Head of Research and Development

Job description

Job responsibilities

R&D Strategy and Planning

1. Be responsible for coordinating the development of a strategy and policies for R&D within the Trust that meets local, regional and national priorities and requirements.

2. Identify opportunities to grow the research Portfolio within the Trust, with a particular focus on developing new Principal Investigators (Medical and Non-Medical)

3. Maximise recruitment to NIHR Portfolio research, supported by the RRDN NW to maintain and enhance RRDN NW funding into the department.

4. Be responsible for the planning the strategic development of commercial research activity within the Trust and across North Lancashire and South Cumbria on behalf of and in association with the RRDN NW, identifying areas for potential growth e.g. Medical devices, Biosimilar trials

5. To ensure that systems are managed for the organisation of research activities under coherent programmes and themes, maximising use of the local portfolio management system (EDGE).

6. To maintain effective links with the Finance Department to support the financial planning and management of R&D activities in line with the Trusts strategic objectives, ensuring available funds are used to build local research capacity and capability.

7. To provide information and advice, e.g. on appropriate partnerships and collaborations, targeting of applications, dissemination and implementation.

Performance Management and Reporting

1. Responsible for the management of R&D infrastructure and operational arrangements. This includes direct line management of the research management team

2. To be the budget holder for the R & D Department.

3. To work with the Trusts Director of Research & Development and members of the Trust Board to further develop and report upon the performance management of R&D, research performance indicators and related activities.

Research Governance and Quality

1. To ensure that relevant information on R&D performance is used to inform decision-making in relation to the provision of support for future R&D activities, building future capacity in areas of growth.

2. To promote and development patient and public involvement in R&D.

Communications, External Links & Partnerships

1. To work with colleagues within the Trust, the Universities and the local health community on developing joint projects, programmes and research initiatives. This may occasionally involve working on a specific research project.

2. To liaise with the RRDN NW to increase commercial and non-commercial activity both locally and regionally, including the development of appropriate infrastructure.

3. To communicate relevant information to researchers and Trust officers, via seminars, briefings, papers, bulletins, reports and publications, as mechanisms for disseminating research findings. To publicise achievements and to communicate with the wider health community, including service users, carers and universities.

4. To maintain effective links with other sources of expertise and advice, including other Research and Development Directors and Managers, (both locally regionally and nationally), universities, local authorities and regional Government agencies.

5. To liaise with Commercial companies to manage the R&D contracts associated with clinical trials, ensuring efficient set up.

6. To keep up to date with relevant policies and developments, and to attend training courses, meetings and conferences as necessary.

7. Frequent report writing, for example to the trust board and RDDN NW

8. Ability to manipulate complex data using relevant IT programmes.

Management of the R&D Department

1. To be responsible for the operation of the R&D office.

2. To be responsible for the management of R&D department budget.

3. To adhere to the Trusts policies, Standing Orders and Financial Instructions, and compliance with the legislation associated with the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection Act.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience of working in NHS R&D / Clinical Research Management
• Experience of delivering training and/or working in an advisory capacity
• Experience of liaising with different professions and organisations at all levels
• Initiative, strategic thinking and problem resolution

Desirable

• Up-to-date GCP (Good Clinical Practice) training
• Clinical qualification e.g. registered nurse, allied health professional

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).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust

Address

Royal Lancaster Infirmary

Ashton Road

Lancaster

LA1 4RP

Employer's website

https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)