About this role
Job summary
This key role will provide professional nursing leadership and management of the research teams comprising of research nurses, Practitioners, data managers and research assistants and will be responsible for the development of staff and the research portfolio within the overall RDU1 and RDU 9 structure.
The Clinical Research Matron will be responsible for driving the expansion of the RDUs and underpinning this with commercial and grant income to enhance Neurosciences and Paediatrics research at King's. Particular emphasis at King's is the need to ensure that all staff recognise their responsibility to deliver services in a high quality, courteous, patient focused manner maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
The Clinical Research Matron will be responsible for the line management of the research team and will lead on specific projects (staff training, induction, systems) as well as providing general support to the R&D Leads and Investigators. These include managing finances, resources and staff - maintaining the overall standard of care for patients at all times.
Main duties of the job
To have overall responsibility for and provide leadership to RDU 1 and RDU 9, working to bring together the appropriate composition of research support for projects that enhance the clinical service at Kings College Hospital.
To write maintain and implement operational policies and procedures (SOPs) within the unit.
To develop operational systems to ensure that clinical research is facilitated to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.
Lead on ensuring all Governance standards are met, any issues addressed and governance standards are embedded in the department culture.
About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. In June 2026, we launched our new strategy for 2026-31. Our vision is to transform healthcare, and we have agreed six strategic ambitions to help us improve care for patients, and the working lives of our staff.
Our six strategic ambitions are deliveringhigh-quality patient care; creating a great place to work; leading pioneering research, innovation and education; building strong and successful partnerships; providing timely and efficient care; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
We have also agreed four new organisational values - Caring, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative - and these underpin everything we do, and how our teams interact with the patients under our care.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description Job responsibilities
Have a comprehensive knowledge and provide expert advice to investigators and research teams and all clinical trials staff to ensure the relevant codes of conduct, regulations, policies, protocols and good clinical practice are adhered to.
Develop, monitor and continually reassess systems to ensure that research is carried out in accordance with Good Clinical Practice and NHS governance.
Be responsible for ensuring that accurate research and sample records are maintained: conducting trend analysis on the activities of the unit.
Produce and maintain an up-to-date clinical trials portfolio for reference for all clinical staff in the department.
Provide support for RDU 1 and 9 research teams including covering clinics and research appointments where there are no other alternatives.
Ensure all staff are competent in their clinical and non-clinical activities, providing training and mentoring when needed.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details of the main responsibilities of the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
NMC Level 1 Registered General Nurse. Master's degree or equivalent senior level research experience. Evidence of continuous personal, professional & academic development
Desirable
PRINCE 2 or other recognised project management qualification
Experience Essential
Experience of leading research training, support and supervision. Prior experience of research studies with minimal supervision. Substantial post registration experience within the relevant setting. Knowledge and experience of handling complex relationships.
Knowledge Essential
In depth Knowledge of ICH-GCP. Understanding of mechanisms for licensing of products. Understanding of Regulatory requirements pertaining to trials.
Desirable
Knowledge of project management methodology. Able to develop business and development plans. Report writing and presentational skills.
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).
Employer details Employer name King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address The R&D Office
First Floor Coldharbour Works, 245A Coldharbour Lane
Brixton
SW9 8RR
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)