Research Assistant/Clinical Research Practitioner/Research Nurse

University of Oxford - Division of Cardiovascular Medicine; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious university medical division in Oxford seeks a part-time Research Assistant to support vital cardiovascular research, collecting human tissue samples and data. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in clinical settings. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential, along with a proactive attitude towards research and patient care.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills for conveying complex information.
• Ability to manage tasks independently and effectively.
• Evidence of professional development and ongoing training.
• Experience in a clinical environment.

Responsibilities

• Screen and prepare human tissue and blood samples for research.
• Conduct informed consent processes and adhere to regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain high-quality study data and manage participant recruitment.
• Collaborate with research teams and contribute to studies.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Pro-active attitude

Time management

Attention to detail

Good IT skills

Interest in research

Education

Degree in Biological Sciences or relevant subject

Clinical Research Nurse - Registered nurse entry on part 1 of NMC register

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training

Clinical Research Practitioner Accreditation (AHSC)

Tools

Excel

Word

Access

Job description

Research Assistant / Clinical Research Practitioner / Research Nurse

The closing date is 26 November 2025

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. 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 primary role will be to screen cardiac and vascular surgical lists for eligible patients, obtain informed consent, and collect and prepare 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.

• 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 postholder 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).

Job responsibilities

The postholder 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 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.

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, recruit new participants, carry out the informed consent process, monitor and attend cardiac/vascular surgery lists, collect and process tissue and blood specimens, maintain high‑quality study data, attend multidisciplinary meetings, liaise with study personnel, and adhere to all local policies and standard operating procedures.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate confidential or complex information in an appropriate manner.
• 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 and 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.
• Training in the principles of obtaining informed consent.
• Clinical Research Practitioner Accreditation (AHSC).
• Knowledge of UK research regulatory requirements (e.g. Human Tissue Act, HTA).
• Understanding of data collection and data entry.
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.

Qualifications

• Degree in a 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.
• Clinical Research Practitioner Accreditation (AHSC).
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.

Experience

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

University of Oxford – Division of Cardiovascular Medicine