Lead Nurse - Glasgow Clinical Research Facility

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role

The post holder is responsible for the operational management, strategic planning and development of the Glasgow Clinical Research Facility (GCRF) and provides leadership to clinical and non-clinical staff working in the facility and its associated satellite research areas. The post holder is the primary contact person and facilitator for the safe and ethical implementation of new and existing research studies in the GCRF, in accordance with Good Clinical Practice Guidelines, Medicines for Human Use Legislation and Research Governance Framework. Working closely with the GCRF Manager, Clinical Director and Associate Clinical Director the post-holder provides senior management expertise and input to support the CRF's strategic development and delivery. Contributes to the development of and is responsible for the day to day financial management of the CRF annual budget (£2.4m). Within NHS GG&C the Lead Nurse will be responsible for ensuring the professional development of GCRF Research Nurses, providing representation at NHS GG&C Lead Nurse North/South Sector meetings.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern

Permanent, Full time

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Shift Pattern - Monday - Friday 08:30 - 16:30 (with flexibility to meet service needs)

Key responsibilities

Actively promote the GCRF as a centre of research excellence at local, national and international events and will strive to provide high quality services to users by continuously improving the facilities and resources available and attracting new and exciting research into the CRF. Provide clinical research leadership and takes 24 hour responsibility for the GCRF, ensuring that there is always senior clinical research advice for staff working in the facility. Lead the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), working closely with the GCRF QA Lead, for all activity carried out in the GCRF, taking account of local policies and procedures for NHS GG&C and University departments.

- Please see the job description for further responsibilities.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job

Glasgow CRF is a complex, diverse and challenging environment in which the Lead Nurse has a key leadership role. The post-holder must have highly developed leadership skills, be an effective people manager and a skilful team player. The post-holder must have experience and skills in the initiation and management of organisational change, the ability to think imaginatively in strategic terms, willingness and ability to exercise leadership skills, and skills in managing projects effectively.

• Registered nurse educated to a minimum of degree level with clinical experience which includes nurse or project management, training
• Relevant postgraduate qualification at Master's Level or working towards achieving
• Significant clinical / managerial experience working in research environments

This must be supplemented by significant knowledge, training and experience which will include:

• Evidence of personal, professional and academic development
• Experience of professional leadership, both strategic and operational, including experience of leadership in organisational change
• Well developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Time management and organisational skills with ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to lead, relate to and influence clinical staff and managers
• Experience of clinical research management at a senior level, to include experience in the planning, coordination and conduct of clinical research studies
• Experience in the line management of research and research related staff
• Experience of financial management
• Experience of project management
• Knowledge of the governance and legislative framework for conducting clinical research studies, including Medicines for Human Use Legislation, GCP, and Research Governance Framework, Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts
• Proactive and self motivated with ability to motivate others

What we offer

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e learning and classroom based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:
Lynn Prentice, Clinical Research Manager /

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates.

This post may close early to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.

From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part time working hours will be reduced on a pro rata basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as "various", we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recognises its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

Candidates must provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools or other third party assistance to generate, draft or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.

For application portal or log in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.