Research Nurse

Job overview

Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate expert research nursing care and provide support to patients attending the Department who have been or have the potential to be recruited onto a clinical trial programme (CTIMP /ATIMP) .   The Research Nurse will play a key role in ensuring that any research undertaken within the department safeguards the well being of the patients and is conducted according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and Amended Regulations 2006. In conjunction with the other members of the team, facilitate the production of good quality of research.

The research nurse will facilitate and aid in the recruitment of patients to ensure high quality clinical studies and trials that will require the nurse to work flexibly across the disciplines to ensure the successful working of the clinical research facility. They will also act as a patient advocate providing support and assistance as required and assist in the co-ordination and management of a portfolio of early phase translational clinical research.

The post holder will take responsibility for supervising the safe administration of experimental therapies, and for monitoring the expected and unexpected side effects of drugs and other treatment modalities used in these trials.

Main duties of the job

The Research Nurse will be responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating high-quality research nursing care for patients attending the department who are participating, or may be eligible to participate, in clinical trials (including CTIMP and ATIMP studies).

A key aspect of the role is to ensure that all research activity prioritises patient safety, dignity, and wellbeing, and is conducted in full compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 and subsequent amendments.

Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will contribute to the delivery of high-quality research, supporting the development and conduct of clinical studies within the department.

The Research Nurse will actively support and facilitate patient recruitment into clinical trials, ensuring studies are delivered efficiently and to a high standard. The role requires flexibility to work across specialties to support the effective operation of the clinical research facility.

In addition, the post holder will act as a patient advocate, providing guidance, support, and clear communication throughout the research process. They will also assist in the coordination and management of a portfolio of early-phase translational clinical research studies.

Working for our organisation

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 delivering  high-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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

• Carry out planned care required by the clinical trials protocol for a group of volunteers without direct supervision
• Ensure the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based, individualised patient/volunteer care.
• Responsible for recruiting to, and following up, patients within studies.  This includes both randomised clinical trials (CTIMP or ATIMP) and other high quality clinical studies.  The role will involve working closely with multidisciplinary clinical teams
• Act as a patient advocate enabling patients to make informed choices concerning their involvement in the clinical trials (CTIMP or ATIMP) and ensuring advice and information is provided.
• Ensure there is sufficient skill mix of staff for patient safety during clinical trials and ensuring that they are carried out within the Trust and Centre's policies and clinical trial protocol.
• Assist in clinical trials including venepuncture and cannulation of volunteers when necessary ensuring that they are carried out within the Trust’s policies, research governance, Medicines for Human Use ( Clinical Trials Regulations ) Incorporating International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) and Data Protection Act.
• Undertake clinical tasks such as phlebotomy, analysis of blood specimens, IMP preparation, drug administration and clinical observation etc. 
• Preparing laboratory and ward areas for trials; procuring and labelling tubes and containers for biological samples, processing biological samples and ensuring samples are stored appropriately or despatched for storage.
• Ability to get trained in laminar flow maintenance with the help of senior Clinical Research Practitioners and Research Nurses.
• Using and cleaning the monitoring laboratory equipment in compliance with SOPs; performing calibration and maintenance procedures, when those procedures are appropriately performed by the user
• Perform study procedures as per study protocol.
• To maintain comprehensive, accurate and timely patient notes and records in accordance with department policy, and to ensure safekeeping and confidentiality of those records.
• Maintaining competence in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation and immediate life support.
• Willing to be trained on study procedures required by the protocol

Administration

• Plan, organise and deploy staff according to ability and workload in order to meet volunteer needs.
• Ensure that nursing practices comply with Trust policies and procedures
• Communicate effectively at all times and maintain a harmonious working environment.
• Maintain a safe environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Assist the Nurse Manager in managing incidents, accidents and complaints in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Assist in ensuring the availability of resources for volunteer care
• Ensure equipment is in good working order, and report appropriately when defective
• Participate in audits, eg; those undertaken by the Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Authority (MHRA) nursing audits and clinical benchmarking exercises and suggest any change to improve standards
• Ensure the economical use of resources
• Contribute to the overall control of the ward or departmental budget and identify areas where cost improvements can be made
• Ensure the safe custody of volunteers property in accordance with Trust policies.
• Actively participate in and support the development of the clinical research facility.

Administration

• Plan, organise and deploy staff according to ability and workload in order to meet volunteer needs.
• Ensure that nursing practices comply with Trust policies and procedures
• Communicate effectively at all times and maintain a harmonious working environment.
• Maintain a safe environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Assist the Nurse Manager in managing incidents, accidents and complaints in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Assist in ensuring the availability of resources for volunteer care
• Ensure equipment is in good working order, and report appropriately when defective
• Participate in audits, eg; those undertaken by the Medicines and Health Care Regulatory Authority (MHRA) nursing audits and clinical benchmarking exercises and suggest any change to improve standards
• Ensure the economical use of resources
• Contribute to the overall control of the ward or departmental budget and identify areas where cost improvements can be made

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Level 1 Registered Nurse (RN1) or Mental Health Nurse (RN3)
• Good Clinical Practice Certificate
• NMC Registration

Desirable criteria

• Research Qualification
• Relevant specialist course

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Cannulation and vene puncture skills (key requirement)
• Experience in Clinical Research
• Competency in medication administration including IV drugs (key requirement)

Desirable criteria

• SACT Knowledge / Experience (SACT Passport Holder)
• Experience of working with high dependency (HDU) or intensive care patients (ITU)

Skills and Competencies

Essential criteria

• Computer skills; with Excel Spread sheets, CRF and patient database systems, email and Microsoft office packages
• Organisation and management skills. Teaching
• Ability to problem solve

Desirable criteria

• Skills in managing Haematological Disorders

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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King's College Hospital is part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC), a pioneering collaboration between King's College London, and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts.