Head of Research and Development

This post is a Secondment until 31/03/2028 due to funding. If you are a Hywel Dda University Health Board employee and are applying for this post as a secondment, agreement for the secondment is needed from your current manager prior to application.

The Head of Research and Development will be responsible for providing specialist strategic and operational leadership of the Research and Development Division to ensure the delivery of high quality research that improves patient outcomes, meets performance objectives and aligns systems, processes, and workflows within Health Board and national research priorities.

The post holder will promote and develop a research culture that supports high quality and impactful research by building collaborative relationships with partner organisations, identifying synergies and acting as the main point of contact for research operational queries within the Health Board.

• The Head of Research and Development will be accountable for the strategic leadership, management and development of the research operations across the Health Board, including governance and the oversight of the delivery performance of all research studies.
• The post holder will lead the R&D Division’s operational teams, encompassing support and delivery services for researchers, researcher development and study operations and research governance/quality assurance functions.
• Provide expert strategic, clinical and research advice to senior leaders and multidisciplinary stakeholders on research operations, Welsh Government policy, and complex legislative requirements.
• This includes offering specialist guidance and leadership to clinical and research teams providing direct clinical care within the research setting, and ensuring safe, effective patient management through robust competency frameworks and consistent standards of assessment and care.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

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