Clinical Research Ops Manager – Radiology Research & AI Imaging Hub

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced research or operational manager to join Radiology Research and the Artificial Intelligence Imaging Hub at The Royal Marsden. Working closely with the AI Imaging Hub Directors and the Head of Investigator Initiated Trials, the Senior Scientific Manager will provide senior operational management and coordination across a multidisciplinary portfolio of imaging and AI research. The role will support study set-up and delivery, portfolio and financial oversight, governance and procedures, funding applications, workforce development and collaboration with academic, NHS and industry partners.

We are looking for someone with substantial experience of research management, trial management or operational delivery in a clinical, scientific or academic environment, including portfolio, budget and reporting responsibilities. Experience of line management and multidisciplinary working, together with knowledge of clinical research governance and regulatory requirements, is essential. Experience of imaging, radiology, nuclear medicine or AI-enabled research would be advantageous.

Main duties of the job

The Senior Scientific Manager will support the Directors in the operational management and coordination of the Radiology Research Group and Artificial Intelligence Imaging Hub, working across scientific, clinical and research support teams. The post holder will coordinate the people, processes and partnerships needed to deliver agreed imaging and AI research priorities and support the safe translation of digital tools for patient benefit. The post holder will support an effective and inclusive working environment, including staff induction, development, recruitment and retention, within agreed workforce plans and delegated authority. The post holder will coordinate engagement with academic and industry partners, identify funding and collaboration opportunities, and advise the Directors on operational requirements. Strategic and scientific direction and final decisions will remain with the Hub Directors.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Work with relevant imaging departments to implement agreed research priorities, coordinate delivery plans, identify operational requirements, monitor progress and upscale risks.
• Support effective multidisciplinary working across the Hub and its stakeholders.
• Coordinate opportunities to share expertise with other centres and provide operational support for the set-up and delivery of multicentre imaging studies.
• Provide quarterly and annual reports on activities relating to the Hub.
• Coordinate the development of funding applications for imaging research projects, working with investigators, finance and research support teams to ensure costings follow national and local requirements.
• Support the identification of funding streams and contribute to grant applications.
• Monitor and report income and expenditure against approved budgets and upscale variances through the agreed route.
• Maintain collaborative working with the RMH BRC, RMH CRF, the ICR and relevant NIHR groups to support delivery of agreed cancer imaging and AI research priorities.
• Maintain awareness of relevant technology, policy, funding and regulatory developments (i.e NHSX, HDR UK Gateway, NHS Digital, Innovate UK, EPSRC), and advise the Directors and wider team on their operational implications.
• Support dissemination of cancer imaging developments by coordinating publication and presentation opportunities and maintaining effective working partnerships.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant life sciences, healthcare, research or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Well developed digital skills, including document preparation, data handling and use of standard office software.
• Experience of using research, project management or data systems and tools.
• Training or equivalent experience in research methods and Good Clinical Practice.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
• Postgraduate research degree or relevant management qualification.

Experience

• Substantial experience of research management, trial management or operational delivery in a relevant clinical, scientific or academic setting, including portfolio, budget and reporting responsibilities.
• Experience of line management, supervision or coordinating the work of others.
• Experience of working with and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of governance and regulatory requirements relevant to clinical research, data driven studies and AI enabled research.
• Experience of developing or delivering training, induction or staff development.
• Experience of imaging research, radiology, nuclear medicine or AI enabled research.

Skills, knowledge and personal attributes

• Proven experience of team leadership and team building initiatives.
• Advanced organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of development and organisation.
• Excellent cross-disciplinary/interagency communication skills and ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to manage performance and support staff development.
• Ability to support the development and delivery of research projects and service improvements within agreed priorities.
• Confident and articulate.
• Ability to make proportionate operational decisions within delegated authority, organise and prioritise.
• Ability to identify practical improvements and respond constructively to change.
• Able to work independently within delegated authority and elevate appropriately.
• Flexibility to meet the needs of the service, particularly during reporting periods to funders.

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.