Head of Research & Development

Job responsibilities

Oversee the management of research governance approvals across partner organisations, monitoring and inspection of research projects;

Contribute to corporate strategy and policymaking and promote and support policy and strategy decisions both internally and externally;

Promote and represent the Trust at external meetings with key stakeholders and to help position the Trust in such a way that it is able to respond quickly to new research and funding opportunities;

Lead on collaboratively developing high-quality business cases for additional investment as required

To manage Research & Development in the Trust in such a way that encourages a stimulating environment to support research for patient benefit and integrate Research Innovations into Trust systems and structures;

Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of NHS research policy and strategy, and interpret these to establish appropriate goals and standards for the Trust in order to see a sustained improvement in performance to initiate and conduct research;

Oversee work to ensure the promotion of research participation (patients and staff) and a wider awareness of how it contributes to improvements;

Provide specialist advice to the Trusts Executive Management Team on matters of research that will require the analysis, interpretation, risk assessment and comparison of a range of options in order to facilitate decision making;

Lead and advise on R&D Intellectual Property management (IP rights, patenting and licensing) to ensure proper protection and exploitation for the benefit of patients & the Trust;

Lead and advise on the Trusts role as a sponsor for staff initiated projects;

Ensure the Trust is well represented in any discussions with local clinical research networks and in a strong position to support achievement of the Trusts vision and strategic objectives;

Lead on negotiations with the networks to ensure appropriate funding for research infrastructure required to deliver on NIHR research activity;

Manage Research in the Trust in such a way that encourages a stimulating environment for Research, to support research for patient benefit and integrate Research Innovations into Trust systems and structures;

Support the development and implementation of the Research & Development Strategy;

Be responsible for contributing to other corporate strategies for the Trust to ensure R&D is appropriately prioritised and reflected in service planning and development

Support and develop partnerships with Academic Health Sciences Network (AHSN), KSS, Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) and associated Clinical Academic Groups (CAGs), to ensure that RCHT delivers its Research Strategy

To be accountable for the services provided by R&D

Lead on forecasting of recruitment performance, financial predictions and all other aspects of business planning

Direct responsibility for performance management against business plans and service strategies, using appropriate performance management systems for overview, escalation and intervention;

To ensure all research services are developed and maintained to the highest standards and make a positive and significant contribution to the Trusts core aims and objectives as outlined in Trusts strategic plan;

To ensure that R&D is integrated into the Trusts operational agenda to maximise the direct and indirect benefits of participation in research to patients and staff in the Trust.

To assume responsibility for the resolution of any urgent issues within the Department;

Ensure that the Trusts patients and members can contribute effectively to the development of the Trusts research plans and that they are supported to enable them to make a meaningful and valuable contribution to the Trust research portfolio;

To develop and maintain appropriate suitable Key Performance Indicators

Seek out and utilise external funding opportunities to design and deliver increased research capability and capacity throughout the organisation;

Oversee the management of research governance approvals across partner organisations, monitoring and inspection of research projects.

Qualifications

Essential

• oDegree level (BA or BSc Hons equivalent) or to be able to demonstrate relevant experience commensurate with the post.

Desirable

• oMaster's degree

Experience

Essential

• oResearch management at a senior level
• oPrevious workplace experience within a clinical trial setting.
• oExperience of producing analysis in numerical or graphical formats to a high standard. ation, set up and close out.
• oAbility to lead others and relate to different professional groups and managers.
• oExperience in managing budgets.

Desirable

• oPrevious NHS experience
• oFinance tracking
• oCommercial expertise

Training

Desirable

• oTeaching qualification
• oICH Good Clinical Practice

Additional Circumstances

Essential

• oAbility to travel across the Peninsula
• oStandard DBS check satisfactory to the Trust
• oPost-holder must comply with professional code of conduct and/or code of conduct for NHS managers where applicable.

Practical and Intellectual Skills

Essential

• oClinical trial document recognition
• oUnderstanding of ethical and legal requirements of clinical trials
• oNegotiation skills with regard to costs with pharmaceutical companies.
• oDevelop and present strategies to meet requirements of all service users and meet local/national deadlines
• oUnderstanding of budgets and financial management
• oAbility to work to tight deadlines sometimes under pressure

Desirable

• oProject management skills
• oMonitoring of clinical trial
• oUnderstanding of NHS processes & patient pathways

Disposition

Essential

• oGood interpersonal skills.
• oProven ability to influence and persuade others and lead and manage a team.
• oInnovative and resourceful.
• oExcellent attention to detail/accuracy.
• oWork well under pressure.
• oFlexible, especially with respect to travel.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).