Senior Research Nurse

Devon Partnership NHS Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Exeter is seeking a Senior Research Nurse to facilitate the smooth operation of clinical studies and train staff. The ideal candidate will lead patient assessments, ensure adherence to protocols, and support research delivery both independently and as part of a team. Key responsibilities include managing inquiries, conducting trial-related procedures, and contributing to the development of research activities. This role offers the flexibility of on-site and remote work options.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant post qualification experience of working in a research team.
• Experience in the conduct of clinical trials, particularly commercial trials.
• Experience of undertaking cognitive assessments such as ADAS-COG, MMSE, ACE, MoCA and/or CDR.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and support to patients regarding research protocols.
• Conduct assessments, manage inquiries, and contribute expertise.
• Ensure adherence to clinical trial protocols and regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Physical health assessment abilities

Basic life support skills

Education

1st Degree / Diploma in Nursing

Current NMC Registration

Current ICH-GCP Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Research Nurse to join our busy research delivery team to ensure the smooth running of our research portfolio and to lead the set up and delivery of commercial studies.

The post holder will use relevant knowledge to perform all research procedures according to protocols and extend this experience to support the training of others in the research team and other health care professionals where appropriate.

They will be accountable for the assessment, planning, organisation and ongoing care of research participants, whilst maximising compliance.

You will help raise awareness of research amongst clinical colleagues and service users. The studies we support range from observational to interventional studies and will include commercial clinical trials of investigational medicinal products.

A highly skilled nurse with strong physical health assessment abilities, including proficient phlebotomy, accurate ECG recording, and comprehensive patient evaluation.

The Senior Research Nurse will be based at Wonford House, Exeter although you will be able, with the agreement of your line manager, to work from home for some of the hours. We would be interested in in a full time employee but would consider 30 hours/week for the right candidate.

Main duties of the job

• Provide information and support to patients and carers relating to the research protocol, procedures and treatment, follow-up and ensure that informed consent is obtained.
• Deal with enquiries from other Health Care Professionals, patients and carers
• Contribute clinical trials/research expertise within the Trust.
• Take blood samples where indicated and ensure they are properly processed.
• Conduct ECGs and physical health checks as required by clinical trials.
• If appropriate to the protocol administer study medication or teach patients where appropriate.
• Undertake the safe analysis, processing and dispatching of pathological samples and completion of relevant documentation.
• Some duties may be necessary after normal working hours therefore some flexibility required in work schedule.
• Liaise with Research and Development offices during set up period and provide progress reports throughout the project in a timely manner.
• Adhere to clinical trial protocols.
• Participate in meetings with other centres involved in clinical trials and attend investigator meetings.
• Identify strategies for recruiting patient into clinical research and provide long term follow up where required
• Working with R&D Managers, develop, integrate, plan, provide and negotiate resources (financial and physical) across the Trust to support and develop clinical research activity.

About us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

The role involves delivering high-quality clinical research within the Trust by supporting patients, carers and healthcare professionals throughout all stages of clinical trials. Key responsibilities include providing comprehensive study information, obtaining informed consent, managing enquiries, and contributing specialist research expertise. The post holder conducts trial-related procedures such as blood sampling, ECGs, physical health checks, medication administration (within competency), and the processing and dispatch of biological samples. They ensure strict adherence to protocols, including eligibility screening, randomisation, data collection, patient monitoring, reporting adverse events and maintaining accurate, complete documentation. Participation in local and multi-centre meetings, recruitment planning and long-term patient follow-up are also required.

The role demands strong organisational skills to plan, coordinate and manage a portfolio of commercial and non commercial studies, working with R&D teams to negotiate resources and support research delivery across the Trust. Patient-centred responsibilities include specialist advice, conducting assessments, safeguarding autonomy, and supporting informed decision-making. Care is delivered in line with legislation, infection control standards, professional scope, and multidisciplinary working, while maintaining current clinical and research knowledge.

The post holder contributes to policy development, ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice, SOPs and regulatory requirements, and maintains accurate study documentation and safety reporting. Additional responsibilities include supporting financial tracking, liaising with sponsors, managing equipment and assisting with cost negotiations.

Human resource duties involve effective communication, supporting patients and families, ensuring data availability for audits, maintaining safe environments, supervising junior staff and contributing to their training. Administrative responsibilities include maintaining clear records, managing screening and recruitment logs, ensuring timely data entry, and overseeing the performance of allocated trials.

The role requires adherence to Trust-wide expectations regarding equality, recovery-focused practice, health and safety, records management, clinical governance, infection control, safeguarding, and compliance with all relevant policies, procedures and professional standards. Regular appraisal, mandatory training and flexibility in working hours are essential

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Current NMC Registration
• 1st Degree / Diploma in Nursing
• Significant post qualification experience of working in a research team
• Current ICH-GCP Certificate

Experience

• Post qualification experience of working with patients and their carers within mental health or dementia care
• Experience in the conduct of clinical trials particularly commercial trials
• Experience of undertaking cognitive assessments such as ADAS-COG, MMSE, ACE, MoCA and/or CDR

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, across diverse audiences.
• Good presentation skills both in person and virtually
• Good computer literacy including email and internet and components of Microsoft package ( Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Non judgemental approach
• Ability to work across organisational boundaries in a non territorial, non threatening manner

Other

• Regular, reliable method of transport and mobility throughout the area
• Basic life support skills

Physical Skills

• Venepuncture
• ECG
• Carrying out physical health checks

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.