Job Description

We are looking to appoint a Clinical Research Nurse (Band 6) in the Renal and Oesophagogastric Research team within The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The successful candidate will have either oncology or research experience.



The successful candidate will be working with an established research team with a large and varied portfolio of phase I to phase III studies. The post holder will care for patients with gastric or oesophageal cancer who are receiving systemic anti-cancer treatments and/or radiotherapy within a clinical trial and work alongside a team of consultants, clinical fellows, clinical research nurses and clinical trial administrators.



While we are looking to recruit a full-time (37.5 hours/ 5days) Clinical Research Nurse to support our busy team, we would consider applicants wanting part-time hours.



An informal conversation to discuss the post is highly recommended.

For further specific information on this post, please contact:

Paula Bell (Senior Clinical Research Nurse) paula.bell13@nhs.net 0161 918 7882



As a Clinical Research Nurse working within the Renal and Oesophagogastric team, you will be the lead research nurse of your own portfolio of clinical trials as well as acting as the key point of contact for patients. Your day-to-day role will include supporting clinical trial recruitment, co-ordination of care and organisation of treatment, supporting patients while they receive treatment within a clinical trial, acting as key point of contact for clinical trial sponsors and clinical research organisations and data entry.



You will work closely with and be supported by the Senior Clinical Research Nurse as well as the other Clinical Research Nurses on the team. You will be provided with a comprehensive training and supernumerary period to support your learning for this role.



The Renal and Oesophagogastric team works on studies including early phase, biomarker trials, real-world data, IMP trials, radiotherapy trials and will eventually be involved in innovative proton beam trials. The Christie's research teams contribute towards pioneering research and innovation and we constantly work towards improving cancer care and patient outcomes.



The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.



We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.



We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



Clinical Research Co-ordination



Work autonomously in all areas of practice relating to clinical research.



Understand and deliver care in accordance with regulatory approved clinical research protocols.



Understand the process for obtaining NHS permissions (R&D approval) for conducting clinical trials at site. As project lead, ensure permissions are in place prior to any patient recruitment.



Participate in clinical trial feasibilities and risk assessments of clinical trial protocols.



Ensure all clinical trial activities are recorded in appropriate systems in a timely manner.



Awareness of trial specific, regional and national targets. Identify and implement strategies for recruiting patients to clinical trials ensuring that targets for patient recruitment are delivered.



Delegation and oversight of research related activities to research team members (clinical and administrative) and ensure compliance with SOPs and ICH/GCP.



Arrange and facilitate clinical trial related meetings.



Involvement in appropriate financial remunerations for clinical trial activity.



Clinical Service and Professional Responsibilities



Assimilation of highly complex information relating to clinical trials and communication to patients at a level appropriate to their understanding. Ensure highly sensitive information is communicated to patients, relatives, and carers regarding prognosis



Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of specialist care pathways in conjunction with appropriate personnel.



Demonstration of expert knowledge in specialist area to maintain clinical excellence.



Demonstrate awareness of divisional and trust strategic objectives including performance indicators and metrics.



Escalation of governance issues impacting on delivery of job purpose.



To act as a primary contact point for the clinical trial patients and act as adviser to other health care professionals.



Responsibility for maintenance and development of professional knowledge and practice by attending mandatory and specialist training in accordance with local policy.



Ensuring care delivery standards in accordance with trial protocol, local policy, NMC Code of Practice Conduct and current best practice.

Development and maintenance of a high-quality service by:

Overseeing the safe administration of all licensed and unlicensed medicinal products within the context of a clinical trial.



Overseeing assessment and evaluation of treatment toxicities and initiation of appropriate intervention.



Contribute to development of specialist Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines.



Provide education and support for non-research staff in the delivery of protocol driven treatment for all patients.



Participate in monitoring and audit activities within research team



To carry out non-medical prescribing within scope of professional practice and in accordance with local policies and procedures and national legislation (optional and depending on clinical service needs).



Personal Education, Training and Development



Maintain professional development whilst evaluating own specialist knowledge and practice through a process of appraisal and personal development planning.



Promote the role of the clinical research nurse as an integral part of the healthcare system.



Increase and maintain awareness of current advances in cancer treatments, research and nursing practice thereby maintaining the highest standard of care for patients with cancer and implementing evidence-based care by continuing professional development.



Participation in trust-wide education programmes and study days.



Obtain clinical supervision as appropriate.



To keep up to date with departmental, Trust, UK and EU developments for the management of clinical research ensuring timely, effective implementation of changes.



Attendance at team and divisional meeting



Staff Management and Development



To Support the Senior Clinical Research Nurse in the induction and continued supervision of junior members of staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory compliance and legislation.



Support the development of specialist study days within own research team.



Assist in the provision of specialist education and training in relation to clinical trials to all key stakeholders.



Disseminate information by attendance and /or presentations at local, national and international conferences/meetings



Contribute to the development of members of the research team