Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Research and Development - Lead Research Nurse/Practitioner
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Shape the Future of Research. Transform Patient Care.
We are seeking an exceptional and inspiring research leader to join Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as our Lead Research Nurse/Practitioner.
This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for leading and developing our clinical research workforce, ensuring the successful delivery of an extensive and diverse portfolio of over four hundred clinical studies across multiple specialties. You will provide strategic leadership to a workforce of approximately 110 research delivery staff and oversee a workforce budget of around £4 million.
About the Role
As the Trust's Lead Research Nurse/Practitioner, you will provide professional, managerial, and strategic leadership for clinical research delivery across all Royal Devon sites. You will:
- Lead and inspire a large multidisciplinary clinical research workforce.
- Develop and implement strategies to expand early and late-phase clinical research activity.
- Ensure the safe, effective, and compliant delivery of commercial and non-commercial research studies.
- Promote excellence in research nursing, education, innovation, and patient-centred care.
- Provide expert advice and support to Chief Investigators, Principal Investigators, and research teams.
- Oversee performance management, workforce planning, governance, quality assurance, and financial management.
- Build strong partnerships across the Trust, the NIHR Research Delivery Network, academic partners, and external sponsors.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and research excellence.
- Represent the Trust within regional and national research networks and contribute to the development of research strategy and delivery across the wider health and care system.
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About You
We are looking for a dynamic, credible, and influential leader who is passionate about research and improving patient outcomes through innovation and evidence-based practice. You will be:
- A Registered Nurse or Registered Healthcare Professional.
- Degree qualified in a relevant healthcare discipline.
- An experienced leader with significant NHS clinical research experience.
- Knowledgeable in research governance, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and clinical trial delivery.
- Experienced in managing large teams, complex services, and substantial budgets.
- A skilled communicator with the ability to influence, motivate, and inspire others.
- Strategically minded, with the ability to develop services and drive performance improvements.
- Committed to developing and supporting staff to achieve their full potential.
Essential Experience and Knowledge
- Extensive experience of clinical research delivery within the NHS.
- Significant leadership and line management experience.
- In-depth understanding of clinical trials, research methodologies, and research governance.
- Strong knowledge of NIHR portfolio management and research performance metrics.
- Experience delivering commercial and academic research studies.
- Budget management and resource planning experience.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
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Why Join Royal Devon?
At Royal Devon, research is central to our vision of delivering exceptional care. We are one of the largest research-active NHS organizations in the South West, offering patients access to innovative treatments and opportunities to participate in world-leading research. This role offers the opportunity to:
- Lead one of the region's largest clinical research delivery teams.
- Influence the strategic direction of research across the Trust.
- Collaborate with leading clinicians, academics, and national research organizations.
- Drive service innovation and transformation.
- Make a lasting difference to patients, staff, and healthcare delivery.
Join us and help shape the future of healthcare research across Devon and beyond.
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Interview Date: To be confirmed
For further information, please contact: Michelle Treglown, Executive and Specialist Recruitment Resourcer - michelletreglown@nhs.net or call 07720 168623
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognize the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
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