Senior Research Nurse (MEC)
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Research Nurse to join the Research & Development Department at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in a role dedicated to supporting the Medicine and Emergency Care (MEC) team.
This is a senior clinical and operational leadership role at Band 7, sitting at the heart of our growing research portfolio. The post holder will take lead responsibility for the safe, high-quality delivery of commercial and non-commercial clinical research studies across MEC specialties, working autonomously and exercising clinical judgement within research protocols.
You will lead coordination of a defined MEC study portfolio, provide specialist clinical care to research participants, and take accountability for recruitment performance and GCP compliance. The role includes line management of Band 5/6 Research Nurses, with responsibility for their development, supervision, and appraisal.
This is a rewarding role for someone passionate about research delivery in an acute and emergency care setting, committed to developing others, and ready to make a meaningful contribution to research culture at MCHFT.
Main duties of the job
The Senior Research Nurse/Midwife is a senior clinical and operational leader within the Research & Development Department, responsible for the safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of a portfolio of commercial and non-commercial research studies.The post holder applies highly developed specialist knowledge, underpinned by theory and experience, to lead research delivery, clinical care within trial protocols, and the professional development of the research nursing team.
The post holder will:
- Lead the day-to-day management of a defined research portfolio
- Provide specialist clinical care to research participants, including specialist clinical technical services within trial protocols
- Ensure studies are delivered to time and target
- Provide line management and professional leadership to research nursing staff
- Ensure full compliance with International Conference on Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), UK Policy Framework for Health & Social Care Research, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Trust governance requirements
Research and development activity is a major job requirement of this post and forms the central part of the post holder’s work activity, with dedicated time allocated to the coordination, delivery and oversight of clinical research studies across the portfolio.
The post holder works autonomously within agreed frameworks and is accountable for clinical decision-making within research protocols.
Working for our organisation
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.
Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance.With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area’s largest employers.
Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System.
As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we’re reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website.
At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see full job description.
The job description is an outline of the role and function. It is not intended to describe all specific tasks.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Registered Nurse/Midwife with current NMC registration
- Degree in Nursing/Midwifery or equivalent experience
- Valid GCP certification
- Postgraduate qualification in Clinical Research, Health Sciences or related field (e.g. MSc), or equivalent highly developed specialist knowledge underpinned by significant post-registration experience in clinical research delivery
- Clinical Examination Course
- Leadership qualification
Experience
Essential criteria- Significant experience in clinical research delivery
- Experience consenting patients into clinical trials
- Experience managing a defined study portfolio
- Experience leading a team
- Experience supervising or mentoring staff
- Experience contributing to SOP development
- Experience in a multi-specialty research environment
Skills
Essential criteria- In-depth understanding of ICH-GCP and research governance
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to perform robust study feasibility
- Experience in commercial clinical trials
- Experience preparing for MHRA inspections
Key Messages
We are a forces-friendly employers.
Candidates should ensure that all submissions and interactions reflect the candidate’s own skills, experience, and understanding. Any use of AI that compromises the integrity, fairness, or authenticity of the recruitment process may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of offer, or dismissal if this these circumstances come to light post hire.
Candidates that require sponsorship to work in the UK are strongly advised to check the Government website for up-to-date information about whether the role they are applying for (incl. offered salary) is eligible.
Please let us know if you require an adjustment to our recruitment process and we'll be happy to discuss this with you.
We actively promote flexible working so please discuss any requirements you may have with us.
Secondments will be considered for fixed term positions when both parties agree. Candidates should seek approval from their current line manager before application.- All correspondence will be sent via the email address you have registered as your TRAC account. Selection is based on the Trust's values, and the criteria outlined in the Job Description for the role.
- Appointments are subject to a 6-month probationary period. LED Doctors are subject to a 3-month probationary period.
- You are required to pay for a DBS disclosure where the post requires one, and we encourage applicants to join and remain registered with the DBS update service.
- We do not reimburse travel to interview expenses.
- Some posts may have implications on existing NHS Pension Scheme arrangements. For further information please visit the NHS Pensions Agency website: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-pensions
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