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- Tasks: Lead complex clinical research operations and manage large-scale programmes.
- Company: Queen's University, a leader in healthcare and academic collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 8.4 weeks holiday, pension schemes, and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while promoting equality and diversity.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in health services management or equivalent senior leadership experience.
- Other info: Flexible working options and strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic operational leader with a strong track record in managing complex clinical research or healthcare operations. You will bring substantial leadership experience and the ability to operate effectively across academic, healthcare, and industry environments.
The successful candidate will demonstrate proven experience in leading large-scale operational programmes, managing significant budgets, and delivering high-quality services within regulated environments. You will have a strong understanding of clinical research delivery, including the governance and regulatory frameworks that underpin clinical trials (e.g. GCP, MHRA and related standards).
You will be an effective collaborator and relationship builder, capable of working with senior academic leaders, clinicians, healthcare partners and industry sponsors to enable high-performing research delivery. The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, develop workforce capability and drive organisational change will be essential.
Applicants should hold a postgraduate or professional qualification in a relevant discipline such as health services management, clinical research, life sciences, public health, or business/healthcare leadership (or demonstrate equivalent senior leadership experience). This role requires a highly organised, strategic thinker with excellent communication, influencing and problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to delivering safe, compliant and impactful clinical research.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.
Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health.
Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.
If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.
NICRF Head of Operations employer: Queens University
Contact Detail:
Queens University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NICRF Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the clinical research and healthcare sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your leadership experience and how it relates to managing complex operations. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace NICRF Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational roles you've held. We want to see how you've managed complex projects and budgets, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application: Read through the job description carefully and tailor your application to match the essential and desirable criteria. We love it when candidates connect their skills directly to what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our commitment to equality and diversity there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queens University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of clinical research delivery and the relevant governance frameworks like GCP and MHRA. Brush up on your knowledge about the specific operational challenges in healthcare and be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large-scale operational programmes and managing significant budgets. Think about times when you’ve successfully driven organisational change or developed workforce capability, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, including academic leaders and industry sponsors. Have anecdotes ready that showcase your relationship-building skills and how they’ve contributed to high-performing research delivery in your previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since this role requires excellent communication and influencing skills, consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your responses and ensure you convey your strategic thinking effectively.