Clinical Research Nurse/Clinical Research Practitioner

The role 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. 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. 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. Experience in co-ordinating study pathways and supporting external sites is desirable. 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. 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.