Research Director - #1654892

Job Overview

We are excited to invite applications for the role of Research Director at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. This senior leadership post offers 4 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week, with the opportunity to undertake clinical work within the Trust or hold an academic post at UCL or Imperial College London, for those wishing to combine research leadership with clinical or academic commitments.

This is a pivotal role for a visionary leader to shape and deliver an ambitious research strategy that aligns with CNWL’s organisational priorities and the wider Integrated Care System. The postholder will work in close partnership with academic, ICS, and industry collaborators—particularly with West London Trust, CLCH, and NOCLOR—to position CNWL as a leader in applied health research and innovation.

If you are a strategic, collaborative, and inspiring leader passionate about the power of research to transform services and improve population health, we would love to hear from you.

Please note, Salary and London weighting allowance will vary depending on grade of role offered.

Main duties of the job

You will oversee a wide-ranging research portfolio, drive forward equity and inclusivity in research participation, and support capacity building across all clinical professional groups. You will also lead the integration of research findings into clinical practice and help develop the Trust's research brand and communication strategy.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record in research leadership, experience in research governance and grant development, and a commitment to addressing health inequalities. An honorary academic contract with UCL or Imperial is anticipated.

The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the post holder.

More information about CNWL and NOCLOR can be found at https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/, https://www.noclor.nhs.uk/ and Join our CNWL Medical Team :: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Working for our organisation

Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust specialises in caring for people with a wide range of physical and mental health needs. Over the last few years, our catchment area has grown significantly, making the Trust’s population more diverse than ever. The area spans the communities of London, Milton Keynes, and wider geographical areas of Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and Kent. There are areas of great affluence as well as deprivation, and over 100 first languages are spoken in these communities.

We are constantly developing and working in innovative ways to provide modern, dependable services in:

• Physical and mental health sectors
• Primary, secondary, and community services
• Health and social care settings for all ages
  
  

CNWL Trust Values

• Compassion: Led by compassion and embodying the values of care outlined in our Staff Charter.
• Respect: Valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment that recognises each individual's uniqueness.
• Empowerment: Involving and informing patients, service users, carers, and their families to take an active role in managing their illness and adopting recovery principles. Providing staff with the support they need to grow.
• Partnership: Working closely with partners to achieve the best outcomes for those we serve.
  
  

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a refreshed research strategy aligning with CNWL, other NWL community and mental health Trusts and ICS priorities.
• Promote diversity and inclusion in research, targeting underserved populations.
• Drive a culture of celebrating and sharing research achievements, raising the trust’s profile in the wider healthcare and academic community.
  
  

Research Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Strengthen partnerships with academic institutions and industry to co-develop innovative research.
• Optimise commercial innovations.
• Represent the Trusts at national forums, advocating for research and influencing policy development.
• Develop strategic research partnerships aligned with organisational priorities, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and positioning the Trust as a centre for healthcare research excellence.
• Build relationships with local authorities and community organisations to support research addressing wider determinants of health
  
  

Operational Oversight:

• In conjunction with the Director of NOCLOR oversee delivery of the research portfolios, ensuring high governance standards, ensuring all clinical trials and studies comply with the regulatory and legal framework and are reported through the relevant agencies, sponsor and host organisations within required timelines.
• Ensure research infrastructure integrates findings into clinical practice seamlessly.
• In collaboration with the service director (R+D), ensure that the research team maximises its contribution to providing effective and efficient services within the Trust.
• Support effective academic appraisals and personal development plans for academic staff in line with best practice across the trust and using these and other tools to develop them to their full potential and the benefit of the Trust.
  
  

Academic Leadership and Support:

• Provide expert academic advice and mentorship to clinical staff on research methodology, design, and proposal development.
• Establish formal and informal mechanisms to support clinicians in writing competitive grant applications and research proposals.
  
  

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI):

• Embed patient, carer, and public involvement throughout the research process.
• Lead initiatives to ensure inclusivity in research design and access.
  
  

Performance and Financial Management

• Oversee financial management of research funding, ensuring efficiency and value.
• Maximise research income from external funding sources, enabling the Trust to maximise the number of trials and patients recruited and also the income associated with internal metrics to ensure rapid trial set up and starting, minimise costs and inefficiencies.
• Monitor performance metrics to demonstrate measurable improvements.
  
  

Capacity Building:

• Foster a culture of research excellence through mentoring and training.
• Strengthen the use of advanced analytics and digital tools for research.
• Manage, motivate and develop staff within the Research Team to ensure that they are able to deliver their responsibilities.
  
  

Other Responsibilities:

• Oversight of all committees related to research performance at CNWL, including chairing Research Committee/forum.
• Provide an annual report to the Trust Board on research performance, impact, and future directions.
• Lead the development of the Trust's research brand and communication strategy.
  
  

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., research, health policy, management).
  
  

Desirable criteria

• PhD or equivalent research experience is desirable.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
  
  

Leadership

Essential criteria

• Proven senior leadership in health research, including strategy development and implementation.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills.
• Demonstrate abilities to meet Trust Values
  
  

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK research governance and funding pathways.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across academia, healthcare, and industry.
• Experience addressing health inequalities through research.
• A comprehensive knowledge of research governance, ethics and clinical trial management.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Clinical background or multidisciplinary team experience.
• Familiarity with advanced data analytics.
• Experience with commercial research and life sciences engagement.
• Understanding of quality improvement methodology