CRF Lead Research Nurse

Band 8a CRF Lead Research Nurse

Closing date: 16 August 2026

The Clinical Research Facility (CRF) Lead Research Nurse is an experienced independent specialist practitioner working in partnership with the CRF Clinical Director, CRF General Manager and Head of Research Nursing to lead the delivery and growth of clinical research within the CRF and across the wider R and D structure. The post holder will be responsible for providing clinical and professional leadership and line management to research staff within the CRF.

The post holder will have joint responsibility with the CRF Clinical Director for overseeing the management and delivery of early phase research studies in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure that all studies are delivered to high research and clinical governance standards. The post holder's responsibilities include the day to day management of the CRF research delivery workforce providing support, education and professional development of junior research staff ensuring that support is provided to the relevant PIs and their teams working within the CRF.

The Lead Research Nurse will support the Head of Research Nursing to promote and oversee the development of nursing research within Research and Development. This will include collaboration with other senior nurses to develop and implement a nursing and AHP research strategy.

The post holder will also work with the CRF General Manager on the co-ordination and management of a clinical research portfolio comprising in-house, national and international phase early phase and experimental medicine trials. The post holder will collaborate with key personnel to ensure the continued care and support for patients involved in these trials.

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts. Across four main hospitals, our dedicated army of staff care for over 1.6million patients, treat more than 200,000 in A&E, deliver over 8,000 babies and carry out more than 17million tests. Our size, scale and influence offer you unrivalled career opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to working that works around your lifestyle.

From flexible hours and generous benefits, to next level training, we make it easier to take your career to the top. For more information please follow link.

Date posted: 31 July 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £66,274 to £73,496 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 391-RFL-7957324

Job locations: Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG
, United Kingdom

Please see attached Job Description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

• NMC Registered Nurse
• A recognised (specialty) nursing course/ or experience
• A professionally recognized teaching course/ experience
• Completed/working towards Masters degree in the specialty or related field
• Completed/working towards management training course
• Completed/working towards leadership course or programme

• Significant post registration nursing experience
• Experience in clinical research, especially early phase research
• Previous experience in a management role to include effective people management skills.
• Previous experience of audit, quality and evaluation
• Experience of explaining highly complex concepts to patients in a clear and simplified manner.
• Expertise and knowledge of research and development regulations and governance requirements.
• Experience of handling sensitive professional issues and human resource issues.

• Knowledge of and ability to undertake change management
• Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously
• Demonstrates ability to prioritise own workload
• Demonstrates ability to negotiate and communicate effectively with different disciplines, all grades of staff and to external stakeholders.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others and lead by example.

• Demonstrable…