clinical research associate Chelsea, England
Job description
An opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Research Nurse within the Gynaecology Clinical Trials team in Chelsea. The team specialises in medical and clinical oncology for the treatment of gynaecological cancers.
The post holder will be working with a world renowned multidisciplinary team performing both clinical and research work. The post holder will manage their own caseload of patients on clinical trials with the support of the wider research and clinical team. You will be expected to deputise in the absence of the Senior Research Nurse as required. Previous clinical research experience with knowledge of gynaecological cancers is advantageous, however training is offered. Preferably educated to degree level or equivalent, 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.
The successful applicant should have a flexible approach and the ability to work both as part of the team and independently. In addition, excellent communication, administrative and IT skills and being supportive and open to new initiatives are valued by the team. The successful candidate will work as a self-directed practitioner and have the skills to motivate others. The Gynaecology team has an extensive Phase I-III trial portfolio and has plans to extend further with novel treatments including First in Human.
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. 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, 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 well-being of the patients and is conducted within ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Research.
The research nurse may contribute to the development of the trial design and has a key role in incorporating the patients and nurses’ perspective. Liaison with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions during trial development will be required.
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 and learning and development opportunities. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
For more information, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Research (Clinical Research)
- 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 the protocol.
- To collect and accurately record data in accordance with the 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 provide advice and information to patients/volunteers with regard to their participation in clinical research in order to facilitate effective informed consent, ensuring the patient (or where appropriate the parent/guardian or next of kin) fully understands the nature of the clinical trial, of voluntary entry to the clinical trial and freedom to withdraw at any time without prejudice to treatment.
- To act as a support for patients and relatives throughout the trial, providing information as well as physical, spiritual and emotional support where necessary, and referring to other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
- To assist the medical team in the assessment of patients/volunteers and monitoring their condition throughout their participation in the clinical trial.
- To monitor treatment toxicity and/or side effects and to take appropriate action to reduce the effects of treatment as necessary.
- To report to the principal investigator or senior research nurse any adverse events and serious adverse events that occur whilst the patient is being treated on a clinical trial and record relevant details.
- To work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team and to contribute to the ongoing development of the clinical unit by acting as a role model for staff in areas related to clinical trials.
- To keep up to date with relevant statutory developments for the management of clinical research ensuring timely and effective implementation of any required changes.
- To keep up to date with research or clinical developments relevant to the care of patients in the clinical area.
- To educate and update staff working in the particular clinical area or research team about current and forthcoming clinical trials, including treatment administration, potential side effects and monitoring required.
- To participate in the Trustwide education programmes, study day courses, meetings or conferences as identified in their Personal Development Plan and deemed appropriate by their line manager
- To ensure the safe administration of all treatments and drugs that are given within the context of a clinical trial.
- To assist with the training of junior research nurses in the research team and to act as a resource to ensure that they optimize their clinical research skills and potential.
- To work closely with the Senior Nurse, Clinical Trials to ensure that best practice is achieved.
- To be aware of, and participate in, any relevant strategies and frameworks within The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust to ensure that the practice and profession of nursing is taken forward for the benefit of the patient and their family.
- To promote a safe working environment.
- To ensure that any blood samples required for pharmacokinetic analysis as part of a clinical trial are collected and processed as required in the study protocol.
