Director of Research/Principal Research Associate (Fixed Term) at University of Cambridge

The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute) seeks an exceptional individual to provide senior academic leadership in **health services research applied to the study of improving quality and safety in healthcare**. Funded by the Health Foundation, THIS Institute aims to create a world-leading scientific asset for the NHS by strengthening the evidence-base for improving the quality and safety of healthcare. The Institute hosts around 60 staff and students, and works with a diverse range of collaborators across multiple sectors to deliver high quality, high impact and innovative programmes of research.

Operating at a level equivalent to professor (grade 11 or grade 12), you will have the vision, leadership experience and enthusiasm to develop and maintain a leading research programme, carrying out original and innovative studies and actively contributing to advancement of the field. With responsibility for designing and directing high impact studies, you will identify and secure research funding that will build on the core funding of THIS institute. You will ensure coherence, focus and dialogue across the institute’s portfolio of research. You will be an excellent team-player with a strong sense of mission, a clear vision for the role of evidence in improving healthcare, superb written and oral communication skills, and the ability to command credibility with external stakeholders, including NHS colleagues.

You must have a PhD (or equivalent) and be a recognised research leader. You may have a background in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research. You will demonstrate a strong track record in leading large, complex research programmes, delivered to an excellent standard of scholarship. You will have an outstanding record of publications and impact, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work at pace across a wide variety of topics and activities. You will be experienced in supervising interdisciplinary teams and capable of forging effective strategic partnerships with a range of stakeholders, including NHS organisations, patient and public groups, professional associations, and charitable and civil society organisations.

Funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance. The post-holder will be based at THIS Institute, Strangeways Research Laboratory, University of Cambridge.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact the Director of Research, Professor Graham Martin by email (graham.martin@thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk).

Closing date: 29 May 2023

Interview Date: To be confirmed 

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application.  The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role.  If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference RH36506 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.