Senior Research Nurse

Job details

• Job reference: 254681
• Salary: Band 6 (£43,231 - £52,679)
• Job closing date: 13/08/2026
• Job Type: Nursing and Midwifery
• Location: Western General Hospital
• Employment type: Fixed-term
• Hours Per Week: 36
• Job posted date: 23/07/2026
• Employer (NHS Board): NHS Lothian
• Department: Edinburgh CRF/CRDC

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Senior Research Nurse

Fixed term 3 years in first instance

2 x Band 6 full time (36 hours/week)

Are you an experienced, dynamic and curious research nurse? This is an exciting role for an enthusiastic senior research nurse to join our team in the Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), hosted by Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility (CRF).

CRDCs were established in 2025 to enhance the UK’s position in the global clinical research landscape. The main objectives are to increase participation and retention into commercial trials, to enhance the speed and efficiency of commercial research set up and delivery and to increase inclusion in research by enabling delivery across varied settings, ensuring all communities have access to research opportunities.

Based at the Western General hospital, but with the ability for cross site working, these roles will support and lead commercial activity across NHS Lothian. We work in collaboration with Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility (Wellcome Trust CRF (Western General; Royal Infirmary CRF and the Children’s CRF). The Edinburgh CRF is an MHRA phase I accredited unit.

Research is at the heart of the values of NHS Lothian. We are internationally recognised for excellence in the care of patients with cancer, cardiac disease, infectious diseases, and paediatrics and this links to our research strengths. Subsequently the CRDC has a diverse portfolio and is made up of predominantly phase 2 and 3 trials.

Job overview

The postholder(s) will be responsible for the coordination set up and management of commercial trials and work collaboratively with the research teams and wider multidisciplinary teams in the management of their trial caseload.

This exciting opportunity will suit nurses with experience and a special interest in research delivery for patient benefit.

Main duties of the job

Refer to the full job description

Person specification (full details in the attached Person Specification)

Qualification and Training

Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse (Adult branch)
• Educated degree level in Nursing
• ICH - Good Clinical Practice Certificate or willingness to be trained
• Relevant Post-Registration Training

Experience

Essential criteria

• Recent clinical research experience in an acute setting /NHS
• Experience in coordinating clinical trials
• Experience explaining complex concepts to patients in a clear simplified manner

Skills

Essential criteria

• Well developed clinical skills
• Demonstrates ability to prioritise workload
• Working well as part of the team from different areas
• Demonstrate Leadership skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Competent use of relevant software specifically spreadsheets.

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Sound working knowledge of regulatory frameworks
• Evidence of teaching and supervising others in the team

Other

Essential criteria

• Motivated & demonstrates enthusiasm for the clinical specialty
• Adaptable & responsive to changing needs
• Able to use own initiative
• Reliable/ Team player
• Committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Flexible approach to working requirements and ability to cover variable 24/7 shift patterns as required

For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions, please contact Fiona Maxton at Fiona.maxton@nhs.scot