Lead Research Nurse

Job overview

The Head and Neck Unit at the Royal Marsden is looking for an enthusiastic Lead Clinical Research Nurse to work with them full time .

We are a highly regarded busy multidisciplinary team performing both clinical and research work and are seen as pioneers in managing head and neck cancer treatment. The successful applicant should have a flexible approach to their duties and the ability to work both as part of the team as well as independently.  In addition; excellent communication, administrative and IT skills and being supportive and open to new initiatives are particularly valued by the team.

The portfolio includes both sponsored, commercial and non-commercial studies as well as translational studies with genetic components. Such diversity requires a dedicated team combining different backgrounds and expertise to provide not only high quality data and patient care but also continued input into screening and identifying suitable patients from this tumour group.

The successful candidate will be required to work as a self directed practitioner and have the skills to motivate others. What’s in it for you?

• Opportunities to develop your leadership and clinical skills. • Continuous on-going learning with internal and external courses available. • Flexible working arrangements available. • Working as a highly valued member of the MDT.

Main duties of the job

The key responsibilities for the lead clinical research nurse are to provide clinical management, leadership and expertise in clinical research nursing.  This includes acting as a resource and advisor to patients and staff, working with and supporting the clinical unit in which you specialize and maintaining a high quality of service to patients, whilst undertaking your own clinical trial caseload. It is the responsibility of the post holder, working with the lead consultant, caseload research head and STC, to keep abreast of national and international studies and their relationship with trials being performed in the clinical unit. The post holder will be expected to attend internal or external meetings as required by their line manager and/ or their lead consultant. The post holder will also be expected to contribute to both internal and external educational programmes.  The post holder is expected to work within the multi-disciplinary team, using leadership and communication skills to improve the quality of the clinical service (research) using research and audit where appropriate.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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

• To be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective operational management of the research nursing team, liaising with other staff as required.
• To work with the Unit Head/ Principal Investigator to quickly resolve problems and operational issues and to contribute strategically to implement longer term solutions to issues raised.
• To act as the nursing management lead within the Clinical Research Unit for the implementation of any local R&D, BRC and national NIHR directives.
• To support the Clinical Research Executive to ensure an environment that is responsive to the changing needs and strategy of the R&D Department, BRC and Trust, enhancing institutional reputation.
• To ensure facilities and other resources are available to meet service needs, including analysing and managing space requirements.
• Building alliances and working partnerships.