Job summary

The Cardiovascular Medicine Research Nurse & Support Team (RN&ST) is a friendly and approachable group that warmly welcomes and supports new members of staff. Effective teamwork is key to our success; therefore, excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships are essential for this post.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Clinical Research Nurse or Clinical Research Practitioner (CRP) to join our team of internationally recognised researchers within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (CV Med). The successful candidate will play a key role in the delivery of a Phase 2a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre clinical trial (EMBOLD-HEART) involving a novel investigational medicinal product (CTIMP). In addition, they will contribute to a broader portfolio of cardiovascular research studies within the CV Med Research Nurse & Support Team.

Main duties of the job

Acting as the central point of contact for all participating sites in relation to the imaging component of the study, the post holder will co-ordinate referrals, arrange participant travel, and manage on-site visit logistics. They will support participants through cardiac MRI and echocardiography procedures, ensuring a high standard of care and participant experience. The role will involve working closely with the Principal Investigator, the CVMed EMBOLD HEART research nurses and medical team, imaging staff, the Clinical Research Organisation (CRO), and study sponsor to ensure effective communication and timely resolution of any issues.

The following skills are essential for this post: excellent organisational and co-ordination skills; strong verbal and written communication skills; a high level of attention to detail and accuracy; effective time management and prioritisation; proficiency in IT and data management; and strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

The successful candidate will report to the Lead Nurse Manager and join a team of Clinical Research Nurses and Clinical Research Practitioners within the CVMed RN&ST. The role is aligned with defined research competencies, which must be completed within an agreed timeframe. The post holder will be expected to take a pro-active approach to their professional development and maintain a portfolio of evidence demonstrating ongoing competence to practice.

About us

The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine comprises approximately 170 people across a range of staff groups and locations and has a total turnover of approximately £18M per annum of which external grants amount to around £11M with a total grant portfolio of around £79M. Professor Stefan Neubauer is the Head of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. The Division was returned as part of the Clinical Medicine unit of assessment in the 2021 REF, with 59% of research in this area rated as 4* (the highest quality, defined as world-leading) and a further 34% returning a 3* rating (internationally excellent).

Job description Job responsibilities

The role

The post holder will be an experienced Clinical Research Nurse or CRP with a strong background in delivering CTIMPs. They will be responsible for supporting the co-ordination and delivery of imaging visits for the EMBOLD-HEART study within the OCMR Research Facility. OCMR serves as the central imaging hub for this multi-centre trial, supporting both local and external participants.

Responsibilities

Undertake safe, good quality, participant focused research in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research. Act as the Lead Research Nurse/Clinical Research Practitioner for the imaging component of the EMBOLD HEART clinical trial within the Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance (OCMR) Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Maintain expert knowledge of the study protocol, providing support for the planning, coordination, and delivery of all imaging visits, with regular progress updates to the RN&ST Lead Nurse/Manager and the EMBOLD-HEART (CVMed) Lead Research Nurses. Serve as a primary point of contact for participating sites within the EMBOLD-HEART Study, coordinating communication, arranging participant travel and accommodation as required, and ensuring a smooth and efficient participant research journey. Support onsite imaging visit logistics and imaging capacity, working closely with radiographers and the local CVM research team to optimise scheduling, workflow, and post-visit follow-up. Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, Research teams, Project coordinator, Imaging staff, Contract Research Organisation (CRO), and study Sponsor to support effective study delivery and timely resolution of issues. Provide guidance and support to referring sites to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of the imaging component across all centres. Delegate study tasks to appropriately trained staff as directed, providing supervision, feedback, and support to maintain study standards. Promote high standards of clinical research practice, acting as a role model and supporting the training and development of new research staff. Contribute to the wider delivery of cardiovascular medicine research by supporting the main EMBOLD HEART study, and/ or other CVMed projects, as well as wider service needs where required by the RN&ST Lead Nurse/Manager. Support the RN&ST Lead Nurse/Manager in service development, including promotion of the teams work and involvement in patient engagement activities.

Service and professional responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver participant study visits, liaising with participants, senior staff, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure visits and follow-ups meet protocol requirements, timelines, and targets. Facilitate and participate in informed consent activities (within the boundaries of personal competency) appropriate to patient age and understanding, ensuring adherence to GCP principles research regulation and University of Oxford standard operating procedures (SOPs). Support participant recruitment activities and strategies in collaboration with senior staff. Perform clinical research procedures as required by study protocols (e.g. venepuncture, cannulation, vital signs, ECGs, sample collection, questionnaires) within scope of competence. Safely support participants undergoing cardiovascular investigations (e.g. Cardiac MRI), ensuring appropriate safety checks, clear communication, reassurance and a high standard of patient care throughout. Communicate complex and sensitive research information clearly and effectively to participants and their families, including study purpose, procedures, potential risks, and follow-up requirements. Process and manage biological tissue samples (including preparation, centrifugation, aliquoting, and storage) in accordance with training, study protocols, and CVMed laboratory SOPs. Maintain accurate, high-quality study documentation and CRFs, ensuring readiness for monitoring visits and supporting study administration activities (e.g. invoicing, archiving, close-out) in line with data protection and SOPs. Ensure timely identification, escalation, and reporting of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) in line with sponsor, ICH-GCP, and local policies. Attend investigator and study network meetings as appropriate, contributing to discussions and providing updates on local site progress. Demonstrate professional accountability by using sound clinical judgement, recognising when to escalate issues to senior staff. Adhere to all relevant local policies and SOPs within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. Maintain a professional, respectful, and inclusive approach to staff and patients at all times, supporting equality, diversity, and high standards of patient care. 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 Trust and CV Med dress code when working clinically, as well as Oxford University protective equipment policies when working clinically and in onsite satellite laboratories.

Training and Development Responsibilities

Maintain professional registration, statutory and mandatory training, and continuing professional development (CPD), ensuring compliance with NMC revalidation or AHCS registration requirements. Identify learning needs and undertake ongoing training, as agreed with the RN&ST Lead Nurse/Manager, to maintain and develop clinical and research competencies. Maintain up-to-date knowledge, clinical skills, and professional awareness in line with regulatory and organisational requirements. You will be provided with an honorary contract with OUH Foundation Trust and will be responsible for maintaining mandatory training records as designated by OUH Trust.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

Registered Nurse (Adult) with valid NMC registration (Part 1) [PIN, entry date, revalidation date], or Clinical Research Practitioner with AHCS registration [registration and re-accreditation dates]. Educated to degree level or equivalent academic experience, with evidence of ongoing professional development.

Experience Essential

Previous experience working as a Clinical Research Nurse or Clinical Research Practitioner, with active involvement in the delivery of clinical commercial research trials (ideally CTIMPs or multi-centre studies).

Desirable

Experience providing nursing care or clinical support within a cardiac or MRI clinical setting. Training and/or experience in obtaining informed consent in a research setting, in line with ethical and regulatory standards.

Knowledge and Skills Essential

Evidence of well-developed clinical skills including evidence of training and competency in recording ECGs, venepuncture and cannulation. Ability to support participants safely through clinical investigations (e.g. cardiac MRI), demonstrating high standards of care and compassion. Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex clinical and research information to patients, participants and professionals of all levels, supporting safe and GCP-compliant research delivery. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, investigators, and external stakeholders, with proven experience communicating clearly across teams and individuals. Strong organisational skills with the ability to co-ordinate participant visits, manage competing priorities, and meet study timelines. Ability to manage research data accurately and maintain high-quality study records. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with evidence of appropriate escalation when required. Competent to work autonomously and exercise own initiative when dealing with common issues within boundaries of the role. Professional and flexible approach to managing unpredictable workloads and changing service needs. Evidence of ability to supervise non-registered and less experienced staff. Demonstrates digital literacy, including proficiency in office software (e.g. Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel), use of databases, and experience with virtual communication platforms (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom). Communication and interpersonal skills that enable good working relationships with colleagues, students, and collaborators. An evidenced commitment to RDMs Respectful Behaviours Framework

Desirable

Basic understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases and their management. Documented basic research laboratory skills, including sample processing (e.g. centrifugation, aliquoting, labelling, and storage) in accordance with SOPs. Human Tissue Act training.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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 John Radcliffe Hospital

Headley Way

Headington

Oxford

OX3 9DU

United Kingdom

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

Clinical Research Nurse/Clinical Research Practitioner @ University of Oxford - Division of Cardiovascular Medicine

About this role

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