Deputy Research Manager

NHS; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Deputy Research Manager in Oxford to manage ophthalmic research studies. The role involves overseeing clinical trial setups, ensuring compliance with GCP, and supporting the professional development of the research staff. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational and communication skills, experience in clinical research management, and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team. Competitive salary and career development opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Minimum diploma or degree in a relevant subject required.
• Experience managing research and supervising staff is essential.
• Ability to work under pressure while leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical trial setups and ensure GCP compliance.
• Manage study operations and support team development.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and manage financial aspects.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership ability

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma or Degree in relevant subject

ICH GCP Certification

Leadership/management training

Tools

Excel

Word

Data management systems

Job description

Deputy Research Manager

The closing date is 01 December 2025

The Eye Research Group Oxford (ERGO) is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Deputy Research Manager to support the delivery of an expanding portfolio of ophthalmic research studies. This role offers an exciting opportunity for career development in clinical research management within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Clinical Research Nurse Manager and Clinical Lead for Ophthalmic Research to oversee the setup and coordination of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include managing study operations, supporting staff development, overseeing financial aspects of research projects, and contributing to the strategic growth of the department.

This key leadership role requires strong organisational, communication, and problem‑solving skills, and experience in clinical research management. If you are passionate about research and looking to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply.

Main duties of the job

The Deputy Research Manager will assist in managing a multidisciplinary research team within the Eye Research Group Oxford (ERGO), supporting the Clinical Research Nurse Manager and Clinical Lead. The role involves overseeing the implementation and delivery of research studies, ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and coordinating assigned clinical trials to meet ethical, clinical, and financial targets. The post‑holder will also review trial protocols, manage regulatory submissions, and contribute to the smooth operation of research activities.

A significant aspect of this role is supporting and supervising the research staff (20 team members), ensuring their professional development and well‑being. This includes assisting with human resources tasks such as recruitment, workload management, and fostering a positive and cohesive team environment. The Deputy Research Manager will also act as a key communicator, liaising with research sponsors, governance teams, finance departments, and multidisciplinary teams while educating and informing colleagues about ongoing clinical trials.

About us

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals – the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.

We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles.

Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.

If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Job responsibilities

The successful candidate will work closely with the Clinical Research Nurse Manager and Clinical Lead for Ophthalmic Research to oversee the setup and coordination of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include managing study operations, supporting staff development, overseeing financial aspects of research projects, and contributing to the strategic growth of the department.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Diploma (minimum) / Degree or equivalent in relevant subject
• ICH GCP Certified
• Leadership/management training or courses

Experience

• Relevant experience in managing and supervising research and other staff
• Experience in leading/coordinating multidisciplinary teams
• Experience of successful budget management
• Experience in the conduct of phase I, II and III clinical research studies conducted to ICH GCP standards
• Experience in maintaining well‑documented training records
• Good knowledge of GCP, the EU Clinical Trials Directive, the working and authority of MHRA, ARSAC, and the National Research Ethics Service (including specialist approvals for genetics and gene therapy) and any other relevant national or international standards and professional guidelines on clinical research
• Personal involvement in the generation of ethical or regulatory submissions for clinical study protocols
• Demonstrable capability of working with large volumes of complex, sensitive and highly confidential information
• Experience in public speaking
• Relevant experience in creating/updating budgets for observational and interventional clinical trials

Personal Skills

• Able to prioritise and work competently under your initiative within the boundaries of the role.
• Ability to work with a high level of attention to detail
• Thorough understanding of the modern requirements of Good Research Governance and the rights of individuals participating in clinical research protocols.
• Knowledge of interventions and assessments involved in experimental medical research or willingness to undergo training in these areas.
• Able to discuss complex information e.g. about study designs, clinical interventions, research equipment or operation with other professional groups.
• Able to exercise own initiative when dealing with common issues within own specialist area of competence.
• Able to coordinate multiple research projects.
• Able to lead and motivate small teams
• Some experience of deputising for management in the department
• Understanding of financial expenses and sourcing finance for the management of the team

Behavioural Skills

• Able to manage completely under pressure
• Able to deal with the variety of personalities and challenges involved in clinical research and creating and leading a team
• Good negotiation skills with staff and collaborators at all levels.
• Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations
• Able to hold yourself and your team to a standard in line with the trust policies

Technical Skills

• Good IT skills and aptitude essential with a demonstrable ability and desire to utilise standard programmes such as Excel, Word or Access to a level appropriate for the requirements of clinical research conducted on an IT‑based system
• Experience with data management systems / Clinical Research IT systems

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.

Address

Eye Research Group Oxford

Oxford Eye Hospital, West Wing, LG1, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time

Reference number

321‑NOTS‑7606191‑B6

Job locations

Eye Research Group Oxford

Oxford Eye Hospital, West Wing, LG1, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 per annum pro rata