Lead for Strategic Research Initiatives

Job summary

Right to work: We actively promote diversity and inclusion. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Skilled Worker sponsorship will be assigned in line with Trust procedure. Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

The Lead for Strategic Research Initiatives will provide senior clinical leadership to support delivery of strategic research priorities at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

Initially, the post holder will provide leadership for the Trust's Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) Accreditation Programme and support the development and delivery of an agreed Cancer North Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) theme or programme. The role will strengthen collaboration with academic and healthcare partners, support research capacity building and contribute to the delivery of the Trust's Research Strategy 2026-2031.

Main duties of the job

• Support delivery of strategic research priorities across the Trust.
• Provide research leadership for agreed strategic initiatives that enhance the Trust's research profile and impact.
• Represent the Trust at relevant local, regional and national meetings as appropriate.
• Work closely with the Director of Clinical Research, Director of Research, clinical leaders and academic partners to advance the Trust's research ambitions.

• Act as clinical lead for the Trust's OECI Accreditation Programme.
• Support the development of evidence, documentation and action plans required for accreditation.
• Engage clinical, academic and operational colleagues in accreditation activities.
• Contribute to implementation of recommendations arising from the accreditation process.

• Support development and delivery of an agreed Cancer North BRC theme or programme.
• Foster collaboration between the partner Trusts and Universities and other NHS and academic partners.
• Contribute to the development of funding applications and research opportunities aligned to the programme.
• Support the development of research capacity and clinical research activity within the Trust.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen research infrastructure, collaborations and funding.
• Support the development of high-quality research programmes with potential to improve patient outcomes and service delivery.
• Provide mentorship and advice to emerging clinical researchers where appropriate

About us

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's leading cancer centres providing highly specialist cancer care to a population of 2.4m people across Cheshire and Merseyside, and the surrounding areas, including North Wales and the Isle of Man.

Our vision is to not only maintain this level of commitment to excellence but to work with our academic and healthcare partners across the region to ensure care, treatment and patient outcomes continuously improve in the future. We are very proud of all our expert and loyal staff and we welcome people who share the collective aim of delivering excellence in everything that we do.

Our values represent who we are and what we believe in. They define how we act to deliver the best possible care for our patients and shape The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre as a great place to work.

We are -

• Kind
• Empowered
• Responsible
• Inclusive

Job responsibilities

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details about this exciting role on offer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• First clinical degree
• Higher research degree
• Postgraduate clinical qualifications in relevant field
• Evidence of strong continuing professional development

Experience

Essential

• Experience of management
• Experience of exercising effective results orientated leadership
• Clinical /academic research leadership

Desirable

• Understanding of wider health economy
• Experience in project management techniques
• Experience of partnership working

Knowledge

Essential

• Management of clinical research trials
• Risk management of clinical research
• Good clinical practice and the regulatory requirements for clinical research
• Willingness to engage with and learn about performance management issues

Desirable

• Knowledge of performance management issues/ waiting time targets
• An understanding of strategic issues facing cancer services
• An understanding of / willingness to learn about the operation of Foundation Trusts
• Research funding mechnaisms