Research Nurse/Midwife in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is seeking an experienced and motivated Research Midwife to support a study investigating blood and placental markers of preterm birth during the hot and warm months of the year. The postholder will play a key role in facilitating the identification, approach, recruitment and follow-up of pregnant women, working closely with academic researchers and NHS clinical teams. This role is central to ensuring high-quality, ethical research delivery and positive participant experience.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• The Research Midwife will identify eligible participants within antenatal and maternity settings and provide clear, sensitive information about the study to potential participants.
• They will obtain informed consent in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and study protocols, coordinate the collection of blood samples and placental tissue, and ensure accurate documentation and data entry.
• The postholder will liaise with obstetric, midwifery and laboratory teams to ensure smooth study delivery, monitor recruitment targets, and contribute to problem-solving to maximise recruitment during relevant seasonal periods.
• Responsibilities also include maintaining participant confidentiality, supporting study follow-up where required, contributing to ethics and governance compliance, and assisting with reporting to the research team.

Person Specification

• Applicants must be a registered midwife with current NMC registration and relevant clinical experience in maternity care.
• Experience in clinical research, participant recruitment or consent-taking is highly desirable, as is knowledge of GCP.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong organisational abilities, and meticulous attention to detail.
• They must be able to work both independently and collaboratively, show sensitivity when engaging with pregnant women, and demonstrate a clear commitment to high standards of research integrity and patient-centred care.

Research

• Identify and assist in recruiting patients for blood and placental studies investigating the biochemical and molecular changes associated with birth during cold and warm months of the year, and how these changes may cause preterm birth.
• Participate and take a lead on developing Patient Participation and Involvement (PPI) in research, working with other team members.
• Liaise with other research team members working in the laboratories and be responsible for the secure transfer of samples and data to the laboratories at appropriate intervals.

Clinical

• Ensure adherence to the research protocol and documentation.
• Possess working knowledge of the management of normal birth as well as preterm birth and neonatal care.
• Provide information, education and support to patients and, where appropriate, their significant others, regarding the research studies.
• Attend multi-disciplinary research team meetings and appropriate clinics to screen and recruit new study participants.

Planning and organisation

• Organise workload effectively and efficiently, and work closely with other team members.
• Take responsibility for the collection and transport of patient samples and data, and for the associated record-keeping, in accordance with ICH/GCP guidelines.
• Identify any barriers to recruitment and work with the PI, lead research team members and other colleagues to remove these.

General duties and responsibility

• Understand and adhere to the Faculty, University and Sheffield Teaching Hospital's policies and procedures.
• Ensure all work is embedded in the University's Strategic Plan.
• Act in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct.
• Attend ICH GCP training and other development courses to comply with national guidelines and maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Establish good working relationships and effective communication with team members and NHS and University colleagues.
• Ensure optimal management of resources.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

• Registered Nurse/Midwife with current registration on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.
• Degree in Nursing/Midwifery or equivalent professional qualification.
• Recent clinical experience working in maternity, antenatal, or intrapartum care.
• Sound knowledge of pregnancy, labour, and placental health, including factors influencing preterm birth.
• Understanding of safeguarding, consent, and confidentiality in maternity care.
• Ability to obtain informed consent from pregnant women in line with ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research governance within clinical setting.
• Ability to work in accordance with study protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex research information clearly, sensitively, and appropriately to pregnant women and families.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clinical, academic, and laboratory staff.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to maintain accurate, confidential study documentation and research records.
• Professional, compassionate, and participant-centred approach to care and research.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to data quality and research integrity.
• Ability to work independently using own initiative, and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet study recruitment needs, including during warmer months when recruitment activity is highest.
• Ability to travel between University and NHS sites as required.

Further Information

• Grade: Grade 7
• Salary: £38,784 - £41,064
• Work arrangement: Part-time, 0.2 Full-time Equivalent
• Duration: 01/04/2026 to 31/03/2028