Clinical Research Nurse/Clinical Research Practitioner

Job description

We are proud to provide 'Outstanding' care and be a great place to work.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.

We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.

Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people's own homes.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as 'Good' overall, and 'Outstanding' for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated 'Outstanding' and Eastbourne DGH was rated 'Good' Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic Clinical Research Nurse or Clinical Research Practitioner to join the Research & Development team at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. In this key Band 6 role, you will support the delivery of an expanding portfolio of commercial and academic clinical trials, helping the Trust advance high-quality, evidence-based patient care.

You will independently manage a caseload of trial participants and work closely with multidisciplinary teams across our research sites. Key responsibilities include identifying, recruiting, educating and monitoring patients involved in clinical studies, ensuring all activity complies with ICH-GCP, the UK Policy Framework for Health & Social Care Research, and local governance requirements.

Using your clinical expertise and understanding of study protocols, you will deliver research interventions, complete trial-specific assessments, collect accurate data and maintain compliant study documentation. You will also support study feasibility, set-up, regulatory submissions and capacity & capability processes.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced clinician or research practitioner with excellent communication and organisational skills, confidence working autonomously, and the ability to collaborate with clinical teams, research networks, sponsors and trial units. You will act as a knowledgeable resource for patients and colleagues and contribute to supervising junior research staff while upholding the Trust's values.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

• Support the set-up, coordination and governance processes for clinical trials.
• Identify, recruit and consent eligible participants, ensuring clear communication and informed decision-making.
• Deliver trial-specific clinical procedures and monitor patients throughout their research pathway.
• Maintain accurate study documentation, data entry and record management in line with GCP standards.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, research sponsors and support services.
• Manage a personal caseload independently while supporting junior research staff.
• Ensure compliance with research policies, safety standards and recruitment targets.

Working for our organisation

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached the job description

If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

• Adequate level of post registration experience (nurse only).
• Current level of competency in a clinical specialty or, Research
• Knowledge of requirements of Good Clinical Practice and Research Governance

Desirable criteria

• Proven understanding of clinical governance and risk management, its importance and application.
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• RN / RSCN / RN(child) / RODP (Nurse Only) RN / RSCN / RN(child) / RODP (Nurse Only)
• Graduate level qualification (or equivalent experience)
• Clinical Trial Research experience (minimum12 months experience)

Desirable criteria

• Good Clinical Practice qualification
• Clinical Trial Practitioner Registration (or working towards)

Patients come first at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Our vision is to be:

• The healthcare provider of first choice for the people of East Sussex.

Our mission is to:

• Deliver better health outcomes and an excellent experience for everyone we provide with healthcare services.

Our strategic objectives are to:

• Improve quality and clinical outcomes by ensuring that safe patient care is our highest priority.
• Play a leading role in local partnerships to meet the needs of our local population and improve and enhance patients' experiences.
• Use our resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of our patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally and financially sustainable.

Our aims are that all services delivered by the Trust are:

• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
• Responsive and
• Well led

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