Band 8a CRF Lead Research Nurse
Closing date: 16 August 2026
Job summary
The Clinical Research Facility (CRF) Lead Research Nurse is an experienced independent specialist practitioner working in partnership with the CRF Clinical Director, CRF General Manager and Head of Research Nursing to lead the delivery and growth of clinical research within the CRF and across the wider R and D structure. The post holder will be responsible for providing clinical and professional leadership and line management to research staff within the CRF.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will have joint responsibility with the CRF Clinical Director for overseeing the management and delivery of early phase research studies in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure that all studies are delivered to high research and clinical governance standards. The post holder's responsibilities include the day to day management of the CRF research delivery workforce providing support, education and professional development of junior research staff ensuring that support is provided to the relevant PIs and their teams working within the CRF.

The Lead Research Nurse will support the Head of Research Nursing to promote and oversee the development of nursing research within Research and Development. This will include collaboration with other senior nurses to develop and implement a nursing and AHP research strategy.

The post holder will also work with the CRF General Manager on the co-ordination and management of a clinical research portfolio comprising in-house, national and international phase early phase and experimental medicine trials. The post holder will collaborate with key personnel to ensure the continued care and support for patients involved in these trials.

About us
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts. Across four main hospitals, our dedicated army of staff care for over 1.6million patients, treat more than 200,000 in A&E, deliver over 8,000 babies and carry out more than 17million tests. Our size, scale and influence offer you unrivalled career opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to working that works around your lifestyle. From flexible hours and generous benefits, to next level training, we make it easier to take your career to the top. For more information please follow link Apply through our website.

Details
Date posted: 31 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £66,274 to £73,496 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 391-RFL-7957324
Job locations: Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

Person Specification
Education & professional Qualifications
Essential

• NMC Registered Nurse
• A recognised (specialty) nursing course/ or experience
• A professionally recognized teaching course/ experience
• Completed/working towards Masters degree in the specialty or related field
• Completed/working towards management training course
• Completed/working towards leadership course or programme

Experience
Essential

• Significant post registration nursing experience
• Experience in clinical research, especially early phase research
• Previous experience in a management role to include effective people management skills.
• Previous experience of audit, quality and evaluation
• Experience of explaining highly complex concepts to patients in a clear and simplified manner.
• Expertise and knowledge of research and development regulations and governance requirements.
• Experience of handling sensitive professional issues and human resource issues.

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Knowledge of and ability to undertake change management
• Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously
• Demonstrates ability to prioritise own workload
• Demonstrates ability to negotiate and communicate effectively with different disciplines, all grades of staff and to external stakeholders.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others and lead by example.

Royal Free Shared Commitments
Essential

• Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Shared Commitments

Personal Qualities & attributes
Essential

• Demonstrate evidence of professional development
• Knowledge of professional issues and NMC guidelines
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Trust's Nursing and Midwifery Strategy

Others
Essential

• Ability to articulate reasons for desire to work in the clinical specialty
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Willingness to work flexible hours on occasions
• Computer literacy

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. 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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
CRF General Manager
Scott Mullaney
scott.mullaney@nhs.net