Senior Research, Development and Innovation Advisor

NHS National Services Scotland; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Kilmarnock is seeking a Senior Research, Development and Innovation Advisor. This role involves leading the research and innovation strategy, managing research governance, and promoting innovation across the organization. Candidates should possess a postgraduate qualification and experience in research governance, clinical trials, and innovation. The position is on a secondment basis until January 2028 and requires a UK car licence.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level with a postgraduate qualification (master's or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrable experience in research governance, clinical trials, and innovation.
• Strong understanding of UK research legislation and policy frameworks.
• Proven experience in leading change and service development.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• High level of computer literacy, including use of databases and statistical software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the development of NHS Ayrshire and Arran's research and innovation strategy.
• Expand the organisation's research portfolio in commercial and non-commercial research.
• Manage research governance processes and support clinical trials.
• Promote research innovation across the organisation through tailored programmes of activities.

Skills

Research governance

Clinical trials

Innovation

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Computer literacy

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

Databases

Statistical software

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who we are:

NHS Ayrshire and Arran is one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.

In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

Position:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research, Development and Innovation Advisor based at University Hospital Crosshouse.

Please note this vacancy is offered on a secondment basis until January 2028 and is open to internal candidates only.

What you will do:

You will lead and support the development of NHS Ayrshire and Arran's research and innovation strategy and portfolio, ensuring alignment with national strategic objectives and compliance with the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care research. You will expand the organisation's research portfolio in commercial and non-commercial research, manage research governance processes, support clinical trials, and promote research innovation across the organisation through tailored programmes of activities.

Knowledge, training and/or experience required to do the job:

• Educated to degree level with a postgraduate qualification (master's or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrable experience in research governance, clinical trials and innovation.
• Strong understanding of UK research legislation and policy frameworks.
• Proven experience in leading change and service development
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• High level of computer literacy, including use of databases and statistical software.

Additional information for overseas candidates:

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.

The Recruitment Team are unable to answer individual queries at application stage about this, please visit here for further information.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for bank contracts.

Hours:

15 hours per week

UK Driving Licence/Car Ownership:

A UK car licence is essential to this role.

Contact:

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Carolina Borda, Head of Research, Development and Innovation at [e-mail]