Lead Nurse/AHP Clinical Academic Research

Job summary

Are you an experienced clinical academic nurse or allied health professional with a strong track record in research, leadership and developing others? The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an ambitious and credible Lead Nurse/AHP for Clinical Academic Research to provide strategic leadership for clinical academic research across nursing and AHP groups.This senior role will support the growth of a visible, confident and sustainable clinical academic workforce, working with clinical teams, Higher Education Institutions, NIHR infrastructure, professional networks and senior leaders. The postholder will strengthen academic career pathways, embed research into practice and align activity to Trust priorities, national policy and the needs of our workforce and patients.We are looking for a clinically credible leader with current professional registration as a nurse or AHP, a relevant degree, PhD/doctoral qualification, GCP training and post-doctoral clinical academic experience. You will bring senior experience in research leadership, workforce development or research delivery, alongside strong communication, change-management and partnership-working skills.At The Christie, research is central to improving patient care. If you are forward-thinking, collaborative and passionate about developing others, we would welcome your application to help shape the next generation of clinical academic research at one of the world's leading cancer centres.

Main duties of the job

As the Lead Nurse/AHP for Clinical Academic Research, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for clinical academic research across nursing and AHP groups. You will develop and support a Trust-wide approach that strengthens research culture, embeds evidence into practice and enables staff to develop clinical academic careers.o Lead and influence clinical academic research strategy, workforce development and career pathways across nursing and AHP groups.o Build strong partnerships with clinical teams, Higher Education Institutions, NIHR infrastructure, professional bodies and research networks.o Provide visible, credible and inclusive leadership to clinical academic staff and colleagues aspiring to develop research careers.o Support high-quality research delivery, ensuring compliance with GCP, governance and regulatory standards.o Contribute to education, mentorship, supervision, appraisal and competency development to build research capability and confidence.o Lead, support and disseminate clinical academic research, including funding applications, publications, PPIE and evaluation activity.An informal visit to discuss the post is highly recommended and encouraged. Please also see the supporting documents to support your application.

About us

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Job responsibilities

Manage resources effectively, including budget oversight and business case development.Advance Education & Professional Development Lead the development of education and training programmes for academic research staff. Support competency frameworks (NIHR, HEE) and promote academic career pathways. Facilitate mentorship, supervision, and appraisal processes.Champion Research & Innovation Lead and support the design, delivery, and dissemination of academic research projects. Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant applications and publications. Act as PI or Co I on funded research, ensuring delivery to time, budget, and quality. Promote patient and public involvement (PPIE) and ensure inclusivity in research activity.An informal visit to discuss the post is highly recommended and encouraged. Please also see the supporting documents to support with your application.

Person specification

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Registered Nurse (NMC)
• Degree in Nursing or related subject Master's degree
• GCP Training

Desirable

• Doctoral qualification
• Post graduate qualification in leadership and/or management
• Teaching qualification

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Significant experience in senior management within clinical research or academic research settings
• Experience of leading teams and delivering excellence through others
• Experience of workforce planning, development, and budget management
• Evidence of delivering and managing academic research projects
• Experience of collaborative working across organisational boundaries

Desirable

• Experience of facilitating team and service development
• Experience of large-scale improvement programmes
• Evidence of extensive expert professional knowledge in area supplemented by specialist managerial/leadership training and CPD

SKILLS/ KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Advanced leadership, communication, and change management skills
• In-depth knowledge of research governance, academic research frameworks, and NHS policy
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and build effective relationships at all levels
• Evidence of effective people management and professional development
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data and produce meaningful reports
• Understanding of NHS national and local policy. Identification of Key stakeholders and all regulatory bodies.
• In depth Knowledge of the governance and legislative framework for clinical research
• Detailed understanding of clinical research in the NHS

VALUES

Essential

• Demonstrates Trust values and behaviours

OTHER

Essential

• Demonstrates flexibility in working hours
• Able to cope with demanding and unpredictable work pattern
• Able to perform a wide range of duties.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Inspires others and leads by example
• Flexible, self-motivated, and resilient
• Computer literate, proven ability to use word, outlook diary, excel and e-mail
• Good keyboard skills Awareness of the requirements of information governance