The Band 6 Research Nurse plays a key role in delivering commercial and non‑commercial clinical trials across neurosurgery, spinal, pain management, and occasionally neurological portfolios. Working within the Neuroscience Research Centre (NRC), the post holder coordinates all aspects of study delivery, including identifying potential participants, screening for eligibility, and recruiting patients in line with study protocols and regulatory approvals. They will provide clear and sensitive explanations of research studies, respond to participants’ questions, and obtain informed consent in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP). The role involves collecting and reporting study data accurately, managing randomisation and treatment allocation where required, and ensuring all eligible patients are fully documented in the EDGE database. The Research Nurse will also ensure that regulatory approvals such as REC and R&D are in place prior to study initiation and will work in accordance with NRC Standard Operating Procedures. Maintaining clinical competence, supporting data management activities, and confidently using electronic data systems are essential components of the role. 

Communication is central to the role, requiring effective interaction with patients, families, clinicians, and multidisciplinary teams to support smooth and efficient trial delivery. The post holder will promote research across the Trust, discuss studies with clinicians before and throughout the research process, and respond appropriately to complaints, safety concerns, safeguarding issues, protocol deviations, or clinical emergencies. They may also contribute to posters, research papers, or conference materials, supporting the wider dissemination of research activity. 

The Research Nurse is expected to maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of clinical research practices, attend investigator meetings and study‑specific training, and undertake ongoing professional development in line with NMC revalidation requirements. They will identify their own training needs, participate in teaching and learning activities, and maintain awareness of advances in clinical care relevant to their portfolio. 

Management responsibilities include organising and prioritising their own workload in a busy and interruption‑prone environment, ensuring deadlines are met, and complying with local and Trust policies. The post holder will support a safe working environment, uphold Health and Safety standards, and monitor trial consumables, ensuring adequate supplies and documentation across sites. Alongside this, they must follow safeguarding protocols, uphold quality standards, maintain accurate records, comply with Data Quality policies, and actively report and mitigate risks in line with Trust Risk Management and Research Governance requirements.