Research Practitioner Or Research Nurse

Fulfil your potential in hospitals that make history:

Charing Cross, Hammersmith, St Mary’s, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea and Western Eye.

With five world-renowned hospitals, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is full of opportunity if you are looking to develop your healthcare career.

We are an NHS Trust of approximately 14,000 people, providing care for over a million and a half patients from north west London and beyond every year. We have a rich heritage and an ambitious vision for the future of our patients and local communities.

With our partners, Imperial College London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, we form Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre, one of 6 academic health science centres in the UK, working to ensure the rapid translation of research for better patient care and excellence in education.

We are proud of our heritage in innovation and we are early adopters of new insights in technologies, techniques and treatments for improving health.

Job overview

As a Research Practitioner or Research nurse you will play an integral role in the delivery of high quality research within oncology. The post holder will be required to work collaboratively with the clinical team and wider multi-disciplinary team in the management of your own caseload. This will involve the identification, recruitment, education and monitoring of patients participating in research along with the timely collation and documentation of accurate data. The role is patient facing and the post holder may be asked to work on COVID-19 research studies, in addition to trials within the oncology research portfolios. The successful applicant will be responsible for managing a portfolio of  clinical trials whereby they can make a valued contribution in assessing and managing the care pathways for patients participating in research. The post requires excellent communication skills, a sound understanding of complex scientific protocols, and the ability to work autonomously.

Prior experience of working in research within an NHS setting is essential for this role and experience in oncology is highly desirable. A mature attitude, leadership skills and the ability to use initiative are essential attributes for this role.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the aims of the Trust and the NIHR clinical research network to improve the speed, quality, and integration of clinical research, through the successful delivery of clinical research in the NHS.

The post holder is a recognised expert in one or more specialities with an understanding of the research environment. He/she will take responsibility for the co-ordination and management of clinical research projects, collaborating with key personnel throughout the trust and network to ensure continued care and support for patients involved in clinical trials. The main focus of the role will be in supporting the delivery and development of the research portfolio through identification of suitable participants, co-ordination, recruitment, performance and maintenance of study documentation. The post holder will be expected to have sufficient skills to enable patients to make informed choices concerning their involvement in the clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients advocate.

The post holder will ensure that any research undertaken safeguards the well-being of research participants and is conducted to ICH Good Clinical Practice.

Working for our organisation

At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.  Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.

Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.  

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part-time or job share.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both overviews  please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.

Person specification EDUCATION Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse or first degree in Life Sciences or equivalent experience

Desirable criteria

• Has attained, or is working towards, a further qualification in management studies or professional nursing

SKILLS/ ABILITIES Essential criteria

• Understanding of Research Governance procedures / ICHGCP and the EU Clinical Trials Directive
• Understanding of clinical research methodology
• Ability to acquire in-depth knowledge of trial protocols and to communicate this to professionals and lay persons
• Methodical approach and excellent attention to detail
• Good computer skills

EXPERIENCE Essential criteria

• Experience of working within a specialised disease area at Band 5
• Able to demonstrate specialist knowledge of the patient group
• Able to demonstrate specialist knowledge of the patient group
• Good computer skills

Desirable criteria

• Research experience
• Participation in consent process for patients entering clinical research

We encourage staff to have the Covid vaccination to protect themselves, patients, other colleagues as well as the wider community. Please note it is an operational requirement to comply with infection prevention and control procedures within the Trust such as lateral flow testing, handwashing and the wearing of masks, according to the procedures in place at any time or location.

Please note: As part of our continued response to COVID19 we are conducting the majority of our interviews virtually with limited face to face interviews. We require candidates to have the camera on during the interview. If you have been shortlisted and wish to have a face to face interview at one of our Trust locations please request this to the Recruiting Manager and we will do our best to facilitate your request, however this may not always be feasible.

We welcome discussions about flexible working and encourage a range of flexible working opportunities wherever we can.

Please ensure you check your emails regularly as this is how we will communicate with you throughout the recruitment process. If you are shortlisted you will be contacted by email and text message (if you provide a mobile contact number).