Research Nurse - Gastrointestinal

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated oncology nurse to join the GI and Lymphoma Research team. They will undertake the role of the key worker supporting all patients entering clinical trials in the unit. 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, s/he will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate. Liaison with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions during trial development will be required. There will be the opportunity to attend study days, further education courses and conferences relevant to the speciality.

Main duties of the job:

• The post holder will work under the supervision of the senior research nurse or Study Site Coordinators (SSC) within the research team and has a key role to play in the day-to-day running of clinical trials within the Trust.
• 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, you 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 well-being of the patients, and is conducted within ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Research.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• To coordinate arrangements required for patients undergoing specialist investigations as part of the research protocol.
• To assess the patient prior to trial treatment, monitor the patient receiving trial treatment and follow the patient up on completion of trial treatment as required by protocol.
• To collect and accurately record data in accordance with requirements of the trial protocol.
• To participate in the design and preparation of research protocols, patient information sheets and other documentation associated with clinical trials, ensuring that these are reviewed and updated as required.
• To safeguard the integrity of the trial by ensuring compliance with ICH GCP guidelines.
• To be involved with the running of several concurrent research studies.
• To disseminate research data by preparing and presenting posters or research papers for presentations at meetings, conferences and publication.

Education / Qualifications:

• Post registration oncology qualification or equivalent relevant qualification.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Research methods education.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
• Competence in research-oriented PC software (Access, Excel, SPSS).

Experience:

• Experience as a senior staff nurse or above working in a clinical research environment.
• Experience as a senior staff nurse in oncology nursing.
• Previous experience in clinical speciality of post applied for e.g. haematology, gynaecology, palliative care.
• Personal and Leadership Management experience.
• Experience of coordinating IRAS submissions.

Skills / Abilities / Knowledge:

• Proven experience of team leadership and team building initiatives.
• Advanced organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of development and organisation.
• Excellent cross-disciplinary / interagency communication skills and ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to appraise junior staff through performance review.
• Confident and articulate.
• Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise.
• Ability to innovate and respond to change.
• Able to work unsupervised.
• Ability to initiate and drive original research.

Diversity & Inclusion:

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff:

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease. The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the utmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

Employer certification / accreditation badges:

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.