Research nurse jobs

Research Nurse Jobs: frequently asked questions

(Updated Dec 2024)

Welcome to our Research Nurse jobs page where we feature all the latest Clinical Research Nurse jobs available throughout the UK, and share expert advice on how to start and further your nursing career.

"You’ll need exceptional attention to detail and a meticulous nature because of all the data you’ll be working with"

What does a Research Nurse do?

Research Nurses can work across the public or private sector and a wide variety of healthcare specialisms.

Broadly, their role is to help plan, organise and orchestrate clinical trials.

It also falls within their duties to support patients involved with those trials.

It’s a stimulating profession, given that Research Nurses are often working at the forefront of drug development.

Being part of a process that can have a dramatic impact on the treatment of certain illnesses and conditions can be hugely rewarding.

And the trials can vary widely – you could be working on infection control one week, and an oncology drug the next.

What are the daily responsibilities of a Research Nurse?

Day-to-day responsibilities can include:

• Identifying and screening potential participants

• Helping to gain approval for the trial from the relevant authorities

• Understanding and managing protocol for the trial

• Informing patients of all necessary information that allows them to decide whether or not to participate in a trial

• Working closely with the Principal Investigator to plan and manage objectives

• Monitoring pre-planned indicators and recording patient conditions as the trial develops

• Supporting the Data Monitoring Committee in collecting and examining the result

How do you become a Research Nurse?

To become a Research Nurse you’ll need to be a qualified Nurse (RGN – Registered General Nurse), ideally with a minimum of 2 years’ experience.

Certain employers, especially those in the private sector, can have different requirements, but if you’re a qualified Nurse with a fair amount of experience you can start applying straight away.

Inevitably, as with all RGN jobs landing Nursing Research jobs requires quite a specific skill set.

You’ll need exceptional attention to detail and a meticulous nature because of all the data you’ll be working with.

You will also need to be very methodical and a strategic thinker, able to quickly absorb the aims and needs of each and every trial you work on.

And much like in any area of Nursing, a compassionate nature and brilliant communication skills are a must.

How much do Research Nurses make?

Given that Research Nurses often work in both the public and private sector, average salaries can vary greatly.

Most NHS Trusts have a Research and Development facility, and a lot of vacancies will be attached to those.

But in the private sector there are a number of employers of Research Nurses, including pharmaceutical companies, medical devices companies, and dedicated clinical trials organisations.

Pay within these private sector organisations varies.

In the NHS however, Research Nurses are normally paid at Band 6.

According to the current banding, that means a starting salary of around £37,000 – rising to over £43,000 at the top of that banding, depending on experience.

Find your next Nurse Researcher job today

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