Head of Medical Device Innovation Principal Clinical Scientist

Job summaryUCLH is a leading healthcare provider committed to delivering world-class patient care, research, and education. We are seeking a highly skilled, experienced and motivated scientist to support the Head of Clinical Engineering in leading, managing and developing our Medical Device Innovation Team within the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at UCLH.This is a rare leadership opportunity to shape the future of Medical Device Innovation at one of the UK's leading teaching hospitals. We have recently restructured our teams and, following the retirement of a long-standing postholder, we are using this moment to review and rebrand our service, broaden our ambition and lead UCLH in taking full advantage of new manufacturing technologies.We are looking for an inspiring Principal Clinical Scientist who can bring vision, pace and credibility to the Medical Device Innovation Team. You will build on established strengths in patient-specific cranioplasty implants, anatomical modelling and specialist mechanical engineering, while developing a broader innovation function that connects clinicians, researchers, UCL, industry and innovation networks.If you have a demonstrable track record in medical device design and innovation, and the enthusiasm, drive and ideas to develop this area of work, we want to hear from you.Main duties of the jobYou will lead the Medical Device Innovation Team at an exciting point in its development, setting direction, creating momentum and building a service that helps clinicians and researchers turn unmet clinical needs into safe, effective and compliant device solutions.You will be responsible for services including patient-specific cranioplasty implants, anatomical modelling, specialist mechanical engineering, medical device modification and customisation, and research, development and innovation involving medical devices. You will authorise work undertaken by the team, manage quality, safety, performance, resources and project budgets, and lead a multidisciplinary team of clinical scientists, mechanical engineers, technologists and apprentices.A major part of the role will be outward-facing: finding collaborators, developing opportunities, supporting grant development, using new manufacturing technologies intelligently, and helping UCLH translate innovation into clinical practice.About usUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:o University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)o National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgeryo Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitalso University College Hospital Grafton Way Buildingo Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicineo University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centreo The Hospital for Tropical Diseaseso University College Hospital at Westmoreland StreetWe are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.DetailsDate posted10 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8bSalary 75,328 to 86,114 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number309-UCLH-8280503Job locationsElizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College Hospital235 Euston RoadLondonNW1 2BUUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.The Head of Medical Device Innovation is responsible for providing operational, scientific and strategic leadership for the Medical Device Innovation Team within Clinical Engineering. The postholder will lead the development and delivery of specialist services supporting medical device innovation and create and communicate a clear vision aligned with Clinical Engineering, Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, UCLH strategy and the needs of clinical and research partners.The postholder will provide highly specialist clinical scientific and engineering advice on the design, development, manufacture and evaluation of medical devices within the scope of Medical Device Innovation. They will interpret and apply relevant legislation, standards, quality systems and research governance requirements to work undertaken by the team, including UK medical device regulations, custom-made device requirements, ISO9001, ISO13485, IRAS and MDR-related processes. They will work with Medical Physics Quality & Governance colleagues where projects interface with IRAS, technical file review, regulatory assessment or Trust/UCL research approval processes.The postholder will be responsible for activity, performance, quality, safety, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement of Medical Device Innovation services, including patient-specific cranioplasty implants, anatomical modelling, specialist mechanical engineering, medical device modification and customisation, and research, development and innovation involving medical devices. They will authorise work undertaken by the team within agreed governance, quality and regulatory arrangements, escalating to the Head of Clinical Engineering where senior approval is required.The role includes leading operational delivery, managing referral pathways and workflows, monitoring service performance, managing resources and budgets associated with defined projects, ensuring safe use of facilities and specialist equipment, developing business cases and service development proposals, and supporting Clinical Engineering strategic planning.The postholder will develop effective relationships across organisational and professional boundaries, including with clinical services, researchers, UCL, industry partners, suppliers and innovation networks. They will proactively identify unmet clinical needs, support grant development, lead or support collaborative innovation projects and promote translation into safe clinical practice.The postholder will line manage assigned staff, maintain competency frameworks, support STP and other training, contribute to teaching and professional development, and promote a culture of quality, safety, professional accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement.Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff** UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit: Flexible working.To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH? Job description Job responsibilitiesFor the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.The Head of Medical Device Innovation is responsible for providing operational, scientific and strategic leadership for the Medical Device Innovation Team within Clinical Engineering. The postholder will lead the development and delivery of specialist services supporting medical device innovation and create and communicate a clear vision aligned with Clinical Engineering, Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, UCLH strategy and the needs of clinical and research partners.The postholder will provide highly specialist clinical scientific and engineering advice on the design, development, manufacture and evaluation of medical devices within the scope of Medical Device Innovation. They will interpret and apply relevant legislation, standards, quality systems and research governance requirements to work undertaken by the team, including UK medical device regulations, custom-made device requirements, ISO9001, ISO13485, IRAS and MDR-related processes. They will work with Medical Physics Quality & Governance colleagues where projects interface with IRAS, technical file review, regulatory assessment or Trust/UCL research approval processes.The postholder will be responsible for activity, performance, quality, safety, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement of Medical Device Innovation services, including patient-specific cranioplasty implants, anatomical modelling, specialist mechanical engineering, medical device modification and customisation, and research, development and innovation involving medical devices. They will authorise work undertaken by the team within agreed governance, quality and regulatory arrangements, escalating to the Head of Clinical Engineering where senior approval is required.The role includes leading operational delivery, managing referral pathways and workflows, monitoring service performance, managing resources and budgets associated with defined projects, ensuring safe use of facilities and specialist equipment, developing business cases and service development proposals, and supporting Clinical Engineering strategic planning.The postholder will develop effective relationships across organisational and professional boundaries, including with clinical services, researchers, UCL, industry partners, suppliers and innovation networks. They will proactively identify unmet clinical needs, support grant development, lead or support collaborative innovation projects and promote translation into safe clinical practice.The postholder will line manage assigned staff, maintain competency frameworks, support STP and other training, contribute to teaching and professional development, and promote a culture of quality, safety, professional accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement.Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff** UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit: Flexible working.To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?Person Specification Knowledge and Qualifications EssentialGood (1st or 2nd class) honours level degree in Engineering or Physical Science, or equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.Relevant MSc, MEng, PhD or equivalent level of specialist knowledge obtained through qualifications, training and experience.HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist or commitment and eligibility to register within 3 years of appointment.Corporate Membership of a relevant Professional Institute (eg IPEM, IET, IMechE).Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development.Evidence of leadership and management training or equivalent development.Advanced knowledge of medical device design, development, evaluation and manufacturing processes, including CAD, image segmentation, 3D modelling and additive manufacturing.Advanced knowledge of relevant medical device legislation, standards and guidance, including UK medical device regulations, custom-made device requirements, ISO13485, ISO9001, risk management and research governance processes.Advanced knowledge and understanding of the physical principles underlying measurement systems, electronic instrumentation its application to the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of patients.Advanced knowledge of electrical safety issues and the associated national and international technical standards for medical electrical equipment.Advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of risk and quality management applied to the design, development, manufacture and management of medical devices and healthcare technology.Broad knowledge of health and safety legislation and safe workshop / manufacturing practice.Knowledge of research governance requirements relevant to medical device innovation projects, including how these interface with IRAS, technical file review and local approval processes.DesirableChartered Engineer or Chartered Scientist.Project management qualification or evidence of formal project management training.Knowledge of grant funding, research collaboration agreements, intellectual property or innovation pathways. Experience EssentialSignificant post-registration experience in a scientific healthcare, clinical engineering, medical physics, regulated engineering or medical device environment.Significant experience of medical device design, development, manufacture, modification or evaluation.Experience of leading or providing senior oversight of patient-specific devices, anatomical modelling, additive manufacturing, precision engineering or related specialist medical device services.Experience of working within quality management systems, including preparation of technical documentation, traceability records, risk assessments and audit-ready evidence.Experience of interpreting and applying medical device regulatory requirements, standards and guidance.Experience of coordinating complex multidisciplinary projects involving clinical, scientific, engineering, academic and external stakeholders.Experience of people management, including supervision, appraisal, objective setting and staff development.Experience of managing resources, equipment, service workflows or project budgets.Experience of developing service improvement, service development or business case proposals.Experience of research, development and innovation involving medical devices or healthcare technology.Experience of developing collaborations with clinicians, researchers, academic partners, industry or external innovation partners.DesirableExperience of contributing to grants, publications, conference presentations or dissemination of scientific work.Experience of holding grants or managing funded innovation or research projects.Experience of involvement in regional, national or professional committees or networks. Scientific & Clinical EssentialAbility to apply expert clinical scientific and engineering knowledge to the safe and optimal design, manufacture, configuration, modification and evaluation of medical devices and anatomical models.Ability to interpret complex clinical requirements and translate them into technical specifications, design outputs and safe engineering solutions.Ability to make balanced judgements in highly complex situations involving safety, clinical need, technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, quality, usability, cost and risk.Ability to provide highly specialised advice on medical device innovation for clinical care, surgical planning, research and service development.Ability to lead options appraisals, risk assessments and technical reviews for novel or modified medical devices.Ability to oversee CAD, image processing, 3D modelling, additive manufacturing and precision engineering workflows.Ability to produce, review and approve clear technical documentation, reports, procedures, risk assessments and design records.Ability to identify, evaluate and support adoption of emerging technologies relevant to medical device innovation.Ability to apply infection control, decontamination, materials compatibility and patient safety requirements to device design and manufacturing decisions. Leadership EssentialAbility to lead, manage and develop a multidisciplinary team effectively and sympathetically.Ability to motivate staff, inspire confidence and create a cohesive team culture.Ability to prioritise, delegate and supervise complex programmes of work across multiple stakeholders and deadlines.Ability to develop and articulate a strategic vision for Medical Device Innovation.Ability to identify service development opportunities and turn these into practical plans, business cases or funded projects.Ability to manage change and introduce new technologies, services and working practices.Ability to manage quality, risk and performance in a specialist clinical scientific service.Ability to manage budgets, resources, equipment and facilities responsibly.Ability to work collaboratively across organisational and professional boundaries.Ability to represent Medical Device Innovation and provide senior specialist advice on behalf of Clinical Engineering, as agreed with the Head of Clinical Engineering. Communication EssentialExcellent interpersonal and collaborative working skills.Ability to communicate highly complex scientific, engineering, regulatory and risk information to clinical, academic, managerial, technical and non-specialist audiences.Ability to communicate risks, limitations and options clearly where stakeholders may have differing priorities or levels of technical understanding.Ability to negotiate solutions where conflicting clinical, technical, regulatory, operational or financial views exist.Ability to prepare clear written reports, policies, procedures, business cases, technical documentation and research governance submissions.Ability to present effectively to senior clinicians, Trust managers, academic partners and external stakeholders.Ability to chair complex multidisciplinary meetings effectively.Ability to develop networks and proactively create new collaborations with clinicians, researchers, industry and external partners.Ability to teach and explain complex technical or regulatory material to professional groups. Research, Development and Innovation EssentialAbility to identify unmet clinical needs and translate them into feasible innovation, engineering or research opportunities.Ability to lead research, development and innovation projects involving medical devices.Ability to support grant development, academic collaboration and dissemination of innovation outcomes.Ability to evaluate novel devices, materials, manufacturing methods and clinical technologies.Ability to support translation of innovation into safe clinical practice.Evidence of research, development or innovation track record.Record of presenting or publishing scientific, engineering or innovation work. Personal Qualities EssentialHighly motivated with a commitment to innovation and improving patient care.Excellent attention to detail and strong commitment to quality, safety and professional accountability.Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities and service needs.Able to prioritise and manage own workload and that of the team, under pressure.Flexible and adaptable in response to changing clinical, operational and research priorities.Able to work constructively as part of a wider departmental leadership team. Person Specification Knowledge and Qualifications EssentialGood (1st or 2nd class) honours level degree in Engineering or Physical Science, or equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.Relevant MSc, MEng, PhD or equivalent level of specialist knowledge obtained through qualifications, training and experience.HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist or commitment and eligibility to register within 3 years of appointment.Corporate Membership of a relevant Professional Institute (eg IPEM, IET, IMechE).Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development.Evidence of leadership and management training or equivalent development.Advanced knowledge of medical device design, development, evaluation and manufacturing processes, including CAD, image segmentation, 3D modelling and additive manufacturing.Advanced knowledge of relevant medical device legislation, standards and guidance, including UK medical device regulations, custom-made device requirements, ISO13485, ISO9001, risk management and research governance processes.Advanced knowledge and understanding of the physical principles underlying measurement systems, electronic instrumentation its application to the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of patients.Advanced knowledge of electrical safety issues and the associated national and international technical standards for medical electrical equipment.Advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of risk and quality management applied to the design, development, manufacture and management of medical devices and healthcare technology.Broad knowledge of health and safety legislation and safe workshop / manufacturing practice.Knowledge of research governance requirements relevant to medical device innovation projects, including how these interface with IRAS, technical file review and local approval processes.DesirableChartered Engineer or Chartered Scientist.Project management qualification or evidence of formal project management training.Knowledge of grant funding, research collaboration agreements, intellectual property or innovation pathways. Experience EssentialSignificant post-registration experience in a scientific healthcare, clinical engineering, medical physics, regulated engineering or medical device environment.Significant experience of medical device design, development, manufacture, modification or evaluation.Experience of leading or providing senior oversight of patient-specific devices, anatomical modelling, additive manufacturing, precision engineering or related specialist medical device services.Experience of working within quality management systems, including preparation of technical documentation, traceability records, risk assessments and audit-ready evidence.Experience of interpreting and applying medical device regulatory requirements, standards and guidance.Experience of coordinating complex multidisciplinary projects involving clinical, scientific, engineering, academic and external stakeholders.Experience of people management, including supervision, appraisal, objective setting and staff development.Experience of managing resources, equipment, service workflows or project budgets.Experience of developing service improvement, service development or business case proposals.Experience of research, development and innovation involving medical devices or healthcare technology.Experience of developing collaborations with clinicians, researchers, academic partners, industry or external innovation partners.DesirableExperience of contributing to grants, publications, conference presentations or dissemination of scientific work.Experience of holding grants or managing funded innovation or research projects.Experience of involvement in regional, national or professional committees or networks. Scientific & Clinical EssentialAbility to apply expert clinical scientific and engineering knowledge to the safe and optimal design, manufacture, configuration, modification and evaluation of medical devices and anatomical models.Ability to interpret complex clinical requirements and translate them into technical specifications, design outputs and safe engineering solutions.Ability to make balanced judgements in highly complex situations involving safety, clinical need, technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, quality, usability, cost and risk.Ability to provide highly specialised advice on medical device innovation for clinical care, surgical planning, research and service development.Ability to lead options appraisals, risk assessments and technical reviews for novel or modified medical devices.Ability to oversee CAD, image processing, 3D modelling, additive manufacturing and precision engineering workflows.Ability to produce, review and approve clear technical documentation, reports, procedures, risk assessments and design records.Ability to identify, evaluate and support adoption of emerging technologies relevant to medical device innovation.Ability to apply infection control, decontamination, materials compatibility and patient safety requirements to device design and manufacturing decisions. Leadership EssentialAbility to lead, manage and develop a multidisciplinary team effectively and sympathetically.Ability to motivate staff, inspire confidence and create a cohesive team culture.Ability to prioritise, delegate and supervise complex programmes of work across multiple stakeholders and deadlines.Ability to develop and articulate a strategic vision for Medical Device Innovation.Ability to identify service development opportunities and turn these into practical plans, business cases or funded projects.Ability to manage change and introduce new technologies, services and working practices.Ability to manage quality, risk and performance in a specialist clinical scientific service.Ability to manage budgets, resources, equipment and facilities responsibly.Ability to work collaboratively across organisational and professional boundaries.Ability to represent Medical Device Innovation and provide senior specialist advice on behalf of Clinical Engineering, as agreed with the Head of Clinical Engineering. Communication EssentialExcellent interpersonal and collaborative working skills.Ability to communicate highly complex scientific, engineering, regulatory and risk information to clinical, academic, managerial, technical and non-specialist audiences.Ability to communicate risks, limitations and options clearly where stakeholders may have differing priorities or levels of technical understanding.Ability to negotiate solutions where conflicting clinical, technical, regulatory, operational or financial views exist.Ability to prepare clear written reports, policies, procedures, business cases, technical documentation and research governance submissions.Ability to present effectively to senior clinicians, Trust managers, academic partners and external stakeholders.Ability to chair complex multidisciplinary meetings effectively.Ability to develop networks and proactively create new collaborations with clinicians, researchers, industry and external partners.Ability to teach and explain complex technical or regulatory material to professional groups. Research, Development and Innovation EssentialAbility to identify unmet clinical needs and translate them into feasible innovation, engineering or research opportunities.Ability to lead research, development and innovation projects involving medical devices.Ability to support grant development, academic collaboration and dissemination of innovation outcomes.Ability to evaluate novel devices, materials, manufacturing methods and clinical technologies.Ability to support translation of innovation into safe clinical practice.Evidence of research, development or innovation track record.Record of presenting or publishing scientific, engineering or innovation work. Personal Qualities EssentialHighly motivated with a commitment to innovation and improving patient care.Excellent attention to detail and strong commitment to quality, safety and professional accountability.Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities and service needs.Able to prioritise and manage own workload and that of the team, under pressure.Flexible and adaptable in response to changing clinical, operational and research priorities.Able to work constructively as part of a wider departmental leadership team.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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).UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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).UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustAddressElizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College Hospital235 Euston RoadLondonNW1 2BUUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustAddressElizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College Hospital235 Euston RoadLondonNW1 2BUUnited KingdomEmployer's website