Job summary
Clinical Research Nurse
Department: Research & Development
Band 6
Hours: 1x 37.5 hrs/week - Fixed Term Contract until 27/03/2026
1x 37.5 hrs/week - Fixed Term Contract for 12 months
This is an exciting opportunity for two registered nurses, educated to a degree level, with substantial clinical nursing experience to work in research delivery to cover a secondment and maternity leave. We are looking for someone who can multitask, is resourceful, patient centred and able to work in clinical settings as well as an office (IT, e-calendars, virtual meetings, data management, etc). Prior experience in research delivery prioritised.
The post holders will join our team and work towards set-up, delivery, and follow-up of research studies across various specialties, hence the requirement for a sound clinical base, ability to process complex information and assuredness. Due to the nature of research your workload will cover different specialties and may vary depending on the needs of the department.
However, gaining insight and experience into research governance, delivery and process which leads to evidence-based practice is a great addition to your career and strengthens your communication, organisational skills and multidisciplinary working.
Sponsorship is not available currently.
Interview date: 05.06.25
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work within the Research Team at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, with a primary aim of promoting the entry of patients into clinical trials across the Trust. The post holder will work within the Generic Research team with a focus on DOCC, though working across other areas as work demands. The purpose of the job is to raise awareness of, deliver, and follow-up on clinical trials, increasing the number of patients recruited in line with National Institute for Health Research high level objectives.
Central to this role is the recruitment, education and monitoring of the patient entering a clinical trial. The maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records is an essential aspect of this post. The post holder will work closely with clinical teams and support departments as and where required, continually striving to improve quality of care and clinical outcomes. Delivery of the service level agreement with the Thames Valley and South Midlands Clinical Research Network (TVSMCRN) is an essential component of this role.
Contracts will be issued by Milton Keynes University Hospital on behalf of the Thames Valley and South Midlands Clinical Research Network on a fixed term contract. Extension subject to funding.
About us
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
Nursing & midwifery staff groups have expressed that their immediate managers encourage them at work.(NHS Staff Survey 2023).
MKUH Research and Development team is well established and has achieved great success in recent years in recruiting patients to NIHR RRDN trials, achieving several awards including the All-round High Performing Team and Outstanding Research Team Leader. We have a variety of studies across many specialties looking at cutting edge innovations and advancements aiming to improve patient outcomes.
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Implement, develop and facilitate the running of trials as part of the research team within Milton Keynes University Hospital, as directed by the Research & Development Department and involve clinicians, in order to achieve the objectives of the TVSMCRN outlined above.
This will include:
Review each trial protocol to identify resource implications for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Ensure all regulatory approvals are in place prior to commencement of study. e.g. research ethics committee and Trust R&D permission.
Communication
Promote trial involvement throughout the clinical and patient communities; Explain trials including complex trials in an unbiased sensitive way to emotive patients. Being able to display empathy and understanding
Liaise and discuss trials including complex trial issues, with members of the MDT before, during and after the clinical trial.
Education
Participate in the delivery of education and training programmes about clinical trials to all relevant healthcare staff with Milton Keynes University Hospital and TVSMCRN as appropriate.
Develop and deliver education and training programs to all relevant healthcare staff within Milton Keynes University Hospital and TVSMCRN as appropriate.
Disseminate research findings by developing and presenting posters / research papers for meetings, conferences, and publication. Circulate trial information and carry out presentations locally.
Professional
Act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Practice for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors and Scope of Professional Practice (nurses only).
Maintain registration on the Clinical Research Practitioner directory and awareness of, and involvement in CRP initiatives.
Maintain ones own professional development, maintaining a contemporary personal portfolio.
Participate in the appraisal process with the Senior Research Nurse.
Management
Ability to work independently and be accountable for own professional actions. Self-manage all work areas and workload, seeking managerial supervision if required. Maintain own time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to.
Be aware of all Trust procedures and policies and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed. Participate in the Development of Trust procedures and policies as required.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Implement, develop and facilitate the running of trials as part of the research team within Milton Keynes University Hospital, as directed by the Research & Development Department and involve clinicians, in order to achieve the objectives of the TVSMCRN outlined above.
This will include:
Review each trial protocol to identify resource implications for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Ensure all regulatory approvals are in place prior to commencement of study. e.g. research ethics committee and Trust R&D permission.
Communication
Promote trial involvement throughout the clinical and patient communities; Explain trials including complex trials in an unbiased sensitive way to emotive patients. Being able to display empathy and understanding
Liaise and discuss trials including complex trial issues, with members of the MDT before, during and after the clinical trial.
Education
Participate in the delivery of education and training programmes about clinical trials to all relevant healthcare staff with Milton Keynes University Hospital and TVSMCRN as appropriate.
Develop and deliver education and training programs to all relevant healthcare staff within Milton Keynes University Hospital and TVSMCRN as appropriate.
Disseminate research findings by developing and presenting posters / research papers for meetings, conferences, and publication. Circulate trial information and carry out presentations locally.
Professional
Act in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Practice for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors and Scope of Professional Practice (nurses only).
Maintain registration on the Clinical Research Practitioner directory and awareness of, and involvement in CRP initiatives.
Maintain ones own professional development, maintaining a contemporary personal portfolio.
Participate in the appraisal process with the Senior Research Nurse.
Management
Ability to work independently and be accountable for own professional actions. Self-manage all work areas and workload, seeking managerial supervision if required. Maintain own time schedule and ensure that all timelines are adhered to.
Be aware of all Trust procedures and policies and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure these are observed. Participate in the Development of Trust procedures and policies as required.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- NMC Registered Nurse with relevant post registration experience to diploma level or equivalent
- Understanding of Research methods
Desirable
- Research qualification
- Knowledge of or undertaken Good Clinical Practice Training
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in a clinical setting
- Knowledge & experience in clinical research/clinical trials
Skills
Essential
- Able to organise work to meet deadlines and priorities
- Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative
- Able to analyse and interpret complex facts or situation
- Good IT skills including experience of using Microsoft Office software
- Attention to detail
- Ability to develop and implement quality control processes, to ensure the collection of high-quality data.
Desirable
- Able to perform phlebotomy and cannulation.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development
Desirable
- Demonstrable commitment to educate others and share best practice
Communication
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
Desirable
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- NMC Registered Nurse with relevant post registration experience to diploma level or equivalent
- Understanding of Research methods
Desirable
- Research qualification
- Knowledge of or undertaken Good Clinical Practice Training
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in a clinical setting
- Knowledge & experience in clinical research/clinical trials
Skills
Essential
- Able to organise work to meet deadlines and priorities
- Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative
- Able to analyse and interpret complex facts or situation
- Good IT skills including experience of using Microsoft Office software
- Attention to detail
- Ability to develop and implement quality control processes, to ensure the collection of high-quality data.
Desirable
- Able to perform phlebotomy and cannulation.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrable commitment to personal and professional development
Desirable
- Demonstrable commitment to educate others and share best practice
Communication
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to work closely and co-operatively with others.
Desirable
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).