Paediatric Senior Research Sister

NHS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000

Job description

Job Summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.

Main Duties of the Job

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Paediatric Research Nurse to join a fast-paced, patient-focused environment, contributing to improving the lives of babies, children, and their families through patient-centred research at UHS.

We are committed to making a difference in patient care and experience at UHS. Our mission is to ensure that research is considered a viable treatment option for all eligible patients.

By working closely with clinical teams and families, we aim to expand access to research opportunities, integrating research into clinical pathways to enhance both patient outcomes and team development.

We currently have a vacancy within the Clinical Research Facility for a Band 7 Senior Research Sister/Charge Nurse in the Paediatric Team. This pivotal role involves overseeing the management of the paediatric research team to ensure the optimal delivery of studies within the paediatric research portfolio.

The successful candidate will provide professional, operational, and clinical leadership, managing research staff and the multi-disciplinary team. As a role model, they will offer specialist clinical and research advice while taking responsibility for clinical service delivery, staff management, and research governance.

About Us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Job Responsibilities

You will lead and manage the paediatric nursing team in the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility. The team works across all specialities within the Children's Hospital and out in the community.

1. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the paediatric nursing team (including Research Nurses, AHPs, Clinical Research Practitioners and Clinical Trial Assistants) ensuring appropriate cover and skill mix for smooth running of research projects.
2. Liaise with Principal Investigators (PIs) and allocate research projects to Research Nurses AHPs, using professional judgement to assess workload and nursing capacity and ensure studies are delivered to time and targets.
3. Provide professional leadership and support at departmental level and collaborate to enhance clinical practice and strategy.
4. Provide highly specialised research advice to healthcare staff concerning the paediatric research process and clinical expertise to ensure high standards of care and safety for research participants.
5. Actively promote the value of paediatric research and lead initiatives to embed clinical research within routine clinical practice.

We are looking for an enthusiastic paediatric registered nurse who has significant clinical experience. You will have experience of clinical research delivery and can work in a fast-paced clinical environment. Experience in early phase, human challenge and experimental medicine research would be beneficial. Experience of delivering research within primary or secondary care would be advantageous.

Leadership, line management and excellent interpersonal skills are essential, as is flexibility and team-working skills. You will need excellent project management skills, and you must be able to problem solve and prioritise effectively to deliver agreed objectives. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to provide guidance and support to the teams whilst liaising with senior staff across departments.

The ability to communicate with staff and colleagues at all levels and disciplines in an engaging manner is essential. IT skills including Microsoft office are essential. Some studies are delivered across a variety of settings and therefore the ability to travel to different clinic locations is required.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Training Required

• Masters degree in a health care related subject or relevant equivalent experience
• Registered Nurse (NMC)
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Experience of teaching and mentorship

Previous or Relevant Experience Necessary

• Recent experience of working with patients at a senior level
• Clinical Research experience
• Relevant speciality experience
• Knowledge of current issues within acute health care
• Recent management experience
• Recent NHS experience or equivalent
• Knowledge of Research Governance Framework (RGF), International Conference on Harmonisation/Good Clinical Practice (ICH/GCP)

Aptitudes and Skills Required

• Leadership skills - evidence of ability to help/support junior staff
• Experience of budgetary control

Values and Behaviours

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Employer Name: University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address: University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD

Employer's Website: UHS Website