Senior Research Nurse

Job overview

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is one of the world’s leading cancer research centres. The Trust works in partnership with The Institute of Cancer Research to produce high quality basic research, translational studies and clinical trials with the aim of developing better treatments for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide.

An opportunity has arisen to work within the Haemato-Oncology Unit as a Research Nurse providing support for our complex research portfolio during a 12 month maternity cover.

This is a pivotal role and you will be part of a multidisciplinary team including experienced medical and research staff, taking part in an exciting range of clinical research studies. Ideally with previous clinical research experience, 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.

The successful applicant will be required to work as a self directed practitioner and have the skills to motivate others. 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, administrative and IT skills and be supportive and open to new initiatives.

Main duties of the job

The experienced research nurse works as a self-directed practitioner, with a key role to play in the organisation and management 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, the post holder will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate.  The post holder will take responsibility for the co-ordination and management of a clinical research portfolio, collaborating with key personnel to ensure continued care and support for patients involved in clinical trials.

The post holder will support more junior research nurses, assisting them to develop their clinical research skills thorough education and training. Further responsibility will include monitoring and raising the standard of nursing input within the team.

The opportunity to undertake personal research projects or further study, in consultation with the lead medical investigator and Lead Nurse Clinical Trials, is also encouraged.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For more information please refer to the job description and personal specification:

• To assess and evaluate the progress of on-going clinical trials and research undertaken in the unit, maintaining an accurate account of the status of the projects and to regularly update the department on the status.
• To assist with the organisation and implementation of clinical trials and liaising closely with the multi-disciplinary team to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to patient care.
• To ensure that proposed research projects for which the post-holder has responsibility are registered and reviewed by the Trust’s R & D department and Research Ethics Committee (REC) prior to commencement and that updates and amendments are reported in a timely fashion.
• To liaise with pharmaceutical sponsors regarding feasibility and implementation aspects of proposed clinical trials.