Commercial Research Lead (Band 7)
This post is a part-time (28 hours per week) 1-year fixed-term.
We are seeking a highly motivated and strategically minded individual to join the Research & Innovation team at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
We also offer attractive benefits such as
* tailored personal development to support career aspirations, including accredited clinical and management development programmes
* flexible working arrangements for a work‑life balance that suits you and your needs
* a dedicated reward programme, offering a range of national and local discounts, cashback and tax relief schemes
Main duties of the job
The post‑holder will lead the development and management of the Trusts commercial research portfolio by establishing a sustainable pipeline of industry‑sponsored studies and strengthening engagement with clinicians, research teams, NIHR infrastructure and commercial partners. This includes proactively identifying new opportunities, coordinating Expression of Interests (EOIs) and feasibility assessments, and positioning the Trust to maximise success in securing commercial research studies.
The role will also drive improvements in study set‑up performance in line with national benchmarks, including the 150‑day target, and support efficient delivery of commercial research activity. The post‑holder will monitor performance against key indicators, undertake analysis of issues, and implement corrective actions, while supporting the delivery of the annual income plan.
In addition, they will develop systems and processes to support high‑quality research delivery and act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, promoting the Trusts research capability and supporting long‑term growth and sustainability.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The postholder will:
* Lead the development and management of a sustainable commercial research pipeline through proactive engagement with industry, NIHR infrastructure and internal stakeholders
* Develop and maintain a structured intelligence system to systematically map and
analyse existing clinician‑industry networks, informing partnership development and
pipeline growth.
* Develop a strategic pipeline management plan to ensure long‑term sustainability of
commercial research activity and delivery of the annual income plan
* Coordinate and submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs), undertaking rapid feasibility assessments and ensuring high‑quality, competitive submissions
* Support feasibility, site selection and set‑up planning for new commercial research studies
* Drive improvements in study set‑up performance to meet national benchmarks, including the 150‑day timeline
* Monitor performance against key indicators, undertake root cause analysis of issues, and implement corrective actions
* Develop systems to capture and analyse pipeline activity, performance data and commercial opportunities
* Provide expert advice on commercial costing frameworks (e.g. NCVR, iCT) and support appropriate cost recovery approaches
* Contribute to forecasting commercial research income and aligning pipeline activity to financial plans
* Build and maintain strong relationships with clinicians, research teams, sponsors, CROs and regional partners
* Act as a senior point of contact for commercial partners and represent the Trust in external forums
Person specification
Qualifications
* Postgraduate qualification or able to demonstrate specialist knowledge in health research through practical experience
Experience
* Experience of working in NHS clinical research environment (NHS R&D / research delivery)
* Experience of working with multiple stakeholders across organisational boundaries (e.g., clinicians, sponsors, external partners)
* Experience of engaging with industry partners, sponsors or CROs
Knowledge
* Specialist knowledge of the regulatory framework for clinical research
* Specialist knowledge of clinical research delivery processes
* Knowledge of the national benchmark targets and Research Delivery Network funding allocation model
Skills
* Highly developed communication skills to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and present complex information clearly
Attributes
* Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
* Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
Employer certification / accreditation badges
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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