Research Nurse
6AI CAN DO6%moving to51%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIEDA real score, but the moat is not yet classified. No claim either way.
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM NURSING AND MIDWIFERY →
Research Nurse
Specialist nurses look after patients with serious health conditions. They combine nursing skills with special knowledge about particular illnesses and conditions. They work in hospitals, care homes, and the community.
AI can do very little of this work today
Hands-on work, caring for people and dealing with the real world are among the hardest things to automate, and this job leans on them. We have not yet formally classified its moat, so we make no claim either way, but the exposure score speaks for itself.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£82,470Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Research NurseAs a Junior Research Nurse, you will assist in the recruitment of participants and support senior staff in managing clinical trials. This role is ideal for newly qualified nurses looking to gain experience in research.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Research NurseIn a mid-level role, you will take on more responsibility, including leading trials and mentoring junior staff. Your experience will allow you to contribute significantly to research design and implementation.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Research Nurse/Clinical Research ManagerAt the peak of your career, you will oversee multiple research projects, manage teams, and liaise with stakeholders at all levels. Your expertise will shape the future of clinical research and patient care.£50,000+
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Nursing (Adult) and LeadershipUniversity of Derby · DegreeGraduate Diploma in Mental Health NursingRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology · CertificateMNurs Learning Disability and Children'sUniversity of Chester · DegreeMaster of NursingAdelaide University · MasterMaster’s programme Veterinary NursingSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences · Master'sNursingUniversity of Salento · Laurea Triennale