Job summary
We would like to invite applications for the role of Associate Medical Director/Director of Research and Innovation at UHL, a key senior leadership position in the corporate medical team at UHL reporting to the Medical Director. Over the past 13 years UHL's research activity has gone from strength to strength and UHL is now an important and influential player in the local, regional and national health research landscape, host to very substantial externally funded research infrastructure and employs a large multidisciplinary research workforce. To build and develop research activity at UHL into the future, we are now seeking to appoint a senior clinician to the role of Associate Medical Director/Director of Research and Innovation at UHL from 1st January 2027.

Main duties of the job

• Providing executive leadership of the UHL R&I department and associated teams
• Providing leadership and support for R&I site teams working across UHL
• Leading and delivering the Trust's Research & Innovation strategy
• Horizon scanning for upcoming research funding opportunities and leading bids where necessary
• Providing close support to teams preparing bids for external research infrastructure funding
• Developing and harmonising strategic relationships with NHS Integrated Care Board
• Working with the University of Leicester and other academic stakeholders to establish clinical academic posts in key clinical areas within UHL
• Leading the development of digital and data services in support of R&I at UHL
• Supporting the functions of the Institute for Excellence in Healthcare and the key priorities to grow research amongst all allied health and care professionals
• Supporting research relationships with University Hospitals of Northamptonshire
• Ensure effective governance, approvals, and monitoring of clinical research activity
• Advising the Trust Board and Executive on R&I matters
• Maximising opportunities for participation and inclusion in R&I activity including PPIE involvement in research
• Maintaining compliance with all regulatory, safety, and quality requirements
• Supporting the Medical Director with corporate responsibilities, including staff performance management

About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030). We have four primary goals: high-quality care for all, being a great place to work, partnerships for impact, and research and education excellence. And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities. Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all: we are compassionate, we are proud, we are inclusive, and we are one team. This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

Details
Date posted: 01 July 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Specialty Doctor
Salary: Depending on experience
Dependent on current contract SAS or Consultant
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 3 years
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 358-8111916-COR
Job locations: Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WP, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to shape and deliver a Trust-wide Research & Innovation strategy aligned with regional and national priorities. The postholder will lead innovation, strengthen academic, NHS and other stakeholder partnerships, and enhance the Trusts reputation as a nationally and internationally recognised centre for research, teaching, and specialist services. As the Director of Research & Innovation at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, you will hold a key senior leadership role that combines strategic oversight of the Trusts research agenda with corporate medical leadership responsibilities. As a key member of the Medical Directors corporate team you may also deputise for the Medical Director and contribute to executive decision-making.

Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential

• Member/Fellow of appropriate medical Royal College
• Full registration with the GMC
• Approved job plan and valid appraisal.

Desirable

• Higher research degree

Experience
Essential

• A proven record of leading R&I and improving delivery of R&I
• Able to influence through leadership Demonstrates motivation and team building skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex information and to assess issues

Desirable

• Holds current research portfolio

Communication and relationship skills
Essential

• Able to influence through leadership Demonstrates motivation and team building skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex information and to assess issues

Analytical and Judgement Skills
Essential

• Understanding of the economic, financial and organisational complexities of the NHS including current national policies and change programmes

Desirable

• Demonstrate ability to make risk-based judgments

Skills
Essential

• Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of fellow clinicians
• Is supportive and approachable, inspiring confidence and encouraging potential
• High levels of honesty and integrity

Desirable

• Evidence of continuing professional and personal development, including development as a leader

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs

Desirable

• Evidence of understanding how diversity and inclusion improve research culture

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) 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 (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Address: Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WP, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Medical Director
Gang Xu
gang.xu1@nhs.net

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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.