Are you looking for something new? A change of scenery? A challenge? A chance to make a real difference?

East Kent Clinical Research Facility (EKCRF) is looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced registered nurse to establish the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) as a dynamic, research active centre.

The CRF is a 4-bed purpose-built facility within East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and is striving to be actively supporting research that will bring innovative treatments to our patients. Treatments that may otherwise not be available.

If you want to really have an impact and carve out your career in research as well as making a difference to people's lives, then come join us!

Research at the heart of everything we do is one of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trusts strategic objectives. Our aim is to be able to offer all our patients the opportunity to access new and novel treatments through research.

Main duties of the job

The CRF Senior Research Nurse will be instrumental in establishing the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) as a dynamic and research-active centre. Being responsible for proactively identifying and seeking suitable studies to bring into the facility, helping to expand the CRF's portfolio of clinical trials, involves:

Expanding the Research Portfolio: Actively seeking new and relevant clinical trials that align with the facility's goals, focusing on diverse therapeutic areas to grow the CRF's research capabilities.

Engaging with Investigators: Building strong relationships with Principal Investigators (PIs), research sponsors, and clinical teams to identify opportunities for new studies, ensuring the facility remains at the forefront of cutting-edge medical research.

Evaluating Suitability: Assessing the feasibility and relevance of potential studies, ensuring they align with the CRF's capacity, expertise, and research focus areas.

This post is ideal for a candidate with a clinical background in nursing and hands-on experience in clinical trials or research.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced nurse to leverage their clinical expertise and research knowledge in a dynamic and impactful setting.

About us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

Develop and expand a clinical research delivery team with the skills and knowledge to ensure safe and effective coordination, monitoring and care of patients taking part in research in the CRF.

Ensure all clinical procedures are undertaken using Trust policies, study protocols and evidence-based practice, and that the team continually update their practice to adhere to good practice.

Develop and maintain skills including research nursing skills, cannulation, phlebotomy, ECG recording, and any other study investigations and interventions as necessary.

Provide hands-on patient care and research delivery activity such as:

Giving information to patients about research studies, undertaking informed consent, randomisation, treatment allocation and administration, follow-up visits, data entry, as well as taking blood samples, ECGs and other standard core investigations.

Provide advice, support and direct care to patients and their families involved in (and at all stages of) clinical research studies. Acting at all times in a way that maintains patients' and carers' dignity.

Collaborate with and share information across clinical teams as appropriate including other Research Delivery Teams across the Trust.

Ensuring detailed and accurate participant records are maintained within the team, using consistent audit and reporting processes.

Ensure appropriate and timely reporting of adverse events and serious adverse events in line with local Trust policies, standard operating procedures and research specific protocols.

Act appropriately to record, report and ensure timely follow-up care is provided for trial participants and this includes communication with the Pl and relevant local personnel and regulatory authorities.

Research, Management and Leadership:

Provide line-management for the CRF Research Delivery Team, ensuring that regular supervision, Personal Development Reviews (PDR) and training is implemented and maintained, and that the performance and professional conduct of the team is monitored and managed.

Facilitate effective team communication and collaboration across the team, through regular team meetings to ensure that appropriate information is disseminated.

Engage actively with research activities promoted by the CRF and/or CTU

Participate in CTU Project Review Panel and other departmental meetings as required.

Actively participate in UKCRF activities and management group.

Work collaboratively with the Senior Management Team (SMT), PIs and their teams, as well as other individuals / organisations, to manage and coordinate the processes involved in the feasibility assessment, set- up and successful delivery of clinical research projects in the CRF.

Ensure appropriate review of each trial protocol and identify resource implications for the CRF, this will include collaboration with R& I and support departments including pharmacy, pathology and other research teams

Work with CRF Manager and finance team to manage requests for ballpark costing for grant applications as well as full costings for new studies.

Be accountable, as delegated by the Pl, for the documentation of trial data according to relevant regulatory guidelines (ICH GCP) and ensuring ethical approval, Trust approval and indemnity are in place prior to studies commencing on the CRF.

Utilise knowledge in clinical trials methodology, pharmacology and critical appraisal, to ensure that the research portfolio within the CRF is conducted to the highest standard according to ICH GCP principles.

Act as an expert source of guidance to nurses and multidisciplinary colleagues regarding clinical research.

Contribute to the development and implementation of new policies and procedures for the CRF, for example Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Clinical Guideline review and development.

Provide effective budget management and oversight of funding and resource allocation.

Utilise data systems such as EDGE, work with the R& I/CTU Data Officer and the CRF delivery team to manage the collection and presentation of data regarding performance targets, recruitment and other metrics as required. This will include the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) CRF Annual Report.

Represent the CRF at local and national meetings as required.

Work alongside R& I Patient and Public Involvement/Engagement (PPI/E) staff to actively encourage and participate in PPI activities, so that the views of patients are integrated into research activities.

Engage and respond to patient feedback in relation to their research experience, and as far as possible, work with patients to develop all aspects of research development, engagement and delivery.

Evaluate the changing needs of the research portfolio within the CRF and work with the Senior Management Team to adapt the focus of delivery in line with changing research priorities and the overarching CRF strategy.

Supporting a culture of safety, that is open and honest.

Education and Professional Development:

Work with the SMT to develop and maintain a structured training and professional development program for research delivery staff in the CRF.

Ensure new starters are effectively orientated to the CRF Team and receive ongoing support and education relevant to their roles.

Facilitate team engagement with public events and activities pertaining to research, such as Open Days and presentations.

Contribute to the delivery of educational programs for staff and students relating to research and clinical care.

Develop personal and professional knowledge through study, critical self-appraisal, clinical supervision, PDR and networking with other health professionals locally, and nationally.

Identify and undertake appropriate learning opportunities, to promote self and shared learning at an individual and team level.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to make a significant impact in the world of clinical research, with ample opportunities for personal and professional development. Join us and help shape the future of research. Your expertise and leadership will leave a lasting mark on our commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes

Person Specification

Qualification and training

Essential

• Graduate or demonstrable equivalent work experience
• Registered nurse with current NMC registration
• Good Clinical Practice trained

Desirable

• Postgraduate training in health science field
• Postgraduate teaching/mentoring
• Leadership/Management qualification
• GCP Facilitator

Clinical skills and experience

Essential

• Minimum 4 years post registration experience
• Minimum 2 years research delivery experience
• Experience of working in a busy clinical environment
• Line Management experience
• Ability to analyse complex study protocol and determine resource use and suitability for adoption
• Experience in delivery of commercial trials
• Clinical trials management skills
• Advanced clinical skills
• Experience in a variety of clinical settings

Desirable

• Oncology/ chemotherapy experience
• Sample processing
• Experience in delivery or Phase I clinical trials
• Budget management
• Previous experience working in CRF

Governance

Essential

• Knowledge of clinical trial regulations
• Knowledge of MHRA, HRA & REC approvals
• Knowledge of UK Policy Framework for Health & Social Care

Desirable

• Experience of MHRA inspection

Personal/professional attributes

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills at all levels
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Well-developed IT/Computer skills
• Proven organisational and time management skills to manage and deliver a range of tasks and projects to tight deadlines
• Ability to work as part of a team and excellent collaborative skills
• Ability to use own initiative and think outside the box
• Ability to make decisions based on evidence and facts
• Professional & demonstrates leadership.
• Highly motivated, & Enthusiastic with ability to influence and motivate others

Other requirements

Essential

• Flexible and adaptive approach to meet service needs

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

QEQM Hospital

St Peters Road

Margate

CT4 9AN

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

344-6670COR