Clinical Researcher/ Research Nurse

The UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN) Senior Clinical Research Nurse / Clinical Studies Officer position is funded by the UK Dementia Trials Network, supported through the Alzheimer's Society UKDTN Research Nurse programme, and will be hosted by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The role is based within the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing team at the Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, under Professor Dag Aarsland, and will play a key role in the delivery and growth of early phase dementia clinical trials in South London.

Responsibilities:

• liaise with clinical investigators and both commercial and non-commercial sponsors to contribute towards the management and delivery of early phase dementia trial protocols;
• ensure that research safeguards patient well-being and is conducted within research governance legislation;
• directly manage and support patients on early phase dementia clinical trials;
• participate fully in personal development and annual review processes, including engagement with Alzheimer's Society and UKDTN educational and development opportunities;
• support the clinical development and training of staff for delivery of early phase dementia clinical research, including training for physical health competencies and clinical rating scale administrations;
• travel across the South London and Maudsley geographical footprint and undertake UK-wide travel for Alzheimer's Society and UKDTN network meetings (anticipated quarterly).

Qualifications:

• Education to degree level or equivalent in a health-related discipline, or a master’s in a healthcare subject or substantial equivalent experience;
• Registered nurse currently registered with the NMC, or a registered clinical research practitioner;
• Practical knowledge/understanding of ICH GCP Guidelines, Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004, and the Research Governance Framework, including funding opportunities for research;
• Experience of working in mental health and dementia settings, or equivalent care for patients diagnosed with MCI, dementia or neurodegenerative conditions;
• Experience conducting clinical research across a range of study designs in dementia, mental health, neurodegeneration or early phase; experience working autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Willingness to undertake further clinical training (e.g., venepuncture, cannulation, IV drug administration);
• Experience administering rating scales used in dementia and mental health clinical trials or studies;
• Experience of internal and external clinical audits, including MHRA, FDA or sponsor audits;
• Significant experience coordinating clinical trials from initiation to closure, including archiving;
• Current Good Clinical Practice certificate;
• Good understanding of research governance guidance and legislation;
• Effective communication skills, team-working skills across professional and organisational boundaries;
• Ability to use Microsoft Office, research web-based systems, databases proficiently;
• Excellent time-management and ability to meet deadlines.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provides the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK, as well as substance misuse services for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. Our scope is unique, built on the foundations of care and treatment, science and research, and training.