Head of Research Workforce

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking an experienced Head of Research Workforce to lead the clinical research delivery team. This key position involves managing a diverse workforce, developing research strategies, and ensuring the execution of clinical trials. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in clinical research, strong leadership skills, and a master's level qualification. The role offers a competitive salary and is based in Brixton, London, focusing on delivering high-quality patient care through innovative research practices.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for professional development

A commitment to sustainability initiatives

Qualifications

• Significant post-registration experience required.
• Ability to lead and motivate a large team.
• Expert knowledge of clinical trial life cycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage clinical research nurses and AHPs.
• Develop and implement R&D strategy.
• Ensure compliance with clinical research governance.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical research knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team management

Education

Registered Nurse or Midwife

Master's level qualification or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced research nurse/midwife or Allied Health Professional (AHP) leader to join KCH as the Head of Research Workforce (including Nursing, AHPs, administrative staff and Practitioners).

This post has been created as a consequence of the sustained increase in research activity within the Trust. KCH has been the top recruiting Trust in the UK to NIHR Portfolio studies – with over 30,000 recruits during the 2022 calendar year.

Main Duties of the Job

The Head of Research Workforce will be a key part of the senior R&D management team and will lead, in conjunction with the R&D Director, on various initiatives to help deliver the ambitious research strategy.

The post holder will be responsible for the leadership and management of the Clinical Research Delivery Workforce – approximately 220 staff: 95 research nurses/midwives, 12 AHPs/clinical scientists, and the remainder research managers, clinical trial practitioners, clinical trial coordinators, research associates, research assistants, and clinical research administrators – organised into nine Research Delivery Units within KCH.

The post holder will further develop and implement the overall R&D Strategy, in conjunction with the R&D Director, and ensure effective systems are in place to performance manage all research activities within the Trust. A strategy for the development of research nurses, Allied Health Professionals and other members of the Research Workforce will be developed and implemented focusing on both academic and research delivery elements, linking in with the newly formed Kings Academy.

About Us

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person‑centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Job Details

Date posted: 01 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: 8b

Salary: £72,921 to £83,362 a year inclusive of HCAS per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 213‑CORP‑7641086

Job location: Research & Innovation Office, 245A Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8RR

Job Responsibilities

Responsibility for Leading and Managing

• Provide professional leadership and direction for all clinical research nurses, AHPs and research practitioners across the organisation, in partnership with Research Matrons and Research Managers of the relevant RDUs.
• Direct line management (including professional supervision where applicable) of band 8a RRDN funded research matrons, research managers and a number of band 7 senior R&D research nurses, including performance development reviews and ongoing senior support.
• Act as research representative for the NIHR workforce meetings and other relevant Trust committees.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Work within the NMC scope of professional practice and code of conduct.
• Work in accordance with the DoH Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) regulations.
• Advise on and be proficient in clinical skills relevant to research practice – e.g. cannulation, venepuncture, ECG recording.

Responsibility for Patients

• Ensure research teams provide ongoing information, education and support to patients and their significant others regarding clinical trials and specific trial treatments.
• Lead on public and patient involvement (PPI) and EDI in research as per NIHR and Trust clinical R&D strategy; ensure research active staff participate in appropriate trust activities such as the annual International Clinical Trials Day.
• Promote PPI and EDI in the development of nursing, AHP and practitioner research programmes.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development

• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the department as a member of the R&D senior management team, including developing strategy documents, policy, SOPs and workforce planning in conjunction with the R&D Directors of Strategy and Operations.
• Support the R&D Directors in developing a long‑term strategy for the employment, accountability, management, development and education of research nurses, AHPs and practitioners within the Trust.

Responsibility for Finance Management and Physical Resources

• Ensure that resources are used effectively and in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
• Work with the R&D finance team and R&D Director of Operations to plan and manage funding of research nurse, AHP and practitioner posts.
• Identify funding opportunities for new research posts and submit bids to secure funding in collaboration with R&D Managers, Matrons and lead nurses.

Responsibility for Research and Development

• Initiate and lead a programme of nurse‑led research at the Trust, working with senior nursing leaders to promote the continued development of research awareness, competence and scholarly activity (e.g. publishing, critical appraisal, presenting at conferences) in the application of research into nursing practice.
• Lead on identifying funding opportunities for nursing, AHP and practitioner‑led research and support colleagues in writing grant applications and navigating the ethics and research approval process.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications – Essential

• Registered Nurse or Midwife, RGN, RM, RSCN, RN
• Significant post‑registration experience
• Master's level qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Expert knowledge of clinical research
• Recognised management or leadership course or equivalent experience

Education and Qualifications – Desirable

• Evidence of recent continued professional development
• Good Clinical Practice certificate

Knowledge and Experience – Essential

• Extensive experience of clinical research within various NHS settings and specialties
• Expert knowledge of the clinical trial life cycle, including experience of set up and performance management of clinical research studies
• Knowledge of current national systems and structures for the approval, management and monitoring of clinical research studies
• Ability to analyse and interpret research management information and make judgments regarding highly complex research management issues
• Experience of commercial and academic research
• Experience of the clinical care of patients enrolled in commercial, non‑commercial and academic research
• Extensive knowledge of the requirements of the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care and the Medicines for Human Use Clinical Trials Directive

Knowledge and Experience – Desirable

• Project management skills
• Delivery of GCP training
• General business management experience
• Involvement with external bodies having an engagement in clinical research
• Experience of working at a senior level and across organisational boundaries including HEI, regulators and funding agencies

Skills and Competencies – Essential

• Ability to think strategically and make independent decisions
• High level analytical and critical thinking
• Ability to lead, manage and motivate a team
• Ability to deal with difficult or sensitive situations
• Ability to use initiative, make decisions and analyse problems and implement effective and appropriate solutions
• Attention to detail and presentation of work
• Willingness to learn, instigate and develop efficient working systems
• Willingness to undertake any necessary training and development to enhance work performance

Skills and Competencies – Desirable

• Assertive, confident, articulate and literate
• Demonstration of self‑directed development
• Effective engagement across boundaries, breaking down silos while operating in partnership with stakeholders towards a shared vision
• Has effective strategies for dealing with and managing own limitations

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Company: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Research & Innovation Office, 245A Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8RR