Overview

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. (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ourplan/).
• 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.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on a date to be confirmed after the interview. We plan to let candidates know whether they have progressed to the selection stage in the weeks before the planned interview date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact the Staffing Team at smph-west-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in a new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development, access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job, you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record: A basic DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Baseline personnel security standard

This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.