Research Nurse

Job summary

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, organised, diligent Band 5 Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional (AHP), who is interested in joining our Clinical Research Team based at North Devon District Hospital. You will be responsible for screening, recruitment, consent, data collection and retention of patients and carers into research studies and clinical trials across many specialities. You will be supporting our clinicians to deliver high quality research in a variety of settings.

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: 07 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 5
• Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 185-104837-14439
• Job locations: North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4JB, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

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

More detail about the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Rosemoor Clinical Research Team, based at North Devon District Hospital.

We support a diverse portfolio of research studies and clinical trials, recruiting participants across a wide range of clinical specialties. These currently include Oncology, Critical Care, Musculoskeletal, Emergency Care, Dementia, Neurodegeneration, Ageing, Surgery, Gastroenterology, Paediatrics, Reproductive Health and Therapy Services.

As a Research Nurse/Practitioner, you will play a key role in recruiting and supporting research participants across our portfolio. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams and services across North Devon District Hospital, the wider Trust and our community services. This will include working alongside Nurse Specialists, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Medical Staff and Allied Health Professionals.

The role requires a flexible and adaptable approach, together with the ability to problem-solve and respond to the needs of patients, their carers and families, clinical teams and study sponsors, while ensuring that research is delivered in accordance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.

Our portfolio is varied and includes studies delivered in both acute hospital and community settings. The role will involve recruitment to research studies, as well as participant follow-up appointments, across these settings.

Day-to-day, the Rosemoor Clinical Research Team is based in the Ladywell Unit at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple. You will work closely with other Research Nurses/Practitioners, Assistant Practitioners, Administrators and clinical teams, as well as the wider Research and Development Team.

About You

We are looking for someone who is flexible, highly motivated and enthusiastic about developing their skills and knowledge. You will have an interest in clinical research and evidence-based practice, together with strong IT and communication skills.

Our focus is on ensuring that patients have access to high-quality research opportunities and are supported throughout their research journey.

You will be encouraged and supported to develop new skills relevant to the delivery of clinical trials, which may include:

• Obtaining informed consent from participants
• Undertaking clinical assessments and research-specific rating scales
• Cannulation and other clinical procedures
• Administering clinical trial medications
• Collecting and managing research data
• Supporting the safe and effective delivery of clinical trials in accordance with study protocol

We provide a comprehensive induction programme for all new starters joining Research and Development. You will also be supported by an approachable and accessible management team, with opportunities for ongoing learning, development and career progression.

Join Our Growing Research Team

This is an exciting time to join our Clinical Research Team as we enter a new phase of growth and development.

In 2027, North Devon District Hospital will open a new purpose-built Clinical Research Hub, providing a dedicated environment for the delivery and expansion of high-quality clinical research across an increasing range of specialties.

The successful postholder will join the team at an exciting point in this development, with the opportunity to help shape and support the expansion of our research portfolio. As a Research Nurse/Practitioner, you will play an important role in delivering high-quality research, supporting participants and clinical teams, and contributing to the continued development of a strong research culture across the Trust.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced research professional to join an ambitious and expanding service. The new Research Hub will create exciting opportunities from 2027 onwards to deliver a broader and more diverse portfolio of innovative research, while continuing to provide patients across North Devon with access to high-quality clinical research.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours, Monday-Friday, either 8am-4pm, 8:30am-4:30pm or 9am-5pm

Interview Date: Monday 26th October 2026

For further information please contact: Maria Dark, Lead AHP/Research Team Lead on 01271 311889 or ria.dark@nhs.net. Informal visits and contact encouraged.

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.