BHSCT Cancer Clinical Research Nurse Band 6
Ref: 55975625
Branch: Belfast HSCT
Location: ROYAL BELFAST HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN
Directorate: Medical
Salary: Band 6 (£38,682 - £46,580)
Contract Type: Temporary
Opening date: 06/11/26
Closes: Fri, 20 November 2026 @ 4:30 PM
Interview Dates: To be confirmed.
Notes: We accept online applications only.

A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week. Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards.

Flexible Working
We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of Flexible Working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations, what provisions are available depends on the role being undertaken.

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Job Details and Apply launch

Full job description documents:
55975625 JD 03.11.26

POST: Cancer Clinical Research Nurse
LOCATION: Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC)
GRADE: Band 6
REPORTS TO: NI Cancer Trials Network: Lead Cancer Clinical Research Nurse/Network Manager based at Belfast City Hospital
RESPONSIBLE TO: Cancer Research UK Senior Nurse, NICTN

JOB SUMMARY/MAIN PURPOSE:
Works unsupervised in day to day practice, in supporting the practice of cancer clinical research, co-ordinating a portfolio of cancer clinical trials and other high quality research studies. Working within the multi-professional team, is responsible for screening and recruitment, care, management and follow-up of a caseload of patients in clinical trials adhering to local and national regulatory, research and professional guidelines and policies.

Main Duties/Responsibilities
CLINICAL RESEARCH

• Contributes to in-house protocol development stage on issues relating to patient and nursing activities, patient information, quality of life assessment and data collection.
• Review and present clinical research nursing perspective on new protocols, at cancer clinical trials study review and adoption meeting in relation to issues such as design, practicality, ethics, feasibility and patient selection.
• Attends Multidisciplinary Team Meetings and/or appropriate clinics or meetings to discuss trial eligibility and identify potential trial patients.
• Consents patients/parents, as appropriate, in relation to nurse led protocols, procedures or clinical trials which have approval for Research Nurse consent, and facilitates informed consent process for other clinical trials / therapies / procedures, according to guidelines and ethical and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
• Co-ordinates a portfolio of clinical trials as Primary Clinical Research Nurse, liaising closely with the Chief/Principal/Co Investigators, and Associate Clinical Research Nurse, throughout the duration of each study.
• Assists the Investigator in preparation of documentation for the research governance process and national Research Ethics Committee protocol approval, or site specific assessment.
• Liaises with clinical and department staff in preparation for study implementation.
• In multi-centre studies, liaises with the Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or Trial Co-ordinator as appropriate, and maintains on-going communication.
• Attends Investigator Meetings, as appropriate and contributes to national and international trial education and discussion.
• Develops schedules and checklists of protocol activities, screening, treatment, testing and data collection forms.
• Develops protocol specific 'study packs' to facilitate recruitment.
• Co-ordinates and participates in protocol initiation meetings.
• Provides education to nursing/medical staff regarding new protocols and updates as required, including amendments and findings.
• Contributes to meetings with in-patient / out-patient staff to discuss research issues arising and incoming study activity.
• Facilitates disease site-specific portfolio & trial review meetings with Investigators.
• Ensures adequate supplies of documents / equipment / laboratory supplies, for performance of the study.
• Identifies and tracks potential trial patients when appropriate.
• Maintains screening logs and site records as required.
• Assists in scheduling screening investigations.
• Performs patient registration and randomisation procedures as appropriate.
• Updates research databases such as EDGE.
• Ensures hospital records meet requirements for Case Report Form completion, and liaises with data managers regarding further data processing, delivery and storage.
• Ensures safe filing and storage of research related documentation.
• Ensures safe storage of blood, tissue or other biological samples, required for the research.
• Ensures maintenance of equipment required in research as appropriate.
• Co-ordinates Quality of Life assessment, and other symptom assessment aspects of the protocol as required.
• Monitors patient recruitment, and discusses recruitment problems / strategies with the investigators and provides feedback as appropriate.
• Collects / documents treatment toxicity and notifies appropriate internal and external bodies where serious adverse events or incidents arise.
• Facilitates and reviews protocol compliance at all stages of the trial.
• Produces reports on patient profiles, trial recruitment and treatment toxicity as necessary.
• Complies with, and promotes GCP and Research Governance Standards for clinical trials and maintains GCP training according to Clinical Trials legislation.
• Facilitates CRAs during monitoring meetings as required.
• Facilitates end-of study visits as required.
• Assists in audit and quality assurance procedures and meetings.

Works in a team and acts as Associate Clinical Research Nurse for a further portfolio of clinical trials, and provides cover for or assistance to other Clinical Research Nurses as required.

Attends national research nurse and clinical trial meetings as required.

CLINICAL PRACTICE / PATIENT FOCUSED CARE

• Plays a key supporting role alongside the Investigator, in informed consent process including: provision of the current approved Patient Information Sheet; explanation of study procedures, treatment and research terminology, in lay terms where possible; explanation of the risks and benefits associated with participation in the clinical trial, including the treatment, procedures, time and any inconveniences involved; involvement of the patient's family / carers as appropriate; explanation of the patient's rights in a research setting; providing contact information to allow patients/family to ask questions and discuss options; assess patient understanding and capability to consent; liaise with the investigator and at all times act as patient advocate; following written consent, assess patient's on-going wishes to continue participation in the study.
• Acts as an on-going primary contact and resource for the patient/family throughout the duration of the study intervention, and follow-up, as appropriate. Provides easy access / contact for patients in clinical trials by telephone / and promotes regular communication.
• Educates patients/family regarding treatments and possible side-effects, facilitating treatment compliance, patient's understanding, and raising awareness of the patient's process for reporting side-effects and receiving medical care or advice as appropriate during the study.
• Assesses the patient at each treatment visit and monitors side-effects, assessing appropriate steps to maximise patient safety and quality of life, and minimise toxicity. Monitors patient's well-being by telephone as necessary.
• Monitors patient test results, liaises with Investigator or clinical team, as necessary.
• Assesses patient care needs and refers and liaises with members of the multi-professional team as appropriate.
• Participates in administering protocol treatments or tests, when appropriate, and when competent to do so.
• Develops appropriate clinical, research or education, support and counselling skills as necessary within the role, to meet patient and family needs at all stages of the clinical research process and where the patient's condition / treatment / protocol / preference, or new evidence, indicates stopping study therapy is in the patient's best interest.
• Ensures appropriate blood / tissue / other biological samples are collected from patients as per patient consent and protocol schedule, where these tests are not part of routine care / are not processed in local clinical laboratories. Provides appropriate care of patient venous access devise at this time.
• Processes blood / tissue / other biological samples as per protocol. Centrifuges blood and prepares appropriate aliquots of serum or plasma as directed by protocol. Prepares all samples for storage, shipping or posting.
• Ensures safe maintenance of appropriate laboratory equipment, supplies and specimens.
• Complies with hospital policies and COSHH guidelines as appropriate.

EDUCATION, PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Contributes to the induction programme of new Clinical Research Nurse Staff and other members of the NICTN staff, as required.
• Acts as mentor to less experienced staff, as required.
• Acts as a resource regarding a portfolio of protocols and provides education about the Clinical Research Nurse role and the clinical research process to Hospital personnel and visitors to the NICTN.
• Provides formal and informal education sessions to nursing students and Staff on placement to NICTN.
• Identifies educational needs and goals and identifies opportunities to support these in line with NICTN and Cancer Specialist Services.
• Expands specialist nursing knowledge in oncology / haematology, disease interest and clinical research.
• Attends and contributes to research seminars, rounds, and staff meetings in the Service group or Trust level.
• Attends national and international educational events, as appropriate, and provides evaluation and feedback to NICTN or Paediatric Services.
• Pursues nursing research evidence and, identifies relevant research questions related to patient and nursing issues, developing nursing research protocols, or practice guidelines as appropriate.
• Performs or facilitates nursing research, as appropriate.
• Develops conference posters and presentations as appropriate.
• Refers to Lead Clinical Research Nurse/Network Manager and Clinical Research Nurse Team regarding role development.
• Acts as Link nurse to NICTN Clinical Research Nurses for children's services or specialist knowledge.
• Participates in annual Staff Development Review.
• Develops reflective practice and maintains personal action plans.
• Maintains training records and attendance at Mandatory Training sessions as per hospital policy.
• Ensures NMC revalidation requirements are fulfilled and adheres to the NMC professional code of conduct and competence standards in children's nursing.

MANAGEMENT

• Assist in the development of research policies / procedures / standard operating procedures for NICTN and RBHSC.
• Supervises more junior staff as necessary.
• Contributes to monthly NICTN team meeting, facilitating team work, and assisting team in identifying issues and problem solving approaches. Assists meeting administration as appropriate.
• Assesses relevant stocks and notifies where supplies, equipment or other resources are required.
• Applies appropriate process in notification to incidents or faults.
• Adheres to Trust and NICTN policies and procedures.

General Responsibilities
Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

• At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
• The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust's Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
• Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
• Comply with the Trust's Smoke Free Policy.
• Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
• Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
• Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
• Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
• Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance
All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy
The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that "Cleanliness matters is everyone's responsibility, not just the cleaners" Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control
The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:-

• Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO '5 moments');
• Using the correct '7 step' hand hygiene technique;
• Being 'bare below the elbows' when in a clinical environment;
• Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
• Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
• Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
• Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust's ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE AND BAND: Cancer Clinical Research Nurse Band 6
DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE: NI Cancer Trials Network based at RBHSC

Notes to applicants:

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
• Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Section 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.

• Experience: Minimum 2 years post registration experience in Children's Oncology/Haematology Nursing (Including chemotherapy experience). Shortlisting by Application Form.
• Qualifications/Registration: Part 1 (Adults or Children's) NMC Register; Have a diploma in nursing and currently undertaking or willing to undertake a degree; Evidence of post basic education in cancer or research related subject. Shortlisting by Application Form.

Section 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage:

• Skills / Abilities: Ability to work unsupervised; Computer skills or willingness to undertake relevant training; Flexibility to work hours required to do the job; Ability to work as part of a team; Motivated and committed to delivery of high quality clinical research; Satisfactory attendance record. Interview / Test.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Section 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable.

• Experience: Research or clinical research experience. Shortlisting by Application Form.

NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

HSC Values
Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role