Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Breast Research Nurse to join the Breast Research unit at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea.

The Royal Marsden is a world leader in cancer research, treatment and education. Together with our academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), we are the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe and the only National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) specialising in cancer in the UK.

We are looking for enthusiastic and self-motivated nurses to contribute to the ground-breaking research run out of this unit.

You will work under the supervision of the Senior Breast Research Nurses.

This post is for 11.5 months and the successful candidate will work in Chelsea. They should also have a flexible approach to their duties and the ability to work both as part of the team as well as independently.

In addition, you will have excellent communication and be supportive and open to new initiatives. Prior enquires welcome and encouraged.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work under the supervision of the senior research nurse or Study Site Coordinators (SSC), 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 and biological therapy), and other aspects of cancer care, such as screening.

Central to the role are the recruitment, education and monitoring of patients entering a clinical trial and maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records of data derived from the research studies.

Working closely with the principal investigator and members of the multidisciplinary team, the postholder will support patients who choose to participate in clinical trials by providing advice and information and acting as the patients’ advocate.

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.

We encourage opportunities to undertake personal research projects or further study, in consultation with the lead medical investigator and Senior Nurse, Clinical Trials.

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.
• Where appropriate, to establish nursing-related research projects with the agreement of the lead medical investigator and the Senior Nurse, Clinical Trials.

Person specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential criteria

• First level registration
• Post registration oncology qualification or equivalent relevant qualification
• Basic computer Literacy
• Research methods education
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Desirable criteria

• Relevant diploma / degree
• Competence in research orientated PC software (Access, Excel, SPSS)

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience as a senior staff nurse or above working in a clinical research environment
• Experience as a senior staff nurse in oncology nursing

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience in clinical speciality of post applied for e.g. haematology, gynaecology
• Personal and Leadership Management experience
• Experience of co-ordinating HRA submissions

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.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications.

We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

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 upmost 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

Applicant requirements

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.

Last updated : 2024-05-01