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Job summary

Main area
Neurology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (Limited Funding)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
309-UCLH-6836
Employer
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, and Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy
Town
London
Salary
£46,419 - £55,046 Per Annum Inclusive of HCAS
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
02/10/2025 23:59

Employer heading

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Research Nurse

NHS AfC: Band 6

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Job overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Research Nurse to join our expanding epilepsy research delivery team at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). This is an excellent opportunity for a registered nurse with clinical trials experience to step into a more autonomous role, supporting the delivery of a growing portfolio of commercial epilepsy trials.

You will be based across both UCLH sites: NHNN Queen Square (London) and NHNN Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy (Buckinghamshire), working closely with senior research nurses, a Clinical Research Operations Manager, Principal and Co-Investigators, and the wider clinical and research teams. You will take responsibility for coordinating trial activity, line managing the Band 5 Clinical Trial Practitioner, and ensuring studies are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with GCP and regulatory requirements.

You do not need prior experience or knowledge of epilepsy; full training will be provided. The ideal candidate will be confident working independently, comfortable coordinating complex research activity, and enthusiastic about supporting high-quality, patient-centred research. Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills are essential.

The post is a fixed term 12-month contract. There is potential for this FTC to be extended in the future.

A 5–10 minute presentation will be required for the interview. The topic will be shared with applicants at time of shortlisting.

 

Main duties of the job

As Band 6 Research Nurse, you will take a leading role in the set-up and day-to-day delivery of commercial and non-commercial clinical trials within the epilepsy team. Your responsibilities will include identifying and screening participants, supporting the informed consent process, coordinating study visits, conducting trial-related assessments, and managing the accurate and timely completion of data and documentation in line with GCP.

You will maintain oversight of the Investigator Site File (ISF), lab files, and participant records, and ensure studies are audit-ready at all times. You will liaise with external sponsors, CROs, and support departments, contribute to quality assurance, and assist with audit preparation and monitoring visits.

In addition to delivering trial activity, you will line manage the Band 5 Clinical Trial Practitioner, providing day-to-day guidance, allocating tasks, supporting their development, and contributing to appraisal and performance discussions. You will also provide informal supervision and leadership within the team, helping to ensure a positive, well-organised, and responsive research service. You will work closely with the Senior Research Nurse, who holds overall clinical responsibility for a subset of commercial studies, ensuring aligned trial delivery and consistent standards across the team.

Working for our organisation

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research. 

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites: 

  • University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing) 

  • National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery 

  • Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals 

  • University College Hospital Grafton Way Building 

  • Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine 

  • University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre 

  • The Hospital for Tropical Diseases 

  • University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street 

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology. 

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description. 

This role requires the same attention to quality in documentation as it does in patient care. You will be expected to maintain accurate, contemporaneous source data, apply ALCOA principles consistently, and respond to data queries in a timely and thorough manner. Ensuring high-quality, auditable records is a core part of delivering safe, compliant, and successful research.

You will be required to work flexibly across both Queen Square and Chalfont, with some evening or weekend work depending on study needs.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

UCLH top trust to work at in England – for the second year running! : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 
*In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England – for the second year in a row.  


UCLH top trust to work at in England – for the second year running! University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 
 
Once again, UCLH has received the highest score of all general acute and acute/community NHS trusts in England for staff that would recommend us as a place to work. 


 To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH? 

 

Person specification

Knowledge and Qualification

Essential criteria
  • Registered Nurse Part 1,2 12
  • Relevant post registration qualification
  • GCP training (up-to-date)
Desirable criteria
  • Teaching or mentor course
  • Completed/working towards degree in the speciality or related fields

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Post registration nursing experience
  • Clinical research/trials experience
  • Experience of formal/ informal teaching of patients and staff
  • Experience working as a preceptor/facilitator
  • Experience of phlebotomy, cannulation and management of central lines
  • Experience in the caring of complex and acutely ill patients
Desirable criteria
  • Experience with the specialty (epilepsy)
  • Previous experience in audit and evaluation
  • Knowledge of Trust research governance issues
  • Experience in delivering training

Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrates ability to prioritise workload and meet SMART objectives
  • Demonstrates ability to work under own initiative
  • Demonstrates evidence of professional development
  • Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit/quality
  • Proven knowledge of ICH GCP guidelines
  • Proven ability to work effectively under pressure
  • Computer literacy

Communication

Essential criteria
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Personal and People Development

Desirable criteria
  • Experience in managing or supervising staff

Specific Requirements

Essential criteria
  • Willingness to work flexible hours (evening, weekend, or out-of-hours work may be required to meet participant or study needs) on occasion
  • Willingness to work at both sites (NHNN, Queen Square and Chalfont), if required

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrates understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and has Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties

Employer certification / accreditation badges

London Healthy workplaceNo smoking policyLondon Living Wage is a voluntary commitment made by employers, who can become accredited with the Living Wage FoundationPositive about disabled peopleDisability confident employerStonewall equality policy. Equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Katarzyna Saunders
Job title
Service Manager
Email address
[email protected]

If you have problems applying, contact

Address
UCLH Team
Telephone
Helpdesk 02037582060
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