Lead Research Nurse

Job summary

The Head and Neck Unit at the Royal Marsden is looking for an enthusiastic Lead Clinical Research Nurse to work full time. We are a highly regarded multidisciplinary team performing both clinical and research work and are seen as pioneers in managing head and neck cancer treatment. The successful applicant should have a flexible approach to their duties and the ability to work both as part of the team and independently.

Excellent communication, administrative and IT skills and a supportive, open attitude towards new initiatives are particularly valued.

• Opportunities to develop your leadership and clinical skills.
• Continuous on‑going learning with internal and external courses available.
• Flexible working arrangements available.
• Working as a highly valued member of the MDT.

The key responsibilities for the lead clinical research nurse are to provide clinical management, leadership and expertise in clinical research nursing. This includes acting as a resource and advisor to patients and staff, supporting the clinical unit, maintaining high quality service, managing your own trial caseload, keeping abreast of national and international studies, attending internal or external meetings, contributing to educational programmes, and improving clinical service quality through research and audit.

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

• Ensure efficient and effective operational management of the research nursing team, liaising with other staff as required.
• Work with the Unit Head/Principal Investigator to resolve operational problems quickly and implement long‑term solutions.
• Act as the nursing management lead within the Clinical Research Unit for the implementation of local R&D, BRC and national NIHR directives.
• Support the Clinical Research Executive to ensure a responsive environment that meets the changing needs and strategy of the R&D Department, BRC and Trust, enhancing institutional reputation.
• Ensure facilities and resources are available to meet service needs, including analysing and managing space requirements.
• Build alliances and work partnerships.

• First level registration
• Post‑registration oncology qualification or equivalent relevant qualification
• Relevant diploma/degree
• MSc in relevant area (or working towards)
• Well‑developed IT skills – word processing, data collection, internet skills
• Competence in research‑oriented PC software (Access, Excel, SPSS)
• Research methods education
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

• Experience as a senior staff nurse or above in a clinical research environment
• Experience as a senior staff nurse in oncology nursing
• Personal and Leadership Management experience

• Previous experience in clinical specialty post applied for (e.g., haematology, gynaecology, palliative care)
• Ability to appraise junior staff through performance review

• Proven experience of team leadership and team building initiatives
• Advanced organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of development and organisation
• Excellent cross‑disciplinary/inter‑agency communication skills and ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships
• Ability to initiate and drive original research
• Confident and articulate
• Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise
• Ability to innovate and respond to change
• Able to work unsupervised

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea

Chelsea

SW3 6JJ

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