Clinical Research Nurse - Breast

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Breast Research Nurse to join the Breast Research unit at The Royal Marsden in Sutton.

The Royal Marsden is a world leader in cancer research, treatment and education. Together with our academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), we are the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe and the only National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) specialising in cancer in the UK.

We are looking for enthusiastic and self-motivated nurses to contribute to the ground-breaking research run out of this unit. The post holder should have an interest in clinical research nursing and/or oncology. You will work within the guidelines and policies for the conduct of clinical trials, ensuring high standards of practice in accordance with the principles of GCP. You will work under the supervision of the Senior Breast Research Nurses.

They should also have a flexible approach to their duties and the ability to work both as part of the team as well as independently. In addition, you will have excellent communication and be supportive and open to new initiatives.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work under the supervision of the senior research nurse within the research team, and has a key role to play in the day-to-day running of clinical trials within the Trust.  These trials may be related to anti-cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, gene therapy or surgery), symptom management or some other aspect of cancer care, such as screening.  Central to the role are the recruitment, education and monitoring of patients entering a clinical trial.  Working closely with the principal investigator and members of the multidisciplinary team, s/he will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate.  An important aspect of the role is the maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records of data derived from the research studies.  The post holder will be involved in ensuring that any research undertaken within the department safeguards the well-being of the patients, and is conducted within ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Research. The research nurse may contribute to the development of the trial design and has a key role in incorporating the patients and nurses perspective.  Liaison with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions during trial development will be required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification

• To coordinate arrangements required for patients undergoing specialist investigations as part of the research protocol.
• To assess the patient prior to trial treatment, monitor the patient receiving trial treatment and follow the patient up on completion of trial treatment as required by protocol.
• To collect and accurately record data in accordance with requirements of the trial protocol.
• To safeguard the integrity of the trial by ensuring compliance with ICH GCP guidelines.
• To be involved with the running of several concurrent research studies.
• To disseminate research data by preparing and presenting posters or research papers for presentations at meetings, conferences and publication.