Job Description

The closing date is 28th Dec 2025

Anticipated Interview date(s) Wednesday 7th Januaury (TBC)

Job summary

---------------


The Research Nurse plays a vital role supporting the management and delivery of clinical trials involving patients, families, and carers at Somerset Foundation NHS Trust. The position focuses on the safe and effective delivery of research studies, including NIHR portfolio projects and industry-funded trials, in collaboration with the Regional Research Delivery Network South West Peninsula (RRDN SWP).


You will help deliver the NIHR's objectives locally by ensuring the Trust meets its research delivery targets. Working as a key member of the research team, you will coordinate, deliver, monitor, and document the care and progress of patients participating in clinical trials.


Key Responsibilities:


Recruit patients and families to research studies, providing comprehensive support throughout their involvement.


Ensure all trial activities comply with UK and EU legislation, Trust policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and regulatory requirements.


Protect the rights, safety, and wellbeing of all participants.


Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate high-quality research delivery.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------


The Research Nurse supports the safe and effective delivery of clinical research within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, including NIHR portfolio and industry-funded studies.


Working as part of a multidisciplinary research team, the post holder is responsible for coordinating, delivering, and monitoring research activities involving patients, families, and carers.


Key duties include recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, and providing ongoing support throughout the research process. The role ensures compliance with UK/EU legislation, Trust policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and regulatory standards to safeguard participant rights and wellbeing. Responsibilities cover planning and organising study visits, collecting and managing accurate data, processing samples, and maintaining trial documentation.


The post holder liaises with investigators, sponsors, clinical teams, acting as a key contact for patients and staff. Additional functions include promoting research awareness, supporting governance processes, contributing to training, and embedding research into routine care. Flexibility, attention to detail, and adherence to ethical and safety standards are essential to meet research delivery targets and uphold the Trust's commitment to high-quality, patient-centred research.

About us

------------


At

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options

to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme

for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance

to recharge and relax A strong focus on

career development

to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our

Blue Light Card

, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.


We are proud to foster a

diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce

, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers the perfect blend of

idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty

, and

breathtaking coastlines

, with vibrant cities like

Bristol

,

Bath

, and

Exeter

just a short drive away - and only two hours to

London

.


The region is home to excellent

educational facilities

, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all

- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

-------------------


Department: Department of Clinical Research


Base: Musgrove Park Hospital / Yeovil District Hospital


Why this role matters


Clinical research changes lives. As a Research Nurse/Practitioner at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, you'll help bring cuttingedge studies to patients across Somerset-supporting trials sponsored by the NIHR and industry partners-so that evidence-based care reaches the bedside faster. You'll be a trusted point of contact for patients and families throughout their research journey, ensuring every study is delivered safely, ethically, and to the highest standards.


About the Department


Our Clinical Research Department provides research governance, management, delivery support, and advice across the Trust. We operate two closely connected functions-Research Governance and Research Delivery-working as one team with a clear vision: to support groundbreaking research with our partners to improve the health of our communities, and a mission to embed a culture of research excellence where all colleagues can contribute and develop as research specialists.


Role overview


You will coordinate, deliver, monitor, and record the care and progress of patients involved in research studies and clinical trials, working as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team. You'll recruit participants, obtain informed consent, and provide comprehensive support to patients and carers throughout their involvement.


The post focuses on the safe conduct of NIHR portfolio and industry-funded research, collaborating closely with the Regional Research Delivery Network South West Peninsula (RRDN SWP) to meet local research delivery targets. This role is funded within the RRDN SWP network structure overseen nationally by the NIHR.


You'll ensure all trial activities comply with UK/EU legislation, Trust policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and regulatory requirements-protecting participants' rights, safety, dignity, and wellbeing at all times.


Key responsibilities


Participant engagement and care


Provide clear, compassionate information to patients and carers about study protocols, procedures, treatments, and followup; obtain informed consent and act as a consistent point of contact for trial participants.


Safeguard participant autonomy by ensuring sufficient information is provided during consent and that privacy and dignity are always respected


Conduct study visits and assessments in strict accordance with protocol and Trust policy; interpret results to assess care needs and refer to other health professionals when appropriate.


Study delivery and data quality


Plan and organise study activities, ensuring protocol adherence and GCP compliance; maintain meticulous attention to detail across paper and electronic data capture (EDC) systems.


Collect, verify, and enter data into Case Report Forms and study databases; answer data queries within agreed timescales and archive data per GCP requirements.


Process, prepare, store, and dispatch biological samples safely; complete all related documentation accurately at specified time points


Report Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) promptly; support required study documentation including protocols, amendments, advertisements, and approvals.


Collaboration and communication


Liaise with Principal Investigators, study sponsors, Clinical Research Associates/Monitors, trial managers across sites, and local clinical teams; present study updates at departmental or ward meetings as needed.


Maintain effective crosscover with research colleagues to ensure continuity of trial delivery during leave or sickness


Build strong relationships with the Clinical Trials Pharmacy, diagnostics services, GPs, and other practice staff to facilitate seamless research delivery.


Governance, safety, and improvement


Adhere to ICHGCP, Trust SOPs, policies, and Clinical Governance requirements; promote health, safety, and security by identifying risks, attending essential training, and following agreed procedures.


Contribute to progress reports and updates to the Lead Research Nurse, Research Team Lead, Research Manager, and Assistant Managers throughout each project.


Seek patient and carer feedback and support the embedding of research as part of routine clinical care across the Trust.


Clinical skills (with training)


Undertake phlebotomy; perform ECG, spirometry, and centrifuge use where required by protocols (training provided).


Within scope of practice and competency, administer study medication or teach patients to selfadminister, monitoring for toxicity in line with protocol.


Operational flexibility


Work flexibly to meet study needs, with occasional activity outside normal hours to maintain protocol integrity.


Travel across Trust locations and to offsite meetings or training as required.


What you'll bring


Registered Healthcare Professional with recent experience in General Medicine, Surgery, Mental Health, or Community Care; strong communication skills (verbal and written).


Ability to evaluate research significance, apply evidence to practice, and follow protocols with high accuracy-balancing data integrity with sensitive, personcentred care.


Confidence with data collection, electronic systems, and documentation; proactive approach to recruitment strategies and embedding research in routine care.


Calm under pressure, an excellent listener, and a collaborative teamplayer who organises time effectively and multitasks with attention to detail.


Willingness to undertake physical aspects of the role (e.g., phlebotomy, data entry) and to work across different Trust locations when needed.


Training & development


You'll receive a thorough induction and training in research methodology, design, audit, and GCP, with opportunities to expand diseasespecific knowledge and develop new clinical and research skills. You'll also help train and support colleagues involved in studies, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and clinical governance.


Governance, equality, and safeguarding


We are committed to equality of opportunity for staff and service users. You'll work in line with our E&D policies, safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults, and confidentiality standards under the Data Protection Act (2018) and Trust policies. You'll participate in clinical governance and infection prevention and control, promoting a safe environment for patients, colleagues, and visitors.


What success looks like in this role


Highquality, patientcentred research delivery that meets NIHR and sponsor timelines.


Flawless documentation and data integrity, with timely resolution of queries and safe sample handling.


Strong, collaborative relationships across clinical teams, pharmacy, diagnostics, investigators, sponsors, and the RRDN SWP.


Positive feedback from participants and carers; measurable contribution to embedding research across the Trust.


Practical details


Contract type / hours / salary: 37.5 hours, permanent post, working days are Monday to Friday.


Reports to: Research Team Lead.


Responsible for: Research delivery within the Department of Clinical Research.


How to apply


If you're motivated by improving patient outcomes through research, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your application via NHS Jobs, outlining how your skills and values align with this role. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, where we'll explore your experience of patient centred research delivery, data accuracy, and collaborative working.


A note from our team


You'll join a welcoming, supportive department where curiosity and compassion drive everything we do. Whether it's guiding a patient through consent, processing samples to exacting standards, or collaborating with sponsors to keep studies on track, your work will make a real difference-today and for years to come.

Person specification

------------------------

Qualifications

#

Essential

Registered Healthcare Professional


Must be able to communicate in English Language, both written and verbally appropriate to the post.




#

Desirable

Please see the attached JD

Experience

#

Essential

Please see the attached JD


#

Desirable

Please see the attached JD

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Please see the attached JD


#

Desirable

Please see the attached JD

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.

UK Professional Registration

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

For help with your application, contact:

Alison Potter


alison.potter@somersetft.nhs.uk


07768842703

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 5

Salary

31049.00 to 37796.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-PU-3838

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Yeovil District Hospital

Higher Kingston

Yeovil

Somerset

BA21 4AT