Clinical Research Practitioner/Research Nurse

Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Maidstone is seeking a Clinical Research Practitioner/Research Nurse to support clinical and administrative duties in research. The role involves recruiting participants for studies and coordinating with the research team. Candidates need a relevant degree and a full UK driving license. This position offers both part-time and full-time arrangements within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• GCP training and knowledge of clinical research methodology.
• Full valid UK driving licence and vehicle access.

Responsibilities

• Assist with management and coordination of NIHR portfolio studies.
• Identify, recruit and support study participants.
• Perform clinic and patient-based tasks including phlebotomy.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of clinical research methodology

Computer skills for interpreting patient records

Education

Degree/Diploma in Psychology, Health Science, Occupational Therapy or relevant subject

Job description

Clinical Research Practitioner/Research Nurse

Job overview:

Please note, at this stage, the role is open only to internal staff (including NHS and Agency staff currently on placement within our organisation) and staff substantively employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts and the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB). Any individual who is at risk of redundancy will be given priority, provided they meet the essential criteria.

This secondment opportunity may be fulfilled through part‑time or full‑time arrangements to meet the 1.6 WTE hours available.

The post holder will support the work of Kent & Medway Mental Health NHS Trust’s Research & Innovation Department’s Clinical Research Delivery Team and gain clinical and administrative experience of research, including clinical and administrative duties on a variety of National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) portfolio studies run at sites across the trust. The role involves recruiting to studies, promoting research among clinicians, service users and the wider NHS. The holder must hold a full, valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for business use (unless a disability is defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Responsibilities

• Assist with the management, coordination and facilitation of NIHR portfolio studies, particularly the ADAPT (Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Plasma p‑Tau217) study.
• Identify, recruit and support study participants and provide assistance to the study team and clinicians.
• Perform clinic and patient‑based tasks including phlebotomy, centrifuging blood samples, document generation and control.
• Track project progress and logistics, collect and report data, ensuring adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research governance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of participant care and research data quality, utilising both national and trust databases.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

• Degree/Diploma in Psychology, Health Science, Occupational Therapy or another relevant subject.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• GCP training and knowledge of clinical research methodology.
• Higher degree or formal study of research design/methodology in a clinical or social care setting.
• Clinical Research Practitioner registration via ACH.
• Full valid UK driving licence and vehicle access.

Desirable criteria

• Higher degree or formal study focusing on research design or methodology.
• Clinical Research Practitioner registration via ACH.
• Experience working in a healthcare environment, particularly in mental health or dementia settings.
• Minimum two years of clinical research experience in mental health or dementia.
• Clinical skills in phlebotomy and centrifugation, and knowledge of ECG recording, cannulation.
• Knowledge of mental health/dementia services, research governance and relevant clinical skills.

Knowledge and skills

• Excellent communication skills and ability to manage complex and sensitive situations.
• Understanding of clinical research methodology and sample handling.
• Computer skills for interpreting patient records and accurate data extraction.
• Willingness to be trained in phlebotomy and centrifugation.
• Prepared to travel between bases and willing to undertake DBS checks.

Important Information

In cases of a high volume of applications, the closing date may be brought forward. Please submit your application early to avoid disappointment.

Applications are not responded to individually. If you do not hear from us within six weeks of the vacancy closing, please assume that your application has not been successful.

New external employees are subject to a six‑month probationary period.

Applicants may be required to undergo DBS checks and, depending on the role, Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

The trust has signed up to NHS England’s Sexual Safety in Health Care Organisational Charter and adheres to a zero‑tolerance approach to any unwanted or harmful sexual conduct.