Overview
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional and motivated individual to join us as our Head of Research. This is a key leadership role, providing strategic and operational direction for all research activity across the Trust. The post holder will lead the development and delivery of the Trust's research strategy, ensuring that research is embedded across all services and contributes to high-quality patient care. You will provide expert advice to researchers, guide grant applications, oversee Trust sponsorship, and ensure compliance with national research governance standards. As the Trust's lead specialist for clinical research, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy—interpreting and implementing national policy, strategy, and guidelines, including those from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). You will represent the Trust at regional and national level, raising our research profile and supporting collaboration across the health and care system.
At Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, research is central to improving outcomes and experiences for our patients. Join us and help shape the future of research and innovation in our Trust.
Main duties of the job
The role includes responsibility for research staff and budgets, including NIHR infrastructure funding. You will work closely with Finance to plan, monitor, and report on research expenditure, and lead bids for additional infrastructure funding. The post holder will also oversee research information systems (e.g. EDGE(TM), Open Data Platform) and ensure accurate performance reporting.
You will be an experienced research leader with a deep understanding of NHS research governance, policy, and funding. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills are essential, along with a passion for embedding research excellence across the organisation.
Details Date posted 29 October 2025. Pay scheme Agenda for change. Band 8b. Salary £64,455 to £74,896 a year per annum pro rata if part time. Contract Permanent. Working pattern Full-time. Reference number 269-SFT9323. Job locations Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury, SP2 8BJ.
Responsibilities
Please see attached attached job description for full roles and responsibilities. This post is externally funded and provides income for the trust.
Note: This section consolidates the key responsibilities related to research leadership, budgeting, reporting, information systems, and funding development.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* Highly developed specialist knowledge across the range of work procedures and practices underpinned by theoretical knowledge and relevant experience. This expertise should be acquired through a combination of in-depth experience and postgraduate or post-registration study
* >3 years of working in research management and governance or leadership
* Experience of setting up and running a portfolio of NIHR portfolio research as part of a multi-disciplinary team, working to protocol requirements
* Experience of line managing and leading a team, including managing difficult situations and conflict resolution and using highly developed motivational and negotiation skills to lead others and affect change
* Understanding of the governance and legislative framework for conducting clinical research and within the NHS
* Understanding of NIHR infrastructure and initiatives
* Roles of the sponsoring and the participating organisation
* Understanding of funding for commercial and non-commercial studies, including but not restricted to NIHR, research councils, charities
* Strong leadership qualities that constantly reinforce the Trust values and beliefs
* Ability to develop professional relationships, and to use effective written and verbal skills to overcome barriers to communication
* Ability to work independently, making autonomous decisions and judgements at an advanced level. Well-developed self-awareness, confident in own knowledge base & skills, aware of learning needs and seeks guidance when appropriate
* IT skills
Note: This section may include duplication in the source, but the essential criteria above reflect the required capabilities.
Other Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the DBS is necessary 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.
Employer details: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. Address: Salisbury, SP2 8BJ. Employer's website: https://www.salisbury.nhs.uk/
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