Primary Care Research Nurse

NHS; Baildon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Baildon seeks a senior research nurse to deliver independent research and lead a team. The candidate will manage research studies within a large primary care network, ensuring compliance with regulations and timelines. Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential, along with a postgraduate qualification in a related field. This part-time role (22.5 hours) offers a supportive and friendly work environment with opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave (pro rata)

Birthday Holiday

Qualifications

• Significant experience in conducting and coordinating clinical research.
• Valid NMC registration is essential.
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) trained.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small research team and coordinate studies.
• Ensure adherence to study protocols and timelines.
• Act as a liaison between the PCN and research sponsors.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Research coordination

Teamwork

Education

Postgraduate qualification in clinical research, advanced practice, or leadership

Tools

SystmOne

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, motivated and highly organised senior research nurse to join a forward-thinking and friendly primary care network. We are looking for a nurse who is confident in independently delivering research in primary care and has the skills to provide leadership, mentorship and oversight to other members of the research team.

We are a large PCN of approximately 62,000 patients across four practices and nine sites in the Bradford area. We are already one of the most research-active PCNs in the Yorkshire & Humber region but are planning to further expand our commercial research delivery capability. The post holder will play a key leadership role in this development, supporting the strategic growth of the research portfolio and strengthening our partnerships with NIHR, local academic institutions, and the Bradford and West Yorkshire Commercial Research Delivery Centre.

You will lead a small but motivated research team and work closely with the wider clinical and administrative PCN team to deliver varied interventional and non-interventional studies. You will need to be flexible, proactive, and highly organised to support the coordination, management and delivery of the PCNs expanding research portfolio. This role is part time 22.5 hours.

Main duties of the job

Provide professional leadership and expert clinical input to ensure the effective and safe delivery of commercial and non-commercial research studies within the PCN. Work with the research team and the wider multidisciplinary team to adopt and competently deliver research work on clinical studies. Take a lead role in the feasibility assessment, planning, and setup of new studies, including review of protocols, resource planning, and capacity management across practices. Work autonomously to manage and coordinate research studies, ensuring adherence to study timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements. Maintain effective communication with patients, carers, and other staff to ensure high-quality patient care and research delivery. Act as a key liaison between the PCN and external partners, including sponsors, CROs, NHS R&D departments, and NIHR delivery teams, representing the PCN at regional and national forums. Manage and oversee a portfolio of research studies at various stages of completion and intervention, including leading on troubleshooting and problem resolution. Provide information and support to patients and carers and ensure person-centred care is consistently delivered. Conduct clinical care and physical assessments as outlined in study protocols (e.g. taking and processing blood/urine samples, carrying out ECGs, and accurately recording data).

About us

We are Affinity Care Primary Care Network covering a population of over 64,000 patients over 7 GP practices and 8 sites, all in the Bradford area. Our ethos is to provide patient focused care based on the model of GP-led family orientated general practice tailored to local population needs. Our practices are highly accredited training practices, level 3 research ready sites within an embedded ethos of our learning organisation.

We are a friendly enthusiastic and hard working team with opportunities for career progression and will provide support and development for anyone demonstrating capability, enthusiasm, commitment and strong work ethic.

Benefits include:

• 5 weeks annual leave (pro rata for part time hours)
• Birthday Holiday

Job responsibilities

Assess and manage any adverse events occurring due to patient participation in a research study, seeking advice from medical staff as appropriate and ensuring timely reporting to sponsors and regulators. Develop and maintain additional clinical and research skills to meet the needs of individual studies. Contribute to strategic planning and performance monitoring of research delivery, including developing key performance indicators and contributing to PCN research governance reports. Contribute to expressions of interest, study set-up, recruitment and study delivery. Ensure accurate maintenance of study site files, data management systems, and other essential documentation. Respond to data queries and audit requests from sponsors and coordinating teams in a timely manner. Cooperate with internal and external audit, data monitoring, and quality assurance by working with R&D teams, sponsors, study monitors, and external bodies where necessary. Take a lead role in promoting research awareness across the PCN, supporting practice staff to engage in research activity and embedding research in routine clinical care. Provide mentorship, training, and supervision to junior members of the research team and support their professional development. Contribute to policy and SOP development for research within the PCN, ensuring compliance with GCP and MHRA requirements. Whilst the post holder will work within specific research study protocols and guidelines, it is essential for them to work on their own initiative, demonstrate a flexible approach, and function effectively as part of the wider Affinity Care team. To attend internal and external stakeholder meetings and research engagement events, including occasional out of hours events. Represent the PCN at regional and national research meetings and contribute to research strategy discussions and development activities.

Person Specification

Experience

• Valid NMC registration
• Valid driving licence and own transport
• Significant experience in the conduct and coordination of clinical research within the NHS, preferably in a primary care setting although we recognise experience in secondary care and some training can be given.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and influence others
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and manage competing demands
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Understanding of the governance, ethics, and regulatory frameworks applicable to research delivery in the NHS
• Good IT skills including use of research databases and electronic health records
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Evidence of continuing professional development related to research or clinical leadership
• Postgraduate qualification in clinical research, advanced practice, or leadership
• Good Clinical Practice GCP trained
• Familiarity with SystmOne and research databases
• Experience in contributing to study feasibility, budget management, and SOP development
• Independent Prescribing qualification or willingness to obtain
• Experience mentoring or supervising staff or students

Qualifications

• Valid NMC registration
• Valid NMC registration
• Valid driving licence and own transport to travel between sites where necessary.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Willingness to adapt and learn
• If no/little research experience, willingness to work with our partner organisations to gain experience. This may mean a period of training at a different local workplace.
• Understanding of the importance of research in the development of new medicines and services.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively.
• Team player.
• Research qualifications or experience.
• Good Clinical Practice trained or willingness to undertake training.
• Familiarity with SystmOne, research databases and study research platforms.
• Understanding of research methodologies, ethics and regulatory guidelines within NHS context.