Research Nurse

John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU

Brain BioLink (BBL) is a strategic initiative supported by the Medical research Council (MRC) with the aim to explore and implement novel technology- and science-led ways of human neurobiological research using tissues and samples from people participating in various UK cohort studies or trials. It is a project that could define the future of UK tissue-based translational neurosciences research. It will last at least until 30/09/2026; extended funding is likely and would include this essential professional role.

As the lead Research Nurse, you will be responsible for coordinating and developing ‘best practice’ protocols for sample collection, processing and management, including of associated data. Your role will benefit from affiliation with existing biological resource units such as those established by Oxford’s MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit (MRC-TIDU) and collaborations with UK Biobank, NIHR Bioresource and UK Biocentre at Milton Keynes.

BBL is highly collaborative and one of the main aims is to avoid ‘reinventing the wheel’ by building on existing Research Ethics Committee (REC) approvals and protocols established by internationally leading bioresources such UK Biobank and the Our Future Health project and their cohort-specific agreements (such as those for TWINS UK and Tessa Jowell Brain Matrix). Your role will be instrumental in developing the ‘Link’ between cohorts, data and infrastructure, including digital integration from consent to sample processing and ultimately release to researchers.

You will contribute to the development of BBL-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and provide training to others on their implementation. Reporting to Professor Olaf Ansorge you will join Brain BioLink and be part of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences. You will be embedded in the MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit (MRC-TIDU), benefitting from their established infrastructure and supported by their staff, led by Dr Simona Fourie, who will be your day-to-day line manager. Operating within a complex and highly regulated research environment, you will ensure the highest quality standards for Brain BioLink samples and data.

This is a new collaboration between the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the Radcliffe Department of Medicine to streamline collection and analysis of biological samples, mostly tissues, for research.

Please see the below 'Job Description' for further details on the responsibilities and selection criteria, as well as further information about the university and how to apply.

Job Description

The post is full time for a fixed term until 30th September 2026 in the first instance. 

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 10th October 2025 will be considered.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. 

Contact Person: NDCN HR Recruitment

Contact Email: recruitment@ndcn.ox.ac.uk

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