Research Nurse

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and enthusiastic Band 6 Research Nurse within the Head and Neck Research Unit to support increasing study recruitment and delivery of complex injectable studies, whilst being a supportive keyworker for patients diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a world-leading cancer centre and contribute to the delivery of a growing portfolio of innovative clinical research studies.

Our research portfolio is increasingly focused on injectable and early-phase novel studies, which represent a unique and strategically important area of activity for the unit. These studies require intensive nursing input and clinical competencies that extend beyond standard research delivery. For example, the management of a single injectable trial participant often requires a research nurse's involvement for the entirety of a clinical day. This role provides an excellent opportunity for a nurse with an interest in early-phase Head & Neck oncology clinical trials to develop their specialist research clinical skills.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will primarily work under the supervision of the Senior Research Nurses or Lead Research Nurse within the Head and Neck research team at Chelsea 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, they 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 wellbeing of the patients and is conducted within ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Research.

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 participate in the design and preparation of research protocols, patient information sheets and other documentation associated with clinical trials, ensuring that these are reviewed and updated as required.
• 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.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.