Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Research Nurse to lead on and deliver the AD-SMART trial, a phase 3 clinical trial evaluating a treatment for symptomatic Alzheimer's disease patients. The post holder will work alongside Senior Research Nurses and a highly specialised, multi-professional Neurosciences research delivery team to lead and deliver the study at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT).

If you would like to learn more about the role please do get in touch.

Main duties of the job
The Lead Research Nurse will play a central role in the successful delivery of the AD-SMART trial at BFT, working closely with the Principle Investigator, trial Sponsor, and research delivery teams. The postholder will take responsibility for supporting study set-up, site initiation, and the ongoing management of trial delivery. Responsibilities will include developing and maintaining effective working relationships with key stakeholders, delivering training to clinical and research staff on study protocols and procedures, and ensuring protocol adherence, to recruit to time and target. The postholder will provide clinical expertise to support the safe management of trial participants and ensure study procedures are embedded within routine care.

About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.

Job responsibilities
This is a project specific post. The post holder will be responsible for the safe and effective delivery of AD-SMART at Southmead, BFT. They will:

• Provide clinical, operational and professional leadership for the AD SMART study, ensuring safe, effective and compliant delivery in line with the protocol, ICH-GCP, ISO 14155, legislation, research governance and Trust policies.
• Lead and support the multi-professional research team
• Coordinate day-to-day study delivery, including participant pathways, recruitment activity, study interventions, documentation, data quality and escalation of concerns.
• Work closely with Principal Investigators, sponsors and internal teams to support achieving recruitment targets, reporting obligations and regulatory compliance.
• Promote high standards of participant care, safety, informed consent, confidentiality and transition between research and standard care pathways.
• Contribute to service development, quality assurance, audits, inspections, continuous improvement and wider R&D leadership initiatives.
• Oversee effective use of resources, including workforce capacity, allocated budgets, expenditure, invoicing, equipment, study files and research systems.

Person Specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse with current live registration.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., postgraduate diploma in health science, biological sciences, or a research related field) or equivalent experience.
• Considerable experience in a Neuroscience research delivery environment.
• Evidence of leadership and management training or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Up-to-date ICH-GCP (including UK Statutory Instruments) certification.

Work Experience
Essential

• Broad experience in relevant research delivery environment (Neurosciences)
• Experience managing research caseloads or coordinating multiple projects/caseloads.
• Experience supporting leadership, coaching, or mentoring within a team environment.
• Evidence of advanced organisational and project management skills
• Experience of financial oversight

Desirable

• Experience monitoring and auditing studies to ensure studies comply with all relevant legislation
• Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential

• Advanced communication skills, verbal & written, to include report writing and record keeping.
• High-level communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills.
• Proficiency in IT systems and digital tools, with ongoing engagement in digital development.
• Strong analytical and evidence-based decision-making skills.
• Understanding of the application of research within clinical and research governance
• Development of other staff

Desirable

• Advanced knowledge of research governance and its practical application.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of how the Trust Organisational Objectives are underpinned by research.
• Ability to have strategic oversight of allocated budgets, effective resource allocation, expenditure management & invoicing

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential

• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Demonstrates an ability to work autonomously while co ordinating multiple projects
• Ability to be mobile to meet the needs of the post.

Desirable

• Participates in strategic leadership, operational management, and team development across the department.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce.