Job Description

The closing date is 21st Jul 2025

Job summary

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The Research Team Leader provides expert guidance and oversight for clinical trials, ensuring adherence to the Research Governance Framework and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). This role involves independently managing a diverse portfolio of research projects, supporting recruitment performance, and maintaining high standards of participant care and data integrity. The leader will build professional networks, visibly engage with staff and participants, and act as a role model for clinical and research excellence.


Key responsibilities include effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, obtaining informed consent, and providing specialist advice. The role involves selecting and managing studies, monitoring performance metrics, resolving data queries, and overseeing study closure. The leader ensures accurate data collection and documentation, supports treatment monitoring, and may act as Principal Investigator.


Additionally, the role promotes staff development, ensures compliance with mandatory training and audits, and supports financial planning, including study costing and budget oversight. The Research Team Leader fosters a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth within the research team.


We have two Research Team Lead vacancies, one vacancy at Yeovil hospital and one vacancy at Musgrove Park Hospital.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

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T


The department of clinical research is responsible for the safe and effective delivery of clinical trials across SFT. Clinical research is how we determine the best ways to prevent, diagnose or treat disease. The department collaborates with patients, carers, NHS trusts, academic and commercial partners, supported by theNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)to take research to health and care settingsto improve treatment, care and services.


The post holder will provide expert knowledge, skill and experience in the specialist field, and act as an expert resource to advise and support those involved in clinical trials at all levels. The post-holder will autonomously plan, implement, organise and manage multiple research projects, which will develop multidisciplinary networks across the Trust, enabling recruitment accrual in line with departmental and NIHR objectives.


The Research Team Leader is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the clinical requirements of research studies to ensure optimum delivery of clinical trials. They will adopt a highly visible clinical profile and be accessible to research participants and staff. They will lead by example and empower staff with continuing professional development, promote the undertaking of research studies to improve patient care, ensuring that research is conducted in line with the Research Governance Framework and Good Clinical Practice guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of trial participants are protected.

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

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

Job Purpose

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The Research Team Leader is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of a clinical research team, ensuring the safe, effective, and compliant delivery of a diverse portfolio of clinical trials. The post holder will lead on study selection, team performance, patient recruitment, and regulatory compliance, while acting as a role model and expert resource in clinical research practice.

Key Responsibilities

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1. Communication and Collaboration

Communicate complex clinical research information clearly and compassionately to patients, carers, and staff using various methods (face-to-face, email, phone, written). Treat all individuals with respect and professionalism, upholding the values of the Trust and research team. Provide specialised advice to patients and families regarding research participation. Obtain and document informed consent and act as an expert resource in consent processes. Promote collaborative working across the Trust, NIHR, and external research networks. Seek and act on feedback from research participants and their families.

2. Study and Portfolio Management

Lead the management of a balanced clinical trial portfolio aligned with team capacity and capability. Oversee the Expression of Interest and study feasibility process. Review protocols for deliverability and recruitment potential. Collaborate with PIs, R&D, and Lead Nurse to resolve resource challenges. Monitor team workload and performance, ensuring recruitment targets are met. Develop strategies to overcome recruitment barriers and study-specific challenges.

3. Operational Oversight

Delegate roles within the team based on study complexity and staff skill mix. Oversee coordination of study visits, including off-site visits, ensuring lone worker policies are followed. Ensure maintenance of Trial Master Files and essential documentation. Investigate incidents, review monitoring reports, and ensure timely data query resolution. Lead study close-down and support preparation of research results for dissemination.

4. Data and Performance Management

Use research management systems to monitor performance metrics. Interpret data to assess team and study performance. Ensure accurate and secure data collection, entry, and documentation in line with protocols and regulations.

5. Clinical and Patient Care

Maintain a visible presence in clinical areas, supporting staff in both clinical and managerial roles. Act as a clinical expert and role model, ensuring high standards of patient care and research delivery. Ensure safe handling of samples, drug administration, and monitoring of treatment side effects. Support escalation of clinical concerns and ensure appropriate specialist referrals. Maintain accurate documentation in both trial systems and patient records.

6. Regulatory and Quality Assurance

Ensure compliance with the Research Governance Framework, GCP, and EU Clinical Trials Directive. Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Ensure accurate record-keeping in line with the Data Protection Act and regulatory standards. Participate in audits, inspections, and quality assurance activities.

7. Financial and Resource Management

Support accurate costing of clinical trials and understand income streams (e.g., RRDN SWP, RCF). Assist in managing the research workforce budget and ensure financial sustainability. Oversee team-related travel, training, and commercial costings. Ensure research equipment and medical devices are maintained and fit for purpose.

8. Leadership and Team Development

Line manage Senior Research Nurses/Practitioners and oversee wider team management. Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and support staff development. Apply HR policies to manage performance, sickness, and recruitment. Ensure team health, safety, and security. Lead recruitment and retention efforts to maintain a safe and effective skill mix.

9. Education and Training

Support training and development of research staff, practitioners, and administrators. Deliver education and training to the wider multidisciplinary team. Ensure staff complete mandatory and GCP training. Promote professional development and appraisal of research findings to inform practice.

10. Governance and Representation

Contribute to the development of SOPs and research policies. Maintain effective communication with clinical and research teams. Represent the Trust and research team at regional and national forums. Contribute to the development of the R&D department and participate in the core operational team. Deputise for the Lead Research Nurse/Practitioner and provide cross-cover for other Team Leads.

11. Risk and Incident Management

Promote a blame-free culture for incident reporting and lead local investigations. Resolve complaints in collaboration with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Monitor clinical standards and escalate persistent concerns to the Trust Lead Nurse for Patient Safety.

12. Professional Accountability

Work within the relevant professional code of conduct and demonstrate accountability for actions. Ensure ongoing professional registration of clinical staff. Assess team performance using business intelligence reports and dashboards.

Key Working Relationships

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Lead Research Nurse/Practitioner Clinical Research Team Principal Investigators R&D Manager and Team Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN SWP) Trust Senior Nurses and AHPs Study Participants and Families Clinical Trials Pharmacy and Diagnostic Services Study Sponsors and Clinical Research Associates

Person specification

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Qualifications

#

Essential

Relevant Healthcare Degree or relevant experience.


Research Training (GCP, degree module, informed consent).




#

Desirable

Postgraduate or Master's level qualification or willing to work towards.


Management or Leadership Qualification.

Experience

#

Essential

Extensive experience of clinical research within the NHS setting


Broad and recent clinical experience relevant to the post


Line Management experience within the NHS.


Proven record of meeting participant recruitment targets


Experience of delivering commercial research

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients.


Willingness to undertake any necessary training and development to enhance work performance.

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 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 7

Salary

47810.00 to 54710.00 Yearly

Contract

Fixed Term

Duration

12 Month(s)

Working pattern

Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-PU-2889

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Yeovil District Hospital

Higher Kingston

Yeovil

Somerset

BA21 4AT