University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Hepatology Clinical Research Nurse Specialist

Job summary
A secondment opportunity for 2 years has arisen for a current Research Band 6 NMAHP to lead and develop the hepatology portfolio of studies at University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust. Experience within the hepatology specialty is an advantage and the role is full time.

The successful candidate will be highly visible to the hepatology Clinical Service and will be expected to provide support and expert research knowledge to their team members.

For further information please contact:
Claire West
Deputy Lead Research Nurse
Claire.west@nhs.net
07811017930
or
Percy Hendry
Hepatology Nurse Consultant
p.hendry1@nhs.net

The successful candidate will be expected to work and be visible on a daily basis within the Hepatology Clinical Service, although will have a base at the Research and Development Department.

The University Hospitals Plymouth Research & Development department is based at Plymouth Science Park across two buildings. Potential candidates need to be aware that there are distances they will need to be able to cover between the buildings and the different research clinics based in the main hospital site.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

Available as a secondment opportunity. (With current line manager's agreement).

Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide expert knowledge, skill and experience in this specialist field, and act as an expert resource to advise and support those involved in clinical trials at all levels.

The post-holder will be able to autonomously plan, implement, organise and manage concurrent research projects. They will develop networks with other disciplines across the Trust and other appropriate local and national agencies. They will coordinate and manage the study portfolio and recruitment accrual in line with performance and monitoring metrics.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details
Date posted: 09 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year Per Annum
Contract: Secondment
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 216-LT-CO8135738
Job locations: Research Office, 5 research Way, Plymouth Science Park, Plymouth, PL6 8BT, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Leadership

• To assist the Lead Research Nurse / Practitioner to ensure the operational delivery of the clinical research team work plan, particularly with respect to achieving NIHR targets.
• Manage research performance in relation to team activities and study timelines and targets set by R&D and the SWP RRDN.
• Collaborate with other Trusts and organisations within the region to improve research delivery.
• Keep up to date with research management issues through liaison with other Research Specialists /Team leaders and link with national networks.
• Act as line manager for the Senior Research Nurses/ Practitioners within the team and oversee the management of other members of the research staff within the team (Research Nurse/Practitioner, Research Assistant Practitioner, Research HCA, Research Administrator). This will include clinical supervision and mentorship to members of staff and students.
• Ensure all staff within sphere of responsibility have access to essential training and achieve 100% compliance.
• Be responsible for the deployment of HR policies including proactively managing sickness and performance in line with the Trust policy.
• Ensure the health, safety and security of the clinical research team.
• Lead in the recruitment of Senior Research Nurses/Practitioners within the relevant team.
• Assist the Lead Research Nurse/Practitioner with the training and development of clinical research practitioners and administrators to ensure retention of staff and workforce development where possible.

For further information please see attached job description

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse or Healthcare Professional, currently registered with UK regulatory bodies either NMC or HPC
• Research Training (e.g., GCP, degree module, informed consent)

Desirable

• Post graduate /Master's level qualification or willing to work towards
• Management or Leadership Qualification

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of the Research Governance Framework and the International Conference on Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice Guidelines
• In depth knowledge of clinical trials & research methodologies
• In-depth knowledge of data collection and data entry for clinical trials
• Good leadership skills and proven managerial ability
• Proven ability to think strategically and make independent decisions
• Critical appraisal skills
• Extensive demonstrable experience of clinical research within the NHS setting
• Broad and recent clinical demonstrable experience relevant to the post
• Proven record of meeting participant recruitment targets

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience of delivering commercial and academic research

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).

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.

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: Research Office, 5 research Way, Plymouth Science Park, Plymouth, PL6 8BT, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Deputy Lead Research Nurse
Claire West
claire.west@nhs.net
07811017930