Lead Research Nurse

Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Lead Research Nurse to join our award-winning research team at Banbury Cross Health Centre, part of the Thames Valley and Hampshire Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC).

This 30 to 37.5 hours per week role combines day-to-day leadership of the research nursing service with active involvement in delivering commercial and non-commercial clinical research studies. Working closely with the Research Lead GP and Research Manager, you will lead and develop the research nursing team, oversee study delivery, support workforce development, maintain research governance standards, and help grow research across Banbury Cross Health Centre and other PML sites.

We are seeking an experienced research nurse with strong clinical trial knowledge, excellent organisational skills, and a passion for developing others while remaining clinically involved in participant care.

Applicants must be a Level 1 Registered Nurse (or equivalent) with current registration and a sound understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research governance, data protection and GDPR. You should be proactive, organised, IT confident, able to manage competing priorities, and work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

Join a friendly, ambitious team committed to delivering high-quality research and expanding patient access to clinical studies within primary care.

Main duties of the job
The Lead Research Nurse will provide clinical, operational and professional leadership for the research nursing service across Banbury Cross Health Centre and other PML sites. The role combines hands-on delivery of commercial and non-commercial research studies with leadership of the research nursing team, ensuring safe, effective and efficient study delivery.

Key responsibilities include leading and developing research nurses and support staff; overseeing workforce planning, study allocation, capacity management and day-to-day research operations; supporting service improvement and implementation of new studies; and contributing to the growth of research across the organisation.

The post-holder will maintain responsibility for their own portfolio of studies, managing participant pathways and ensuring compliance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research governance and regulatory requirements. They will provide expert advice, mentor colleagues, support training and appraisal processes, and act as a point of escalation for clinical and operational issues.

Working closely with the Research Lead GP, Research Manager, sponsors and external partners, the Lead Research Nurse will help achieve recruitment targets, maintain quality standards and promote a research-active culture that expands patient access to high-quality research within primary care.

About us
Banbury Cross Health Centre is owned and operated by Principal Medical Limited (PML), which works in partnership with the NHS to deliver primary care services in GP practices and community settings.

Founded in 2004 as a not-for-profit organisation by local GPs, PML was established to enable healthcare professionals to develop and deliver innovative services at scale. Today, 70% of GP practices in Oxfordshire and 22% in Northamptonshire are associated with the Federation.

PML is the largest GP Federation in Oxfordshire and South Northamptonshire, serving nearly 800,000 patients. We believe local providers are best placed to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care that meets community needs.

With over 20 years of experience, PML has a strong track record of delivering NHS, ICB and Public Health services. Our work is guided by five core values: being Compassionate, Competent, Courteous, Collaborative and Committed. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Job responsibilities
Team Leadership & Workforce Development
Lead, supervise and develop the research nursing team, providing line management, workforce planning, staff deployment, mentoring, training and performance support to maintain a skilled, motivated and high-performing workforce.

Clinical Research Delivery
Manage a portfolio of commercial and non-commercial studies, delivering participant-centred care, undertaking study procedures, ensuring protocol compliance, maintaining accurate documentation and supporting safe, high-quality research delivery across PML sites.

Service Leadership & Operational Delivery
Oversee day-to-day research operations, coordinate study allocation and staffing, support recruitment targets, implement new studies, resolve operational challenges and contribute to service development and research growth.

Governance, Quality & Compliance
Ensure compliance with ICH-GCP, research governance, SOPs and regulatory requirements. Support audits, monitoring visits, quality improvement, risk management, incident reporting and data protection standards.

Research Development & Growth
Promote research across PML, support study feasibility and implementation, strengthen partnerships with sponsors and research networks, and help expand research opportunities and participant recruitment.

Education, Training & Professional Development
Maintain professional registration and research knowledge, complete mandatory training, support staff education and share learning to promote continuous professional and service development.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Significant post-registration experience within research, primary care or other relevant clinical settings.
• Experience of supervising, supporting, mentoring or coordinating clinical staff.
• Experience of workforce coordination, workload management or operational oversight.
• Prior NHS experience.
• Evidence of continuous personal, professional development.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Experience working in clinical research.
• Awareness of relevant obligatory regulations and legal requirements such as the Mental Capacity and Data Protection Act.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial delivery, ICH-GCP, research governance frameworks and regulatory requirements applicable to research conducted in primary care.

Desirable

• Previous line management experience.
• Significant experience of working in primary care.
• Experience of delivery commercial clinical trials.
• Experience contributing to service improvement, quality improvement or project delivery.
• Laboratory skills.
• Use of EMIS.

Other
Essential

• Self-motivated.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• Strong desire to learn and develop self.
• Able to work autonomously whilst supporting collaborative team working.
• Prepared to attend appropriate training and development as required to perform the role.
• Demonstrates professionalism, resilience and a positive approach to leadership and change.
• Strong motivation to work within the field of research.
• Full driving licence/access to car.
• Able to travel independently and attend conferences/training events outside the region.

Qualifications
Essential

• Level 1 registered nurse or equivalent qualification
• Evidence of post-registration learning and development

Desirable

• Postgraduate training

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Competency in clinical skills (e.g. vaccine administration, venepuncture, ECG, vital signs).
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and workloads.
• Proven IT skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Confidence in learning new systems and databases.
• Demonstrable leadership and people-management skills.
• Ability to support and develop staff through coaching, mentoring and feedback.
• Ability to identify risks, solve problems and escalate issues appropriately.

Desirable

• Knowledge of quality improvement, audit and continuous improvement methodologies.

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.