About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated nurse to join our Haematology Research Team. This Band 6 role involves the coordination and delivery of a diverse portfolio of early- and late-phase haematology clinical trials.
The post holder will take delegated responsibility for the management and delivery of assigned studies, ensuring that trial protocols are implemented safely and in accordance with regulatory and governance requirements. Responsibilities will include screening and recruiting participants, coordinating patient pathways, administering systemic anti-cancer therapies in accordance with study protocols, monitoring and managing adverse events and maintaining accurate and timely research documentation.
Applicants should be registered nurses with experience in haematology and/or oncology nursing, with effective communication, organisational and prioritisation skills. You should be able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a wider multidisciplinary team. Previous clinical research experience is highly desirable.
This post provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialist research skills and experience within a supportive and established Haematology Research Team. We are committed to supporting continued professional development and encourage informal discussions and visits from prospective applicants.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will play a central role across all stages of the haematology research portfolio, including feasibility assessment of new clinical trial opportunities, trial set-up and activation, patient recruitment and ongoing management, data query resolution and review of protocol amendments. You will provide a patient-centred perspective, supporting participants and the wider research team throughout the clinical trial pathway.
Working closely with the multidisciplinary team and wider services, you will ensure that patient safety and wellbeing remain central to trial delivery. You will work within applicable regulatory and governance frameworks, including ICH-GCP and Trust SOPs, and contribute to monitoring and evaluating patient experience to support consistently high standards of research care.
The role will also contribute to raising the profile of clinical research and clinical trials within the Trust and externally, including participation in research engagement and promotional activities and supporting relevant divisional, Trust and national research objectives.
The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong organisational and prioritisation abilities, and a high level of motivation. You will be able to work autonomously within your scope of practice while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality, innovative haematology research.
About us
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.
Job description Job responsibilities
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
_______________________________________________________________EU DIRECTIVE ICH/GCP
All personnel involved in clinical research have a responsibility to ensure that clinical trials are conducted in accordance with the EU Directive and ICH/GCP.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Registered General Nurse - Currently registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council First Degree or relevant clinical experience
Desirable
Post-graduate qualification in oncology and/or clinical research GCP/ICH recognised recent training
Experience Essential
Experience of oncology nursing Experience of working autonomously and as part of a Multi-disciplinary team Ability to demonstrate evidence of service improvement
Desirable
Experience of working in a clinical research environment
Skills Essential
Highly effective communication skills Advance organisational skills Good written and analytical skills Able to manage work autonomously and manage own workload Demonstrable IT Skills - able to use Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
Desirable
Intra-venous access and cannulation skills administration of IV chemotherapy Good presentation skills
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the clinical trial process Knowledge of ICH-GCP & research governance framework Knowledge of professional and NHS issues and policy relating to specialist area
Desirable
Knowledge of Research Ethics Committees Knowledge of the purpose of clinical research
VALUES Essential
Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
OTHER Essential
Maintain professional development and have an awareness of current nursing issues Demonstrates flexibility in working hours
Desirable
Assertiveness
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 The Christie NHS FT
Address Haematology - Q00675
Wilmslow Road
Manchester
M20 4BX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.christie.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)