Alzheimer\'s Society Clinical Research Nurse/Clinical Studies Officer in London

This role is funded by the UK Dementia Trials Network, supported as part of the Alzheimer's Society UKDTN Research Nurse programme, and will be hosted by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The Alzheimer’s Society UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN) Lead Clinical Research Nurse has a key leadership role within South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Working in partnership with the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing team at the Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, headed up by Professor Dag Aarsland, the post-holder will lead the delivery and growth of early phase dementia clinical trials in South London. Vacancy may close early once capacity has been met.

Liaising with clinical investigators and both commercial and non-commercial sponsors, the post holder will contribute towards the management and delivery of early phase dementia trial protocols and will be involved in ensuring that the research undertaken safeguards the well-being of the patients and is conducted within research governance legislation. The post holder will also be responsible for directly managing and supporting patients on early phase dementia clinical trials.

The post holder will be expected to participate fully in their personal development and annual review process to achieve the objectives for this post. This will include engagement in Alzheimer’s Society and UKDTN educational and development opportunities.

The post holder will have a key role in supporting the clinical development and training of staff in relation to the delivery of early phase dementia clinical research including training for physical health competencies and clinical rating scale administrations. Post holders must be prepared to work across the South London and Maudsley geographical footprint and there will be an element of UK wide travel for Alzheimer’s Society and UKDTN network meetings (anticipated to be held quarterly).

Key Responsibilities:

• Enable more people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment to have an opportunity to take part in an early phase dementia clinical trial irrespective of where they live.
• Embed appropriate participant and carer support throughout the trial journey; improving participant and carer experience and increasing retention.
• Widen access to larger, more diverse populations; broadening diversity among those recruited into dementia trials.
• Bring together the UK clinical trials ecosystem and industry partners to help industry partners navigate the UK trials landscape, strengthen the UK trials infrastructure, and accelerate the development of new dementia treatments.
• Streamline trial feasibility, set-up and regulatory processes across the network.
• Establish education and training pathways for dementia research leaders of the future.

Qualifications:

• Registered nurse – currently registered with the NMC.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in health related discipline.
• Practical knowledge/understanding of ICH GCP Guidelines, Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004, Research Governance Framework and funding opportunities for research.
• Masters in healthcare subject or substantial equivalent experience.
• Experience of working in Mental Health and Dementia settings or equivalent experience in providing care for patients diagnosed with MCI/dementia/neurodegenerative conditions.
• Experience of conducting clinical research across a range of study designs in dementia/mental health/neurodegeneration or early phase.
• Experience of working autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Willing to undertake further clinical training as required such as venepuncture, cannulation, IV drug administration.
• Experience in the administration of rating scales commonly used in dementia and Mental Health clinical trials or studies.
• Experience of clinical audits both internal and external including MHRA, FDA or Sponsor audits.
• Significant experience in 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.
• Effective team working skills across professional and organisational boundaries.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office, research web-based systems, databases proficiently and effectively in the workplace.
• Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines.

About South London and Maudsley:

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide 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. There are very few organisations in the world that have such wide-ranging capabilities working with mental illness. Our scope is unique because it is built on three major foundations: care and treatment, science and research, and training. By coming to work at SLaM, you will gain experience of being part of an organisation with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care. You will have access to professional development and learning opportunities, and have the chance to work alongside people who are world leaders in their field. SLaM delivered more than 14,000 training experiences in 2014; providing an extensive range of learning opportunities for staff at all levels. In addition, our working relationship with King’s Health Partners allows those working at the Trust to get involved in academic research.