Head of Research and Development

Main area Research and Development

Grade NHS AfC: Band 8b

Contract Permanent

Hours Full time – 37.5 hours per week (We support a flexible working policy including some remote working.)

Job ref 331-L13550325

Employer University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust

Employer type NHS

Site Royal Lancaster Infirmary

Town Lancaster

Salary £62,215 – £72,293 per annum

Salary period Yearly

Closing 17/03/2025 23:59

Head of Research and Development

NHS AfC: Band 8b

\’\’Creating a great place to be cared for and a great place to work\’\’

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay has a firm commitment to strengthening the diversity of our workforce, and therefore welcome and encourage applications from likeminded people who can support our ambition to become effortlessly inclusive. We are particularly keen to hear from protected groups – including BAME, LGBT+ and people with a disability.

Job overview

The Head of Research and Development is responsible for management of all aspects of NHS Research and Development throughout the Trust, supported by the Director of Research & Development and the Deputy Medical Director (Education, Research, Workforce and Innovation). The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Research & Development to develop, implement and deliver a Trust research strategy, which plays to the strength of the organisation. This strategy will ensure that the clinical research portfolio is grown, providing increased opportunities for our patients to participate in research.

Main duties of the job

1. Supporting the timely development and appropriate management of suitable research programmes and partnerships for the Trust and advising on the appropriate use of R&D resources.
2. Managing the day-to-day R&D operational tasks to ensure the effective and efficient operational management of R&D.
3. Ensure that local capacity and capability assessment (aligned to HRA Approval) within the Trust supports timely set up of clinical research.
4. Overseeing the performance of the research Portfolio within the Trust, with a clear focus on supporting research teams to overcome obstacles to efficient delivery.
5. Contribute to development and delivery of the Trust’s R&D Strategy, with a focus on growing the research capability within the Trust.
6. Working directly with the RRDN NW to develop UHMB as a site for commercial studies across North Lancashire and South Cumbria, building upon existing and emerging strengths.
7. Business planning for the Trust’s NIHR income.
8. Management of R&D Department budget.
9. Working closely with the RRDN NW, the LSC ICB and other relevant agencies to maintain a clear understanding of local, regional and national policies relevant to NHS R&D.
10. Working with the Universities and other healthcare providers (including primary care where appropriate) to develop work programmes and maintain a balanced portfolio of research activities.

Working for our organisation

We operate from three main hospitals: Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.

FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.

WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.

All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, daycase and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.

Detailed job description and main 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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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 develop 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 Trust’s 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

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

PLEASE NOTE THAT SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED BY EMAIL.

The Trust promotes flexible working opportunities where ever possible to enable staff to balance their work and home life. We are committed to Equal Opportunities and aim to be Effortlessly Inclusive.

The trust operates a No Smoking Policy.

Only those applicants who demonstrate clearly how they meet our Person Specification will be shortlisted for Interview.

We reserve the right to close a job advert early where sufficient applications have been received.

The Trust does not offer interview expenses to shortlisted candidates unless indicated in the advert.

If the post is subject to Disclosure & Barring Service checking, (formally CRB) a charge of £49.50 for Enhanced and £21.50 for Standard clearance and additional to this a £4.90 administration fee will be made to the successful candidate(s). This currently only applies to roles Band 6 and above and Medical & Dental posts.

Anyone newly appointed to the trust under the Agenda For Change contract, will be subject to the completion of a satisfactory 6 month probationary period. This will give the new staff member an opportunity to become familiar with the role and working environment.

We have introduced a new system called Pre-Onboarding, specifically to support you right the way through to your first few months in your new role with us at UHMB. This bespoke site has lots of useful information to help you settle into your new role including: what to expect from the recruitment clearances process, where to get a uniform, when you\’ll get paid etc. As well as information on a number of our services i.e. Infection Prevention, Anti-fraud, Inclusion and Diversity, Care Certificates and much more.

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