, develop and facilitate the smooth running of clinical trials, working collaboratively as part of the research team within Milton Keynes University Hospital. This will involve ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and best practices, while supporting the overall research objectives and contributing to the delivery of high-quality research outcomes.
This will include:
Review each trial protocol to identify resource implications for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Ensure all regulatory approvals are in place prior to commencement of study. e.g. research ethics committee and Trust R&D permission.
Identify eligible patients for trials (by attending clinics, multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, screening lists etc. and assessing clinical condition of patient in detail).
Communication Promote trial involvement throughout the clinical and patient communities; Explain trials including complex trials in an unbiased sensitive way to emotive patients. Being able to display empathy and understanding.
Liaise and discuss trials including complex trial issues, with members of the MDT before, during and after the clinical trial.
Education Attend the trial investigator / research nurse/practitioner meetings and conferences when required.
Maintain awareness of current advances in medical treatments, research, and nursing practice (nurses only) and use this specialised knowledge to develop and maintain high standards of care for patients.
Participate in formal and informal teaching programmes, study days and educational programmes within the Trust, as arranged by EoE RRDN/Divisions and elsewhere as appropriate.
Identify personal training requirements and initiate appropriate training with line manager approval.
Educating others Participate in the preparation and delivery of research education and training programmes to all relevant healthcare staff with Milton Keynes University Hospital and EoE RRDN as appropriate.
Support, supervise and manage student placements, shadowing opportunities and junior members of the team.
Disseminate research findings by developing and presenting posters / research papers for meetings, conferences, and publication. Circulate trial information and carry out presentations locally.
Professional Act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Practice for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors and Scope of Professional Practice (nurses only) or relevant professional body.
Maintain registration on the Clinical Research Practitioner directory and awareness of, and involvement in CRP initiatives (as relevant).
- Maintain one's own professional development, maintaining a contemporary personal portfolio.
Management Ability to work independently and be accountable for own professional actions. Self-manage all work areas and workload, seeking managerial supervision as required. Maintain own time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to.
To co-ordinate all aspects of conducting a clinical trial and research project always ensuring that trial participants are fully informed of what is required.
Be aware of all Trust procedures and policies and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed. Participate in the development of Trust procedures and policies as required.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The role involves using in-depth knowledge of trial protocols and their application in practise, research methodology and an in-depth working knowledge of local, national and international research regulation requirements to implement, develop and facilitate the smooth running of clinical trials, working collaboratively as part of the research team within Milton Keynes University Hospital. This will involve ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and best practices, while supporting the overall research objectives and contributing to the delivery of high-quality research outcomes.
This will include:
Review each trial protocol to identify resource implications for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Ensure all regulatory approvals are in place prior to commencement of study. e.g. research ethics committee and Trust R&D permission.
Identify eligible patients for trials (by attending clinics, multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, screening lists etc. and assessing clinical condition of patient in detail).
Communication Promote trial involvement throughout the clinical and patient communities; Explain trials including complex trials in an unbiased sensitive way to emotive patients. Being able to display empathy and understanding.
Liaise and discuss trials including complex trial issues, with members of the MDT before, during and after the clinical trial.
Education Attend the trial investigator / research nurse/practitioner meetings and conferences when required.
Maintain awareness of current advances in medical treatments, research, and nursing practice (nurses only) and use this specialised knowledge to develop and maintain high standards of care for patients.
Participate in formal and informal teaching programmes, study days and educational programmes within the Trust, as arranged by EoE RRDN/Divisions and elsewhere as appropriate.
Identify personal training requirements and initiate appropriate training with line manager approval.
Educating others Participate in the preparation and delivery of research education and training programmes to all relevant healthcare staff with Milton Keynes University Hospital and EoE RRDN as appropriate.
Support, supervise and manage student placements, shadowing opportunities and junior members of the team.
Disseminate research findings by developing and presenting posters / research papers for meetings, conferences, and publication. Circulate trial information and carry out presentations locally.
Professional Act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Practice for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors and Scope of Professional Practice (nurses only) or relevant professional body.
Maintain registration on the Clinical Research Practitioner directory and awareness of, and involvement in CRP initiatives (as relevant).
- Maintain one's own professional development, maintaining a contemporary personal portfolio.
Management Ability to work independently and be accountable for own professional actions. Self-manage all work areas and workload, seeking managerial supervision as required. Maintain own time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to.
To co-ordinate all aspects of conducting a clinical trial and research project always ensuring that trial participants are fully informed of what is required.
Be aware of all Trust procedures and policies and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed. Participate in the development of Trust procedures and policies as required.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- NMC Registered Nurse with minimum of 3 years on the register or 2:1 life science degree with significant clinical experience.
- Relevant post registration experience to diploma level or equivalent Research qualification
- Understanding of Research methods
Desirable
- Knowledge of or undertaken Good Clinical Practice Training
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in a clinical setting
- Knowledge & experience in clinical research/clinical trials
- Competence in basic healthcare activities i.e. patient care, vital signs, ECG etc
Skills
Essential
- Able to organise work to meet deadlines and priorities
- Able to perform phlebotomy and cannulation.
- Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative
- Able to analyse and interpret complex facts or situation
- Good IT skills including experience of using Microsoft Office software
- Attention to detail
- Ability to develop and implement quality control processes, to ensure the collection of high-quality data.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development
- Engaged and motivated to deliver the best care
Desirable
- Demonstrable commitment to educate others and share best practice
Communication
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
Desirable
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work to enable cross specialty working as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- NMC Registered Nurse with minimum of 3 years on the register or 2:1 life science degree with significant clinical experience.
- Relevant post registration experience to diploma level or equivalent Research qualification
- Understanding of Research methods
Desirable
- Knowledge of or undertaken Good Clinical Practice Training
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in a clinical setting
- Knowledge & experience in clinical research/clinical trials
- Competence in basic healthcare activities i.e. patient care, vital signs, ECG etc
Skills
Essential
- Able to organise work to meet deadlines and priorities
- Able to perform phlebotomy and cannulation.
- Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative
- Able to analyse and interpret complex facts or situation
- Good IT skills including experience of using Microsoft Office software
- Attention to detail
- Ability to develop and implement quality control processes, to ensure the collection of high-quality data.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development
- Engaged and motivated to deliver the best care
Desirable
- Demonstrable commitment to educate others and share best practice
Communication
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
Desirable
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work to enable cross specialty working as required.
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).
