Job overview

The successful applicant should have experience in managing specific clinical trials or relevant experience in managing a patient caseload. With previous clinical research experience, you will work within the guidelines and policies for the conduct of clinical trials, ensuring high standards of practice in accordance with the principles of GCP. Responsibilities will include the co-ordination and management of early and late phase clinical trials associated with complex haematological malignancies, with a focus on cellular therapy and stem cell transplant studies. They will be working within a team that manages a portfolio of studies both sponsored, commercial, and non-commercial studies.

Central to the role are the recruitment, education and monitoring of patients entering a clinical trial.  Working closely with the principal investigator and members of the multidisciplinary team, they will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate.  An important aspect of the role is the maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records of data derived from the research studies.  The post holder will be involved in ensuring that any research undertaken within the department safeguards the wellbeing of the patients and is conducted within ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Research.

Main duties of the job

The experienced research nurse works as a self-directed practitioner, with a key role to play in the organisation and management of clinical trials within the Trust.  These trials may be related to anti-cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, gene therapy or surgery), symptom management or some other aspect of cancer care, such as screening.  Central to the role are the recruitment, education and monitoring of patients entering a clinical trial.  Working closely with the principal investigator and members of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate.  The post holder will take responsibility for the co-ordination and management of a clinical research portfolio, collaborating with key personnel to ensure continued care and support for patients involved in clinical trials.  

The post holder will support more junior research nurses, assisting them to develop their clinical research skills thorough education and training. Further responsibility will include monitoring and raising the standard of nursing input within the team. 

The opportunity to undertake personal research projects or further study, in consultation with the lead medical investigator and Lead Nurse Clinical Trials, is also encouraged.

Working for our organisation

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.