Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a research nurse to join the Cardiology Research Team at the Bristol Heart Institute. The successful candidate will be involved in a variety of cardiology clinical trials, working closely with research active clinicians, members of the university clinical trials unit, patients, carers and ward teams.

The successful applicant will be motivated, enthusiastic and reliable. They must have to work flexibly, both independently and as part of a team. They will assist in study set up and maintenance, safety reporting, data collection, and consenting and recruitment of patients to commercial, academic and NIHR portfolio trials.

Candidates should have significant post-registration experience, preferably with cardiology/cardiovascular and/or an acute care setting. Candidates will require excellent organisational and communication skills both written and verbal, as well as meticulous attention to detail, to ensure patients safety and accurate and comprehensive data collection. Excellent time management, formal and informal teaching skills and IT skills are essential to the role.

Experience of clinical research would be advantageous.

We will consider applications for both full time (37.5 hrs/week ) and/or part-time positions(22.5-30 hrs/week). Work patterns will require 3-5 shifts/week between 08.00-16.00 and 10.00-18.00. Some occasional weekends and evenings may be required.

Main duties of the job
Senior Research Nurses are integral to the research delivery team, leading the setup, coordination, and delivery of clinical research studies. They ensure studies are conducted in line with ICH-GCP (E6), the Research Governance Framework, relevant regulations, and local SOPs. Working closely with investigators, sponsors, and multidisciplinary teams, they support the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of research while ensuring a positive experience for participants. Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating participant involvement in clinical trials and ensuring study activities are delivered according to protocol.
• Managing a portfolio of studies and contributing to the delivery of complex research projects.
• Liaising with Trial Managers, Principal Investigators, and study teams to address issues affecting study delivery and recruitment.
• Line managing and supporting junior staff, ensuring appropriate training and supervision.
• Supporting the Team Manager with operational activities and deputising when required.
• Contributing to service development, quality improvement, and strategic planning within the research team.
• Maintaining compliance with research governance, regulatory requirements, and study documentation standards.

The role requires strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills, together with a commitment to delivering high-quality research and excellent patient 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
For a more detailed job description including the main responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria

• Broad knowledge and experience of clinical nursing practice within an acute hospital environment
• Knowledge of the regulatory and legal frameworks related to undertaking clinical research
• Knowledge of research design and methodology
• Clinical, organisational and management experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and willingness to develop technological computer skills further
• Knowledge of Data Protection Act 1984 and Caldicott principles

Desirable criteria

• Cardiology/Cardiac clinical experience
• Research nursing experience
• Project management experience

Skills and abilities
Essential criteria

• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and non verbal
• Broad range of clinical nursing skills
• Evidence of good teamwork skills
• Ability to work autonomously
• Good report writing, a focus on accuracy and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise ensuring effective and efficient workload completion

Desirable criteria

• Budgetary and resource management skills
• Experience in venipuncture and cannulation

Aptitudes
Essential criteria

• Ability to gain influence and motivate people
• Ability to work flexibly according to role need
• Enthusiasm for and desire to embed research within clinical practice
• Proactive in professional development for self and others
• Personal focus on the 6 Cs: Care, Compassion, Courage, Commitment, Competence & Communication

Qualifications and training
Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse level 1 (Adult) with current NMC registration
• Undergraduate degree in Nursing
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable criteria

• ICH-GCP E6 (R3) certificate
• Post graduate qualification in research
• Teaching qualification

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 and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.