Head of Research and Development

Tewv; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for the Head of Research and Development. The role is based in either Middlesbrough or York and requires substantial health research leadership to guide the Trust's research agenda.

The postholder will lead R&D, oversee governance, manage budgets, and foster university and external partnerships to drive high‑quality research and improved outcomes for people using mental health and learning disability services.

Qualifications

• Health related degree or equivalent qualification.
• Postgraduate management / research qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust's Research and Development team and ensure compliant delivery of studies and trials.
• Develop research strategy, secure funding and oversee governance and contracts.
• Build partnerships with NHS, academic, industry and external stakeholders.

Education

Health related degree or equivalent qualification

Postgraduate management / research qualification

Evidence of continuing professional development

Analytical skills and ability to present data

Job description

Go back Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Head of Research and Development

The closing date is 01 October 2026

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Research and Development to be based in either our Middlesbrough or York office.

The postholder will have significant experience in health research management to provide strategic and operational leadership for research across Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. This role will form part of the R&D leadership team to lead the Trust's research agenda, oversee research governance and performance, develop collaborative partnerships with university and external stakeholders, and drive growth in high-quality research that improves outcomes for people using mental health and learning disability services. The postholder will play a pivotal role in delivering the Trust's long-term research ambitions, in collaboration with key University partnerships and other networks.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Main duties of the job

The Head of Research and Development will lead the Trust's Research and Development team, ensuring the safe, effective and compliant delivery of research studies and key trials. Key responsibilities include developing research strategy, strengthening research capacity and capability, securing external funding, overseeing research governance and regulatory compliance, managing research budgets and contracts, supporting large-scale research programmes, and building productive relationships with NHS, academic, industry, NIHR and other partners. The role also provides assurance to Trust leadership on research performance and quality, while championing innovation, knowledge mobilisation and the implementation of research into practice.

About us

We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.

From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.

We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.

We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.

Job responsibilities

Please see attached the Head of Research job description for detailed responsibilities, organisational chart and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Health related degree or equivalent qualification
• Possession of a post graduate management /research qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of the key regulations for clinical research, including: Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 and the 2025 amendments UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research.
• Knowledge of research based policies and procedures.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Have a proven track record of senior management and leadership in an operational healthcare environment, with responsibility for management of large teams and budgets
• Have a proven track record in developing processes and procedures to deliver efficiencies across a complex operational structure
• Have proven ability to manage by leadership and negotiation in a large and/or complex organisation
• Have proven experience in the management of change
• Have worked in research delivery and support at an operational level
• Demonstrate sound understanding and knowledge of the requirements of staff in the conduct and support of clinical research
• Demonstrate sound understanding of business management, including financial, within a healthcare setting related to research and innovation
• A detailed working knowledge of the practical arrangements needed to deliver large scale externally funded research programmes
• High quality analytical skills, with the ability to analyse and present complex data and interpret its implications
• High quality interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish constructive relationships with individuals at all levels including that of Board and Executive, and the ability to use negotiation and coaching approaches where needed
• Able to concentrate for prolonged periods whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail
• Able to analyse and respond effectively to complex issues, drawing upon available resources
• Postgraduate research qualification at masters or PhD level
• Accreditation in management techniques to improve care e.g. quality improvement or coaching
• A proven track record of brokering relationships at a range of levels across complex institutional settings

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Flatts Lane Centre, Middlesbrough or Foss Park Hospital, York

Flatts Lane Centre, Middlesbrough or Foss Park Hospital, York