University of Oxford - Division of Cardiovascular Medicine

Research Assistant/Clinical Research Practitioner/Research Nurse

The closing date is 26 November 2025

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, enthusiastic Science Graduate, Clinical Research Practitioner or Clinical Research Nurse to join a team of internationally recognised researchers contributing to the Cardiovascular Medicine Theme of the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC; https://oxfordbrc.nihr.ac.uk/research-themes/cardiovascular-medicine/). The successful candidate will support patient oriented research that uses human tissue samples to explore the underlying mechanisms of heart disease.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidates primary role will be to screen cardiac and vascular surgical lists for eligible patients, obtain informed consent, and collect and preparing human tissue and blood samples from patients undergoing elective cardiac or vascular surgery. Working across a small number of research groups, and in collaboration with Principal Investigators and research fellows, the postholder will focus on supporting studies involving the collection of human tissue samples that contribute to the world leading research of the BRC Cardiovascular Medicine Theme. You will primarily work with investigators with research programmes in:

Cardiac fibrosis and arrhythmias, using tissue analysis to identify new therapeutic targets.

Immune responses in vascular disease, studying immune cells in arterial tissue to understand inflammation in atherosclerosis.

Metabolic and immune pathways in heart failure, integrating tissue studies with advanced imaging.Combining clinical and laboratory research to examine how irregular heart rhythms affect heart function.

About us

This is a part-time appointment on a fixed-term contract for 2 years. The post is funded by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), and the post holder will be based within a research nursing and support team at the Oxford Centre for Magnetic Resonance Research, within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford (OX3 9DU).

Details

Date posted

05 November 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£33,951 to £51,064 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

N0039-25-0009

Job locations

Level 6 West Wing

John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU


John Radcliffe Hospital

Headley Way

Headington

Oxford

OX3 9DU


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder must have a proactive can do attitude, good organisational skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to keep meticulous records. Specific and research training will be available. Administrative responsibilities will include inputting study data into an electronic database, complying with the regulatory framework of the Human Tissue Act (HTA), compiling annual reports, and attending team meetings.

The role will be linked to competencies that require completion within a pre-arranged and designated period. It is expected that the successful candidate will be self-directed in working through the competency framework. The competency framework is designed to support individuals and enable them to produce a professional portfolio, which provides evidence of their competence to practise.

Responsibilities

Undertake safe, good quality, participant focused research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and the Research Governance Framework for Health and Care.

Screen NHS patient records in accordance with OUH Trust guidelines and Oxford University SOPs relating to data protection, recruit new participants in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria of individual study protocols to establish eligibility and record patient characteristics and in-hospital events, as appropriate.

Carry out and document the informed consent process demonstrating GCP principles and competency.

Monitor and attend cardiac/vascular surgery and cardiac catheter theatre lists and collect and process tissue and blood specimens from consenting patients, liaising with the surgeons/cardiologists.

Collect, process and store blood/tissue samples following designated training and competency demonstration as required by each protocol.

Demonstrate a high level of organisational skill in keeping with study schedules and targets with different Principal Investigators (PIs).

Ability to adapt working practices to ensure the effective delivery of each research project.

Maintain high quality study data within study documentation such as case report forms, in line with University guidelines for data protection.

Attend multi-disciplinary meetings, BRC theme meetings, and appropriate clinics, and act as a resource to the members of the multidisciplinary team.

Liaise with study personnel outside the hospital as necessary.

Be aware of and adhere to all locally agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), as supplied by the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and other allied Divisions as well as those policies of Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust (OUH) where appropriate.

Help to ensure that the environment of care is kept safe and compliant with OUH Trust and Oxford University standards for health and safety and infection control. Observe Oxford University Hospital dress code when working clinically and the Oxford University protective equipment policies when working clinically and in onsite satellite laboratories.

Identify and communicate own competency and training requirements.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder must have a proactive can do attitude, good organisational skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to keep meticulous records. Specific and research training will be available. Administrative responsibilities will include inputting study data into an electronic database, complying with the regulatory framework of the Human Tissue Act (HTA), compiling annual reports, and attending team meetings.

The role will be linked to competencies that require completion within a pre-arranged and designated period. It is expected that the successful candidate will be self-directed in working through the competency framework. The competency framework is designed to support individuals and enable them to produce a professional portfolio, which provides evidence of their competence to practise.

Responsibilities

Undertake safe, good quality, participant focused research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and the Research Governance Framework for Health and Care.

Screen NHS patient records in accordance with OUH Trust guidelines and Oxford University SOPs relating to data protection, recruit new participants in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria of individual study protocols to establish eligibility and record patient characteristics and in-hospital events, as appropriate.

Carry out and document the informed consent process demonstrating GCP principles and competency.

Monitor and attend cardiac/vascular surgery and cardiac catheter theatre lists and collect and process tissue and blood specimens from consenting patients, liaising with the surgeons/cardiologists.

Collect, process and store blood/tissue samples following designated training and competency demonstration as required by each protocol.

Demonstrate a high level of organisational skill in keeping with study schedules and targets with different Principal Investigators (PIs).

Ability to adapt working practices to ensure the effective delivery of each research project.

Maintain high quality study data within study documentation such as case report forms, in line with University guidelines for data protection.

Attend multi-disciplinary meetings, BRC theme meetings, and appropriate clinics, and act as a resource to the members of the multidisciplinary team.

Liaise with study personnel outside the hospital as necessary.

Be aware of and adhere to all locally agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), as supplied by the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and other allied Divisions as well as those policies of Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust (OUH) where appropriate.

Help to ensure that the environment of care is kept safe and compliant with OUH Trust and Oxford University standards for health and safety and infection control. Observe Oxford University Hospital dress code when working clinically and the Oxford University protective equipment policies when working clinically and in onsite satellite laboratories.

Identify and communicate own competency and training requirements.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate confidential or complex information in an appropriate manner, which may require empathy, encouragement and reassurance
  • Pro-active attitude. Ability to anticipate work requirements and take ownership of tasks
  • Ability to work autonomously and exercise own initiative when dealing with common issues in own area of work
  • Demonstrate a collaborative and supportive approach, with a proven ability to communicate clearly with colleagues at all levels of seniority
  • Strong time management. Ability to plan and manage time effectively as well as maintain a high level of organisational skill to manage changing and competing priorities
  • Evidence of continuing professional development and a willingness to undertake further training where necessary
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Evidence of good IT skills with an ability and desire to utilise standard programmes such as Excel, Word or Access and familiarity with teleconferencing
  • Demonstrate a flexible approach to work, evidenced by the ability to respond to complex or unpredictable changes in workload to meet study and service needs
  • Show a keen interest in research

Desirable

  • Training in the principles of obtaining informed consent
  • Clinical Research Practitioner Accreditation (AHSC)
  • Knowledge of UK research regulatory requirements (eg Human Tissue Act, HTA)
  • Understanding of data collection and data entry
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in relevant subject e.g. Biological Sciences
  • For Clinical Research Nurse applicants - Registered nurse entry on part 1 (adult) of the NMC register. Please state PIN number, NMC entry date and revalidation date on application

Desirable

  • Clinical Research Practitioner Accreditation (AHSC)
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a clinical environment.

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working on clinical research studies
  • Experience in dealing with confidential patient information
  • Documented basic research laboratory skills
Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate confidential or complex information in an appropriate manner, which may require empathy, encouragement and reassurance
  • Pro-active attitude. Ability to anticipate work requirements and take ownership of tasks
  • Ability to work autonomously and exercise own initiative when dealing with common issues in own area of work
  • Demonstrate a collaborative and supportive approach, with a proven ability to communicate clearly with colleagues at all levels of seniority
  • Strong time management. Ability to plan and manage time effectively as well as maintain a high level of organisational skill to manage changing and competing priorities
  • Evidence of continuing professional development and a willingness to undertake further training where necessary
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Evidence of good IT skills with an ability and desire to utilise standard programmes such as Excel, Word or Access and familiarity with teleconferencing
  • Demonstrate a flexible approach to work, evidenced by the ability to respond to complex or unpredictable changes in workload to meet study and service needs
  • Show a keen interest in research

Desirable

  • Training in the principles of obtaining informed consent
  • Clinical Research Practitioner Accreditation (AHSC)
  • Knowledge of UK research regulatory requirements (eg Human Tissue Act, HTA)
  • Understanding of data collection and data entry
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in relevant subject e.g. Biological Sciences
  • For Clinical Research Nurse applicants - Registered nurse entry on part 1 (adult) of the NMC register. Please state PIN number, NMC entry date and revalidation date on application

Desirable

  • Clinical Research Practitioner Accreditation (AHSC)
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a clinical environment.

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working on clinical research studies
  • Experience in dealing with confidential patient information
  • Documented basic research laboratory skills

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University of Oxford - Division of Cardiovascular Medicine

Address

Level 6 West Wing

John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU


Employer's website

https://www.rdm.ox.ac.uk/about/our-divisions/division-of-cardiovascular-medicine (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University of Oxford - Division of Cardiovascular Medicine

Address

Level 6 West Wing

John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU


Employer's website

https://www.rdm.ox.ac.uk/about/our-divisions/division-of-cardiovascular-medicine (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Research Nurse

Catherine Krasopoulos

catherine.krasopoulos@cardiov.ox.ac.uk

01865225232

Details

Date posted

05 November 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£33,951 to £51,064 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

N0039-25-0009

Job locations

Level 6 West Wing

John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

OX3 9DU


John Radcliffe Hospital

Headley Way

Headington

Oxford

OX3 9DU


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University of Oxford - Division of Cardiovascular Medicine's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)