Alzheimer's Society UKDTN Lead Research Nurse

NHS; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A health organization in Cambridge is seeking a Lead Research Nurse for dementia clinical trials. The successful candidate will oversee research studies, ensure high standards of care, and manage clinical trials effectively. Applicants should be NMC Registered Nurses with significant research management experience and a passion for improving patient outcomes. This role includes flexible working hours and engaging with various clinical teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in NHS research, including clinical trials approval and setup.
• Previous experience managing research studies.
• Up to date ICH GCP training is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management and delivery of dementia research studies.
• Provide leadership, support, and education for the trials team.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders for research delivery.

Skills

Clinical research management

Cognitive impairment knowledge

Leadership

Negotiation skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience

NMC Registered Nurse

Educated to Masters level or equivalent

Tools

Research Management Software

Job description

Job Summary

The Alzheimer’s Society UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN) Lead Research Nurse is an experienced independent specialist who will work with the CPFT Associate Director of Research & Development, CPFT, and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) Research Delivery Leads, R&D PPIE and R&D Managers, and with associated Clinical Research Facilities within Cambridge University Hospital and Royal Papworth Hospital (RPH) to lead the delivery and growth of dementia clinical trials locally within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The post holder will work according to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and relevant professional guidelines at all times.

Main Duties

The post holder will have joint responsibility with the senior management teams and Clinical Research Delivery Leads for overseeing the management and delivery of early phase dementia research studies in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure that all studies are delivered to high research and clinical governance standards.

The Alzheimer’s Society UKDTN Lead Research Nurse will provide leadership, support, training and education for the trials team, supported by the senior management teams. The post holder will also be responsible for directly managing patients on dementia clinical trials. The post holder will work within a team of research nurses, coordinators, data managers, clinicians and scientists.

About Us

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high‑quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, and to empower them to lead a fulfilling life. Our clinical teams deliver NHS services across inpatient, primary care, community, child, adult, older people’s mental health, forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse, social care, research and development. We recruit high‑calibre candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities employer we encourage applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from under‑represented groups including people with long‑term conditions, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ communities.

Job Location

Windsor Research Unit, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, CB21 5EF.

Job Description & Responsibilities

Work locally, regionally and nationally to deliver the Alzheimers Society Research Nurse Strategy (2024) and UKDTN programme aims. Act as a role model and clinical expert locally and nationally ensuring high standards of care and safety for research participants in complex early‑phase and all dementia research studies. Embed within local and regional clinical and research teams to establish and facilitate effective referral pathways and increase opportunities for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia to participate in early‑phase clinical trials.

• Optimise use of the UKDTN model and collaborate with colleagues across the UKDTN Research Nurse network, UK‑wide UKDTN centres, Memory Assessment Services and local Mental Health Trusts and Acute Trusts (including CUH) to promote research opportunities and facilitate referrals.
• Lead the roll‑out of early‑phase trial related training, mentorship and education to support local colleagues and teams from other UKDTN centres to become phase 1 ready.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of local and national early‑phase regulations and approvals, including site‑specific phase 1 processes.
• Collaborate with the CPFT Associate Director of Research & Development, R&D Managers and Research Delivery Leads to support the collection and reporting of metrics to enable UKDTN and the Alzheimers Society Research Nurse Programme to monitor performance of these programmes.
• Support fellow UKDTN funded research delivery staff and local research teams to deliver later phase interventional MCI/dementia clinical trials when capacity allows.
• Ensure health, safety and security of self and others in own work area, adhering to relevant local and national policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Promote people’s equity, diversity and rights and practice in the best interests of patients.

Person Specification – Education & Qualifications

• NMC Registered Nurse (sub‑part 1 or 2)
• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience
• Educated to Masters level or equivalent
• Up to date ICH GCP training
• Completed Leadership Programme/Course
• Desirable: Management Qualification

Experience

• Extensive research management experience
• Significant experience in NHS research, including approval and set‑up of clinical trials
• Experience of research inspections and audits (internal, external and regulatory authorities)
• Expert knowledge of auditing and monitoring research studies as a sponsor or host NHS Trust
• Experience working with multiple external stakeholders/partners, particularly pharmaceutical industry
• Desirable: Previous use of Research Management Software such as EDGE, CPMS, NIHR ODP

Knowledge & Skills

• Set‑up and delivery procedures for clinical research in the UK
• Priorities and challenges of growing and delivering clinical research in the NHS
• ICH GCP, EU Clinical Trials Directive, Medicines for Human Use Regulations
• UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research
• Negotiation skills with senior managers, clinicians, academics and commercial life‑science partners

Personal Qualities

• Ability to make autonomous decisions on difficult issues under tight and changing timescales
• Ability to manage a variety of personalities and challenges involved in clinical research
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment
• Enthusiastic and proactive work approach

Other Essential

• Willingness to work across sites and research locations within CPFT and partner organisations
• Strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
• Flexible working hours to meet service needs

Legal and Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from under‑represented groups including people with long‐term conditions, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ communities. We are committed to providing a safe, harassment‑free workplace.

Citizenship and Qualifications

Applicants must have current UK professional registration and an up‑to‑date disclosure and barring service check.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Employer Details

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Windsor Research Unit, Fulbourn Hospital
Cambridge, CB21 5EF