The Band 7 Research Team Leader is a dual-focus position at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, balancing operational management of a designated team with expert clinical practice within the oncology portfolio. The post holder is responsible for the effective delivery of research trials while ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and data integrity.

Management & Leadership

As a Research Team Leader for the oncology sub-specialty, you will oversee the recruitment, performance, and professional development of clinical and non-clinical staff within your remit. Key responsibilities include:

• Operational Oversight: Managing team workloads, delegating tasks effectively, and ensuring recruitment targets are met for your designated portfolio.
• Staff Development: Conducting Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) and facilitating a culture of continuous learning and best practice.
• Governance: Developing and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Trust policies to ensure research excellence.
• Strategic Liaison: Collaborating with other Band 7 Team Leaders, senior management, and finance departments to optimise the broader research infrastructure.

Research Delivery & Coordination

You will ensure that all clinical trials are implemented and managed in strict accordance with ICH-GCP guidelines and regulatory frameworks:

• Trial Oversight: Managing the end-to-end lifecycle of oncology studies, from initial setup to data lock.
• Subject Recruitment: Identifying and screening eligible participants and implementing action plans to overcome recruitment barriers.
• Informed Consent: Leading the consent process to ensure participants are fully informed of study requirements and their right to withdraw.
• Data Integrity: Overseeing accurate data collection, query resolution, and timely submission to coordinating centres.

Clinical Practice & Patient Care

Maintaining a clinical presence is vital to this role, as you will act as a specialist resource and advocate for both clinical staff and research participants:

• Caseload Management: Acting as a point of contact for a designated group of patients, providing expert advice and support throughout their trial journey.
• Clinical Interventions: Overseeing the safe preparation and administration of Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs), alongside the delivery of trial-specific treatments and clinical procedures such as cannulation and phlebotomy.
• Safety Reporting: Monitoring, recording, and reporting adverse events in compliance with protocol regulations and local policies.
• Collaboration: Working alongside Principal Investigators (PIs) to ensure all trial-specific investigations are performed to the highest clinical standard.

Education and Training

You will serve as a mentor and leader, enhancing the research capability of the Trust:

• Mentorship: Supporting junior staff and students, ensuring a robust and supportive learning environment.
• Specialist Expertise: Acting as a Trust-wide resource on specific areas of professional development, such as GCP compliance or revalidation.
• Continuous Improvement: Participating in clinical audits and identifying opportunities to refine nursing practices through evidence-based research.