Job overview
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
We’re looking for a motivated and compassionate Research Midwife to join our team at UHSussex. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference by improving care for birthing people, and their babies through clinical research.
In this role, you will work across our obstetric research studies, supporting participants, managing day-to-day activities, and making sure everything runs smoothly. You’ll use your clinical and research skills to deliver high-quality care while helping to lead complex trials from start to finish.
You’ll also play an important role in promoting research across the Trust. This includes supporting colleagues, guiding new investigators, and ensuring studies meet their goals on time, and with accurate, meaningful results.
Collaboration is a key part of the role. You’ll work closely with NHS teams, Universities, and industry partners to grow our research programme and help shape the future of maternity care both locally and nationally.
If you’re enthusiastic, organised, and ready to be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work closely with our team of clinical research Midwives and Nurses on the Obstetric portfolio, managing studies day-to-day to ensure effective recruitment, participant retention, protocol compliance, accurate data collection, and coordination of tests and procedures.
With specialist Obstetric expertise, they will lead complex trials while delivering high-quality, compassionate care to participants. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to meet the evolving demands of the research portfolio. The role also involves championing research within Trust departments and supporting colleagues and investigators to deliver studies that advance patient care.
In addition, the post holder will track progress across the Obstetric/maternity portfolio, maintaining clear, comprehensive records and supporting the delivery of trials to time and target. They will foster collaborative relationships across the NHS, non-commercial partners, and pharmaceutical sponsors to strengthen research delivery within UHS Trust.
Finally, they will proactively drive change, delivering measurable improvements and aligning initiatives with current and emerging organisational strategies and healthcare priorities.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a
buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Provide delivery of high-quality care and clinical research.
2. Coordinate portfolio of research studies using expert clinical and research knowledge.
3. Independently assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care and research protocols delivered to patients/participants, involving their carers and or relatives.
4. Ensure patient/participation treatment is in accordance with clinical research & local protocols and Good Clinical Practice.
5. Continually evaluate the quality of the care given, regularly assessing the needs of the patients/participants and effects change required to ensure their safety.
6. Collaborate with other health care professionals as necessary to optimise patient/participant care.
7. Participate in decisions concerning the treatments that are given within the context of the research protocol and care of the patient/participant.
Please see attached Job Description for full details.
Person specification
Current NMC registered midwife
Essential criteria
8. Holds NMC Registration
Educated to degree level or equivalent level of experience
Essential criteria
9. Qualification certificate
Specialist knowledge in Obstetric clinical practice in an acute NHS setting
Essential criteria
10. Midwifery experience, example of specialist knowledge in application
Clearly able to demonstrate Trust values
Essential criteria
11. Example of demonstrating trust values in application
Ability to work independently and prioritise own workload
Essential criteria
12. Demonstrated in application
Obstetric clinical trial experience in an NHS setting
Desirable criteria
13. NHS research experience
Good Clinical Practice certification
Desirable criteria
14. Certification of GCP or awareness and willingness to complete GCP
Experience of using computer systems including Excel
Desirable criteria
15. Discussed in application
Recent clinical midwifery experience
Desirable criteria
16. Recent employment history
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
17. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
18. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications