Job overview

An excellent opportunity has arisen to work with the Oxford Radiology Research Unit (ORRU) at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust as a Clinical Research Practitioner. 

We’re seeking someone with patient-facing experience- such as a nursing assistant or clinical support worker - who is keen to develop as a healthcare scientist in clinical research. A life sciences background, strong communication, and attention to detail are ideal. You’ll join a supportive team and gain experience towards CRP registration.

This unique role combines hands-on patient interaction - including recruiting participants to studies, obtaining  consent, preparing them for imaging procedures, collecting samples with 1–2 days a week supporting xenon gas manufacture for advanced lung imaging studies, under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

You’ll contribute to world-leading research using cutting-edge techniques such as hyperpolarised xenon MRI, focused ultrasound, and AI technologies. Studies focus on conditions like interstitial lung disease, pneumothorax, and lung cancer.

You’ll play a vital role supporting patients, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with research regulations. Full training will be provided, with excellent opportunities for development and a rewarding career in research.

Main duties of the job

You will support the assessment, recruitment, and ongoing care of patients taking part in clinical trials. Working closely with clinical trial teams and wider multi-disciplinary colleagues, you will help ensure accurate data collection and documentation in line with study protocols.

Your responsibilities will include identifying eligible participants, gaining consent, enrolling patients, and performing study procedures such as blood sampling, recording vital signs, and conducting breathing tests. You’ll also provide education and support to patients throughout their involvement in research, maintaining high standards of care and clear communication.

In addition, you will receive specialist training and contribute to the preparation of xenon gas under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, supporting advanced imaging studies.

To succeed in this role, you will need excellent organisational and communication skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and a proactive, flexible approach. Candidates should have, or be willing to acquire before starting, a good understanding of research protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and relevant regulatory requirements.

Your friendly and compassionate manner will help ensure that all participants feel respected, valued, and well cared for throughout their research journey.

Working for our organisation

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.  Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk

The trust comprises of 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.  These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family.