Senior Research Nurse

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Role Summary

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic band 6 registered nurse with proven research and staff management experience. You will preferably have a background in general medicine, elderly care or primary care.  You will be responsible for the day to day management of a portfolio that includes studies and clinical trials covering areas that include Parkinson’s, aging and dermatology. You will be managing a research team and working closely with the band 7 team lead, clinicians, CNSs, therapists, Research & Development facilitators in order to support feasibility, study set up and the delivery of a comprehensive and dynamic portfolio of research studies.  

Whilst you will not be expected to be a specialist in these disease areas you will need to have a flexible and agile approach to taking on new protocols. You will work closely with the clinicians, practitioners and CNSs teams to deliver the research. Collaboration and cross working with MDTs, regional Services, University, Primary Care, Commercial and non-commercial teams will require an adaptive and flexible approach to working.

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate the ability to problem-solve in order to meet the challenges and needs of participants, their carers and families, clinicians and study sponsors, whilst delivering the requirements of research protocols.

About you

The team is looking for someone with a flexible and highly motivated attitude with proven research skills. Experience of working in medicine would be an advantage but proven clinical experience caring for patients with chronic conditions and understanding the care required for the deteriorating patient is essential. This role requires competence in venous access and intravenous and subcutaneous drug administration as well as the ability to learn and demonstrate technical skills, that are required routinely for aging and Parkinson’s studies e.g. frailty assessments and rater skills.

You must have proven IT skills and be competent in data management. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of and have experience in research study management, including pipeline, expressions of interest, feasibility, setup, costing, recruitment & retention and strategies for meeting study metrics. In this leadership role you will be required to act as a role model, provide team planning and understand HR roles and responsibilities.

We have a comprehensive induction package for all new starters joining Research & Development. We are committed to supporting your Professional development and there is the potential to apply for the Postgraduate Studies in Leading Clinical Research Delivery. You will also be supported by a management team who are accessible and will support your development. We are proactive in the care and wellbeing of our staff with use of Buddy’s and regular staff mixer mornings and events.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours a week, 1.0 wte, Monday to Friday with the flexibility to work from home

Interview Date: 15th December 2026

For further information please contact: Stephanie Estcourt, Team Lead on stephanie.estcourt@nhs.net

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 recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.