Head of Research Infrastructure

Job overview

Head of Research Infrastructure

Band 8b | Fixed Term (2 years initially)

GOSH is seeking an exceptional individual to lead our Research & Innovation Core Infrastructure function at one of the world's leading children's hospitals.

Research is central to GOSH's mission, and this role offers a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen the infrastructure that enables world-leading paediatric research. Working across research, clinical and corporate teams, you will oversee a diverse portfolio including strategic programme management, research data and systems, grants support, capital infrastructure and organisational improvement initiatives.

This is a hands-on leadership role, combining operational delivery with strategic development. You will be responsible for leading a team, managing substantial budgets and resources, overseeing major projects, and ensuring that researchers have access to the systems, facilities and support they need to succeed. You will also play a key role in delivering high-profile initiatives including the GOSH Research Accelerator programme, digital transformation projects and research infrastructure investment programmes.

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative leader with experience of managing complex services, programmes or infrastructure within the NHS, higher education, research, charity or comparable sectors.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative leader with experience of managing complex services, programmes or infrastructure within the NHS, higher education, research, charity or comparable sectors.

You will be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, leading change, managing competing priorities and translating ambitious ideas into practical delivery.

In return, you will join a forward-thinking Research & Innovation Directorate and work alongside internationally recognised researchers, clinicians and operational leaders.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the future of paediatric research and ultimately improve outcomes for children and young people in the UK and beyond.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to recruiting the best person for the job through a fair, open and consistent process that is free from bias and discrimination.

We are working towards becoming an anti-racist organisation. This means creating a workplace where every colleague feels seen, heard and valued, and where racism in any form has no place. Our anti-racism commitment is backed by action through our Anti-Racism Statement and action plan, developed in collaboration with our REACH staff network.

We actively challenge discrimination, dismantle barriers and embed equity across all aspects of our workforce, including recruitment, progression and development. All applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, health condition or employment history.

We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and LGBTQ+ community members. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Business Disability Forum, and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Our staff networks, including REACH, PRIDE, ENABLED and Women's Networks, are active and executive supported. These employee-led networks play a vital role in shaping an inclusive culture at GOSH and are open to all colleagues.

Together, we are building a culture where inclusion is not optional - it is essential.

Person specification

GOSH Values and Culture

Essential criteria

• Our values | Collaboration| Curiosity | Respect
• Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential criteria

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field e.g. life sciences or medical research
• Significant knowledge of NHS R&I infrastructure, funding landscape, and governance
• Evidence of continuing professional development/education

Desirable criteria

• PhD in a relevant field
• Formal project/programme management qualification e.g. PRINCE2, MSP
• PhD in a relevant field

Experience/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Senior leadership experience working on both strategic and operational matters in a relevant complex environment, preferably the NHS or a University
• Proven track record of effectively managing large budgets to time and target
• Proven track record of successfully delivering strategic programmes of work across multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrable experience of leading the development of major external funding proposals (e.g., NIHR, charity funding) in open competition
• Significant experience in project/programme management
• Knowledge of research data systems and digital transformation
• Demonstrable ability to operate effectively across a partnership of multiple organisations
• Experience of designing or overseeing process optimisation frameworks within complex organisations
• Experience of defining and implementing local policy and influencing national/international policy relating to research and innovation

Desirable criteria

• Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams and supporting organisational transformation programmes

Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Strong strategic thinking and leadership capability including the ability to translate organisational priorities into scalable operating models and transformation programmes
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyse, rationalise, and apply research information to support the preparation of business cases plans and reports, and monitor impact
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills
• Demonstrable track record of successful staff line management, proven team leadership, and the ability to deal with difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to manage complex portfolios and competing priorities
• A team player, with a flexible approach and a 'can do' attitude

Additional employer information

Please be advised that:

The recruitment process for all admin and clerical roles at Bands 2-4 will be a two stage recruitment process whereby shortlisted candidates will undertake an online literacy, numeracy, ICT and typing test. Only those candidates who pass the competency test will proceed to a formal interview.

The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification criteria for this post will be shortlisted. Please note that where high volumes of applicants have been received, additional criteria may on occasion be used to determine the final shortlist.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people 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.

Documents to download

• Job Description and person specification (PDF, 1.0MB)
• Staff Benefits Leaflet (PDF, 108.2KB)