Location
London

Hours
Full Time - standard NHS working hours with flexibility and requirement to work a minimum of 3 days per week in the R&D office at Guy's Hospital, with travel between hospitals as required.

Salary
£65,261 per annum

About the Role
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts, providing a wide range of hospital and community services across south London and beyond. The Trust is renowned for clinical excellence, high quality teaching, and world-leading research, with specialist centres including the largest dental school in Europe, a £160 million Cancer Centre, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, and a recently merged world-renowned heart and lung centre.

The Research and Development (R&D) Department is recruiting an experienced Research Governance Specialist to join a dynamic non-commercial team. The successful candidate will line manage a diverse team of Research Governance Facilitators, Coordinators, and administrators, and will be responsible for developing departmental policies and guidance. They will manage a portfolio of complex clinical trials and studies under sponsor or co-sponsor review by Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London.

This role is pivotal in ensuring that the Trust’s R&D processes remain compliant with the evolving regulatory landscape. The post-holder will oversee sponsorship and confirmation of capacity, including sponsor risk assessments, and ensure adherence to national regulations through local policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Studies managed will include clinical trials of medicinal products, device trials, multi-centre and international collaborations, as well as student projects, qualitative and interventional studies.

The role requires a highly organised, methodical individual with excellent communication skills, capable of supporting world-class researchers and influencing colleagues. The post-holder will lead service improvements, support and develop junior team members, and produce clear guidance and training materials to simplify complex regulations for researchers and R&D staff.

Flexible working arrangements are supported in line with Trust policies, with an emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Experience
- Significant post-qualification experience (5+ years) in medical/clinical research or an R&D department within the NHS or university setting.
- In-depth knowledge of HRA, MHRA, NHS Ethics processes, and the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research.
- Experience managing administrative projects and project management.
- Knowledge of HR and line management, particularly relating to research teams.
- Understanding of regulatory issues including GDPR, Data Protection Act, and clinical trials regulations for drugs and medical devices.

About You
- Experienced line manager with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organised with a methodical approach to work.
- Able to work independently using own initiative and collaboratively within a team.
- Pragmatic and solution-focused in setting up research studies.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to convey complex regulations clearly in guidance and training materials.
- Committed to the Trust’s values of caring, ambition, and inclusivity.

Qualifications
- Relevant degree or professional qualification or equivalent experience is essential.
- Postgraduate qualification is desirable.