Due to the ongoing growth of research within the surgery, an exciting opportunity has become available to join the research team at our incredibly friendly practice based in Oxfordshire. The aim of this role is to support research within the surgery. The role will also include an element of community engagement to help improve our recruitment with underserved communities.
You'll be employed solely by Hedena and joining our established Research team consisting of a GP research lead, Paramedic Research Coordinator, Research Assistant and Research Administrator.
This is our third year in research and our portfolio of studies is growing rapidly. This year we've been awarded considerable funding from the NIHR and become a sessional practice and part of the South-Central Regional Research Delivery Network. Over the last two years we have completed three site studies and a commercial study. We are currently delivering eleven site studies with a further three in set up phase at the moment. We've just started our second commercial study with another aiming to start early 2026.
As a practice we are innovating, forward thinking and determined to deliver the best care to our patients. Here you will find ample opportunities to grown, obtain additional skills, diversify your working day and progress through the organisation. You will be supervised regularly and receive continuous support from clinicians within the research team.
While the focus will be on the research work, an element of this role would be delivering clinical services as a Nursing Associate, supporting contracts work within the surgery by delivering some appointments for NHS health checks and annual disease reviews. This will allow you to keep up your general nurse associate skills. The exact details of this would depend on the successful applicant's skill set and the capacity of the research team at the time.
We offer a competitive salary reflecting our expectations from the role and your skill set. Six weeks of annual leave per year with one week study leave plus your birthday off each year.
Wellbeing is at the forefront of our workplace strategy. This is promoted through initiatives such as daily coffee breaks for clinicians in our well stocked coffee room or our lovely outdoor Quad, an annual away day, fresh fruit deliveries, staff outings, bike to work scheme, homemade cakes, a Hedena running club and more recently a Tennis club too
Duties and responsibilities:
* Promote and support research within the practice, especially within underserved and housebound communities
* Deliver high-quality, compassionate care to patients
* Develop an inclusive approach to research recruitment within the practice and community
* Perform clinical tasks (e.g., ECGs, phlebotomy, cannulation and others as needed for specific studies)
* Maintain clear, compliant documentation for all research activities
* Uphold safeguarding, privacy, and dignity in all interactions
* Become an ambassador for research both within the practice and in the community
* Assisting the Nursing team with other clinical tasks as required.
What you'll need (essential)
Knowledge & Understanding:
* A clear understanding of the Nursing Associate role in a multidisciplinary team
* Familiarity with the NMC Code and standards for professional practice
* Compliance with NMC revalidation requirements
* Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare/research
Qualifications:
* NMC registration as a Nursing Associate and the related undergraduate qualification
* GCSEs (Grade A–C) or equivalent in English and Maths (or Skills Level 2)
Skills & Competence:
* Strong communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare teams
* Able to work independently and manage a dynamic workload
* Experience in venepuncture and phlebotomy
* Competent in recording patient observations and conducting assessments such as ECGs
Experience:
* Experience working in a clinical environment as a Nursing Associate
* Experience working within a team under appropriate supervision
Personal Qualities:
* Professional, compassionate, and reflective in approach
* A team player who is open to learning and feedback
Other Requirements:
* Flexibility to work across locations and attend community events (this may require some working in evenings and on weekends to support community events e.g. patient participation groups)
* Access to own transport for mobile visits
It's great if you also have (desirable)
* Previous experience in clinical research or primary care
* Familiarity with EMIS, Accurx, or similar primary care IT systems
* Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification
* Training or study in a research-related field
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Work Location: In person