Fleming Initiative Clinical Research Nurse

Location: Hammersmith Campus (cross-site at St Mary’s, Charing Cross, and Chelsea and Westminster)

About the role:

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of life-threatening infection; with rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), new preventive strategies are urgent. As a Fleming Initiative Clinical Research Nurse in Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group, you will play a hands-on role in a pioneering controlled human infection study designed to understand the immune response to this pathogen. Your professional development will be supported by Ms Lydia Slater, a senior research nurse in Prof Chris Chiu’s group.

This world-leading study uses a carefully controlled human challenge model, placing a surgical suture in the skin of healthy volunteers and inoculating with S. aureus to accelerate vaccine and treatment development.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Registered Nurse with a strong background in wound management, surgery, and infection control. Central to the trial's success, you will guide participants through screening, inoculation, and recovery. If you are patient-focused and ready to develop clinical research skills in a dynamic academic environment, we want to hear from you.

What you would be doing:

Provide high-quality clinical care and research delivery within a multidisciplinary team. Working closely with Dr Dinesh Aggarwal and Professor Chris Chiu’s experienced human challenge team, you will:

• Act as the primary contact, managing the volunteer experience from screening to follow-up, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and valued.
• Assist with bacterial inoculation procedures (including suturing and biopsy assistance) and perform essential clinical skills to the highest standards.
• Closely monitor participants during their inpatient quarantine, identifying and reporting adverse events promptly.
• Collect microbiological and host samples, maintaining accurate documentation and electronic records in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Work alongside nurses, doctors, and scientists, assisting with the wider portfolio of human challenge models.

What we are looking for:

A motivated Registered Nurse (NMC) with at least two years post-registration experience, keen to advance in clinical research. You will need:

• Clinical Expertise: strong clinical background in wound management, theatres, or dermatology. Proficiency in phlebotomy and clinical care is essential.
• Research Awareness: solid understanding of ethical practice, confidentiality, and infection control. Knowledge of GCP and trial lifecycle is desirable (full training provided).
• Flexibility: Ability to work flexibly, including weekend shifts and outside normal hours during 10-day inpatient quarantine periods.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills to guide participants through complex procedures and collaborate across diverse teams.

What we can offer you:

• The Fleming Initiative: contribute to a transformative partnership between Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust tackling AMR.
• NHS Career Continuity: An Agenda for Change post with an honorary clinical contract, seamlessly preserving your NHS progression and pension.
• World-class development: Embedded in Dr Dinesh Aggarwal’s group and supported by Prof Chris Chiu’s team, receiving excellent training in GCP and research delivery.
• Sector-leading benefits: competitive salary (including 41 days off annually and generous pension schemes).
• Supportive culture: A diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment with various staff networks and resources to support your wellbeing.

Further Information

Expected start date: July 2026

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week). This role is for a fixed-term contract for 12 months in the first instance.

For further details about the role, please contact: Dr Dinesh Aggarwal (d.aggarwal@imperial.ac.uk)

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