Overview

Job summary: Would you like to be at the forefront of digital pathology research into AI powered diagnostics in healthcare, supporting the delivery of a world-leading research platform, and a wide variety of research projects that rely on it?

The National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC) is working to digitise pathology services across the country, whilst harnessing the associated data for research into improving patient care. NPICs strategic vision includes hosting a national research platform for digital pathology data, to support cutting edge research in the NHS and beyond. This NPIC Research Delivery Manager role will play a key role in realising this vision and will be responsible for various projects, activities and exemplars that utilise this resource. The role requires excellent project management skills and exceptional communication to facilitate complex collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.

Expected Shortlisting Date: 03/11/2025

Planned Interview Date: 13/11/2025

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support the successful completion of deliverables across a diverse range of complex projects involving healthcare, academic and industrial professionals.
• Develop effective working relationships with stakeholders and suppliers across multidisciplinary fields including AI research, data science and systems development.
• Organise and undertake multidisciplinary research and development; provide day-to-day high level operational management to the NPIC team.
• Lead specific initiatives as designated by senior management (e.g., business development activities and strategic planning).
• Provide guidance and mentorship to Project Managers and resolve challenges to improve project management practices.
• Engage with high-level stakeholders, present project outcomes, and negotiate priorities or resources.
• Make autonomous decisions on scope changes, resource allocation and risk management.
• Drive innovation by implementing process improvements and best practices; oversee clusters of related projects or a program portfolio.
• Handle high-risk, high-complexity projects with broad organisational impact; represent the team in cross-departmental meetings and external partnerships.
• Contribute to the growth of junior staff through training programs and development opportunities.
• Take ownership of reporting on programme outcomes, metrics, and lessons learned; seek opportunities for industry reputation and new business opportunities.
• Manage a number of academic interdisciplinary clinical research projects, providing project manager level support to ensure on-time, on-budget performance.
• Coordinate study protocols and documentation; work with LTHT/University of Leeds and other departments to ensure cross-discipline collaboration.
• Ensure robust communication with joint Sponsors Office of LTHT/UoL; line manage non-clinical research delivery staff; provide training and education as required.
• Costing of research studies, departmental projects, equipment and resources; data input into electronic systems; collaborate with finance and NPIC operations to manage budgets and identify risks.
• Oversee recruitment processes for research participants and promote NPIC as a centre of excellence in clinical research.
• Provide advisory services on study design to sponsors and Trust departments; maintain ongoing workload management and pursue continuing professional development.

Principal duties and areas of responsibility

• Line management of NHS staff; liaise with collaborators to brief study background, objectives, timescales and data requirements.
• Prepare costings and budget reviews; review NPIC SOPs with management to ensure QA standards are met.
• Coordinate study protocol preparation/review with investigators and relevant staff; conduct risk assessment and protocol intensity reviews.
• Prepare study submissions and reports to Regulatory/Research Ethics Committees; ensure adherence to GCP and QA processes.
• Participate in operational meetings; prepare materials and report progress for senior management; contribute to annual reports and data analysis.
• Provide leadership across NPIC staff; manage resource utilisation; cost protocols with central R&I finance; ensure accurate data capture and regular reporting of NPIC activity and performance.
• Staff management and professional development; complete mandatory training and maintain knowledge of clinical research practices.
• This is not an exhaustive list and duties may evolve with service developments.

Qualifications, skills and experience

Essential:

• Postgraduate degree; Degree in Biological Sciences or similar.
• Can work autonomously to achieve objectives; capable of working with clinical and non-clinical staff at all levels.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of medical science; experience developing and delivering a research portfolio; strong project management skills.

Desirable:

• Clinical Trials qualification; Training and Education experience; Project Management qualification; experience with Patient and Public Involvement.

Experience:

• Experience in developing and delivering research portfolios; ability to perform rigorous data analysis and draw evidence-based conclusions from clinical research; experience managing projects.

Other information

Location: St. James\'s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF. Hybrid working available.

Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 per year. Band 8a. Fixed term 12 months. Full-time or flexible working.

Other notes: This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks and may involve sponsorship considerations for skilled workers. See Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for further information.