Lead Research Nurse

• The Lead Research Nurse will provide clinical, operational and professional leadership for the research nursing service across Banbury Cross Health Centre and other PML sites. The role combines hands-on delivery of commercial and non-commercial research studies with leadership of the research nursing team, ensuring safe, effective and efficient study delivery.
• Key responsibilities include leading and developing research nurses and support staff; overseeing workforce planning, study allocation, capacity management and day-to-day research operations; supporting service improvement and implementation of new studies; and contributing to the growth of research across the organisation.
• The post-holder will maintain responsibility for their own portfolio of studies, managing participant pathways and ensuring compliance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research governance and regulatory requirements. They will provide expert advice, mentor colleagues, support training and appraisal processes, and act as a point of escalation for clinical and operational issues.
• Working closely with the Research Lead GP, Research Manager, sponsors and external partners, the Lead Research Nurse will help achieve recruitment targets, maintain quality standards and promote a research-active culture that expands patient access to high-quality research within primary care.

Essential

• Significant post-registration experience within research, primary care or other relevant clinical settings.
• Experience of supervising, supporting, mentoring or coordinating clinical staff.
• Experience of workforce coordination, workload management or operational oversight.
• Prior NHS experience.
• Evidence of continuous personal, professional development.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Experience working in clinical research.
• Awareness of relevant obligatory regulations and legal requirements such as the Mental Capacity and Data Protection Act.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial delivery, ICH-GCP, research governance frameworks and regulatory requirements applicable to research conducted in primary care.

Desirable

• Previous line management experience.
• Significant experience of working in primary care.
• Experience of delivery commercial clinical trials.
• Experience contributing to service improvement, quality improvement or project delivery.
• Laboratory skills.
• Use of EMIS.

Essential

• Self-motivated.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• Strong desire to learn and develop self.
• Able to work autonomously whilst supporting collaborative team working.
• Prepared to attend appropriate training and development as required to perform the role.
• Demonstrates professionalism, resilience and a positive approach to leadership and change.
• Strong motivation to work within the field of research.
• Full driving licence/access to car.
• Able to travel independently and attend conferences/training events outside the region.

Essential

• Level 1 registered nurse or equivalent qualification
• Evidence of post-registration learning and development

Desirable

• Postgraduate training

Essential

• Competency in clinical skills (e.g. vaccine administration, venepuncture, ECG, vital signs).
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and workloads.
• Proven IT skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Confidence in learning new systems and databases.
• Demonstrable leadership and people-management skills.
• Ability to support and develop staff through coaching, mentoring and feedback.
• Ability to identify risks, solve problems and escalate issues appropriately.

Desirable

• Knowledge of quality improvement, audit and continuous improvement methodologies.