Senior Research Sister/Charge Nurse/ AHP

NHS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Senior Research Sister/Charge Nurse/AHP to lead and support clinical trials. This role involves coordinating multiple studies, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with research protocols, all while fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience of teaching and mentorship.
• Evidence of on-going professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to research nurses and junior team members.
• Manage the lifecycle of studies and ensure compliance with ethical standards.
• Oversee data management and reporting of adverse events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

IT Skills

Education

Masters degree in a health care related subject

Registered Nurse or AHP

Job description

Go back University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Senior Research Sister/Charge Nurse/ AHP

The closing date is 19 May 2025

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

The University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) recruitment team is thrilled to offer an incredible opportunity for a motivated, compassionate, and experienced individual to join our dynamic Trustwide Research team as a Senior Research Sister/ Charge Nurse/AHP. This is an exciting time to be part of our expanding research service, where you will support a diverse portfolio of clinical trials and contribute to groundbreaking healthcare innovations.

We seek an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and adaptable individual with a strong background in research and a solid understanding of the clinical trial process. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership and team management skills, including mentoring and supporting junior staff. You should possess a solution-focused mindset that enables you to troubleshoot effectively and keep complex studies on track.

As the Senior Research Sister/Charge Nurse/AHP, you will efficiently coordinate multiple studies and teams. Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills will foster collaboration across all levels and disciplines. You will ensure that each study is properly budgeted and that resources are allocated efficiently. Additionally, you will oversee the safe and effective implementation of research protocols, inspire the research nursing team, and uphold the highest standards of participant care.

About us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Job responsibilities

As a Senior Research Sister/Charge Nurse/AHP, you will provide visible and supportive leadership to research nurses, junior team members and clinical staff. Your role will ensure that tasks are appropriately allocated and that staff members have the necessary skills and support to perform effectively. You will lead regular team meetings, conduct appraisals, and hold developmental sessions to foster an engaged and motivated workforce. Additionally, you will promote a positive and inclusive working environment that encourages continuous professional development.

You will also contribute to workforce planning, including recruitment, induction, and training of new research staff. Taking operational responsibility for setting up, implementing, and delivering clinical trials across multiple clinical areas will be key to your position. You will ensure that all research is conducted according to ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and Trust policies.

Your responsibilities will include managing the lifecycle of studies, which involves site selection, feasibility assessments and ensuring that milestones and recruitment targets are met. You will oversee data and documentation management, ensuring the accurate maintenance of consent forms, case report forms, and source data while supporting audits, inspections, and monitoring visits.

In addition, you will manage research study budgets, ensuring that all costs are accounted for and resources are allocated efficiently. This includes managing risks and unforeseen expenses. You will also be responsible for reporting adverse events and compliance breaches promptly.

You will serve as a liaison between the R&D team, investigators, research sponsors, external partners, and multidisciplinary teams, building strong relationships to promote a research-positive culture. You will represent the department in meetings and contribute to the strategic development of research services, enhancing patient access to research and strengthening the Trust's research profile.

Moreover, you will provide mentorship, training, and clinical supervision to new and existing research staff. You will deliver training on research awareness and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and support continuing education and reflective practice within the team.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates resilience in the face of challenges in a fast-paced research environment, maintaining confidence, composure, and professionalism at all times. Strong IT skills and a proactive approach to utilising digital systems in research are also essential.

Person Specification

Qualifications / training required

• Masters degree in a health care related subject or relevant equivalent experience
• Registered Nurse or AHP on relevant part of the professional register (NMC HCPC)
• Evidence of on-going professional development.
• Experience of teaching and mentorship.
• Recognised qualification in teaching and mentorship.
• Recognised qualification in relevant speciality.

Previous or relevant experience necessary

• Recent experience of working with patients at a senior level
• Clinical Research experience
• Relevant speciality experience
• Knowledge of current issues within acute health care
• Recent NHS experience or equivalent
• Knowledge of Research Governance Framework (RGF), International Conference on Harmonisation/Good Clinical Practice (ICH/GCP)
• Research coordinator experience

Values and behaviours

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust