Research Assistant / Nurse
HRB Clinical Research Facility
College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Ref. No. NUIG 034-15
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full time fixed term position as a
Research Assistant / Nurse with the HRB Clinical Research Facility at the National University of
Ireland, Galway. This post is funded by the Health Research Board (HRB).
The HRB Clinical Research Facility, Galway’s remit is to increase the amount of clinical research
currently happening in Ireland. Medical doctors and nurses will work with other scientists to improve
our understanding of a variety of diseases and to develop new tests and treatments to help tackle
these diseases. The Centre will provide patients with the latest advances in areas such as cancer,
obstetrics and gynaecology, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, Critical Illness, cystic fibrosis and
cardiovascular disease.
The Project:
The successful candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary team who engage with researchers and
clinicians to support clinical research within the CRFG. The post holder will support studies including
the investigation of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder and in the prevention
of psychosis.
The Research Assistant / Nurse will work under the direction of the Senior Research Nurse
Coordinator of the HRB Clinical Research Facility, Galway. Within the remit of this post, the
successful individual will have responsibility for a caseload of patients on clinical trials and research
projects, and will be responsible for the screening and recruitment of patients, and their follow up
throughout the study as per protocol. The individual will also be responsible for the collating of data
for input into scientific papers. The individual will be expected to lead under direction of CRFG on
areas such as individual research projects, engage in nurse led research, audit and education,
contribute to papers that arise from the studies undertaken, and attend relevant national and
international meetings. The Research Nurse will support the ongoing development of the CRFG. As
workload allows, the post holder will also be expected to cross cover other areas of research within
CRFG.
Job Description:
The primary function of this position is to facilitate and co-ordinate clinical research undertaken in
the Clinical Research Facility.
Practice Nursing according to the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by the Nursing Board
(An Bord Altranais) and Professional Clinical Guidelines
Comply with national, regional and local guidelines, policies, protocols and legislation
Work within his/her scope of practice and take measures to develop and maintain the competence
necessary for professional practice
Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be accountable for his or her practice
Be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to his/her area of practice
Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the client / patient
Follow appropriate lines of authority within the Nurse Management structure
Duties:
 Assess patients and arrange relevant staging procedures in preparation for clinical research
participation.
 Participate in the education process of patients about their disease, clinical research
participation plans, gold standard treatment options and outcomes.
 Provide psychological/informational support to patients.
 Co-ordinate patient admission for treatment and follow up appointments as per protocol.
 Assess the patient on each visit to the Clinical Research Facility when participating in
research.
 Ensure that appropriate documentation of nursing process in accordance with hospital and
HRB policies.
 Inform and update members of the Clinical Research Facility staff and other disciplines
where necessary, of current research study requirements and procedure.
 Ensure that all studies undertaken by the Clinical Research Facility from the time of
appointment are completed to the highest standards in accordance with either ICH- GCP
(International Conference on Harmonisation good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Clinical
Trials) or FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirements or both.
 Work to and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for clinical research in the Clinical
Research Facility
 Take full responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of the Clinical Research Facility clinical
research documentation.
 Complete ethical and regulatory procedures (submissions, query resolution etc.) for the
studies undertaken within the Clinical Research Facility.
 Assist in arranging study specific research meetings, including staff notification, completion
of agenda and writing of minutes.
 Review proposed research protocols and provide input to site study feasibility reports (e.g.
annual site patient numbers, equipment / test availability etc).
 To liaise with any relevant national or international organisation on clinical research matters
and to attend research related national meetings. Meetings may be overseas.
 Attend investigator meetings relevant to the Clinical Research Facility.
 Ensure prompt management of all study related correspondence.
 Prepare any studies undertaken within the Clinical Research Facility for Internal / Sponsor /
Irish Medicine Board audits as required.
 Promote the practice of research in Clinical Research Facility within the hospital.
 Other duties which may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications:
Essential:
 Candidates must be registered or be eligible to register in the General Division of the register
 The clinical and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role
 Proven track record of Clinical Patient Assessment
 1 years’ experience in nursing
Desirable:
 Experience of working in an Irish hospital is an advantage.
 An understanding of Research and the Research process
Key Competencies
 Planning and Organising
 Patient/Customer Focus
 Communication and Interpersonal Skills
 Leadership
 Evidence of computer skills including, word, excel, PowerPoint, email, the internet as a
research tool, the use of audit tools and familiarity with the integrated Clinical Information
Systems utilised by various departments in the hospital
 An understanding of good clinical practice
Salary: €30,200 – 32,930 per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
apply)
Start date: Position is available immediately
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further information about HRB Clinical Research Facility is available at www.crfg.ie
NB: Gárda clearance is a requirement for this post.
To Apply:
Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be
sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to grainne.macnamara@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG-034-15 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Tuesday 7th April 2015.
A panel of successful candidates may be formed for future posts.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.