R&D Lead Research Nurse

Job summary

At Royal Devon, research isnt an add-onits at the heart of how we deliver outstanding care.

In collaboration with the University of Exeter, the Royal Devon hosts a nationally significant research infrastructure, including the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and HealthTech Research Centre (HRC). We also have a thriving and expanding Commercial Research Centre, and host both the NIHR Peninsula Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) and the NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN).

Together, this infrastructure enables us to deliver high-impact research that improves patient outcomes at regional, national and international levels.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Details

• Date posted: 08 June 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8b
• Salary: £66,582 to £77,368 a year per annum pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 185-12582-13369
• Job locations: Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

This is a rare opportunity to take on a strategic, Trust-wide leadership role, driving an ambitious and expanding portfolio of clinical research that directly improves patient outcomes.

As Lead Research Nurse, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing this vision. Leading the delivery of over four hundred clinical trials and studies, your leadership will directly influence patient experience, broaden access to cutting-edge treatments, and strengthen the Trusts position as a leader in research excellence.

As the strategic and professional lead for research delivery, and a key member of the Trusts R&D Leadership Team, you will:

• Lead and inspire a large multidisciplinary workforce (~110 staff, £4m budget)
• Drive innovation and expand capacity across early- and late-phase trials
• Influence strategy at senior leadership level within the Trust and across regional networks
• Build strong collaborations with NIHR, universities and national partners
• Provide visible, compassionate leadership across the clinical research workforce
• Champion staff development, education and wellbeing
• Drive research excellence
• Help to shape strategy and growth
• Lead the development of the clinical research delivery service
• Contribute to Trust-wide R&D strategy and operational planning
• Strengthen partnerships across the NHS, NIHR networks and academia

About You

Were looking for a credible, senior leader with the passion and expertise to transform research delivery with the following skills and experience:

• Registered Nurse or Healthcare Professional with extensive NHS research experience
• Strong knowledge of clinical trials, GCP and research governance frameworks
• Proven leadership experience, including managing large teams and budgets
• Experience delivering both commercial and academic research studies
• A strategic thinker with the ability to influence at senior level
• A strong commitment to improving patient care through research and innovation

If youre ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and help shape the future of clinical research, wed love to hear from you.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours across Monday to Friday

Interview Date: Tuesday 21st July 2026

For Further Information: Informal discussions are warmly encouraged. Please contact Michelle Treglown, Executive and Specialist Recruitment Resourcer on 07720 168623 or michelletreglown@nhs.net, to arrange a confidential chat.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.