Head of CATO programmes (Clinical Academic Training Office)

Location: Hammersmith Hospital campus.

About the Role

Are you a proactive leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, adept at building relationships and managing multi-stakeholder programmes? This role offers a unique opportunity to shape clinical academic training across a world-class partnership.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will lead the team supporting the training of clinical academics across Imperial College and its partner NHS Trusts, including Imperial College Healthcare, Chelsea & Westminster, The Royal Marsden, and the Institute of Cancer Research. This work is coordinated through the Clinical Academic Training Office (CATO), part of the Imperial Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC).

CATO, under Professor Jeremy Levy’s leadership, is the central hub for clinical-academic training and development. It supports clinicians—including doctors, nurses, midwives, AHPs, pharmacists, and psychologists—at all stages of their academic careers, from pre-doctoral through to fellowship levels. It also serves as the training arm of the Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

As Head of CATO Programmes, you will:

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of clinical academic training initiatives across the AHSC partnership.
• Manage the operational aspects of programmes through strong stakeholder engagement and effective team leadership.
• Support the CATO Director in overseeing a diverse portfolio of training activities.
• Enhance the experience and increase participation of clinical professionals in academic pathways.
• Ensure quality assurance of all CATO programmes, including fellowships and educational initiatives.
• Drive improvements in training experiences by identifying new opportunities and innovations.
• Deliver existing programmes, including fellowships, training events, educational materials, and resources.
• Conduct data analysis, prepare funding bids, and write reports for funders and stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-organisational collaborations using your influence, strategic insight, and project management skills.
• Build effective relationships with university research staff, NHS clinicians, educators, and managers across the partnership.
• Manage the day-to-day operations and annual planning of the CATO team, which includes a Director, Deputy Director, and four coordinators.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a strong track record in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, preferably in healthcare or research environments. You will bring:

• Proven experience in successful project delivery and team leadership.
• Understanding of clinical academic training pathways and the broader research and innovation ecosystem.
• Familiarity with both NHS and university research settings.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and organisational skills.

What We Offer

• The chance to work at a world-renowned institution driving cutting-edge health research.
• A collaborative, diverse, and supportive work environment.
• The opportunity to support the next generation of healthcare researchers and improve patient outcomes.
• Flexible working arrangements (minimum 0.8FTE), including job-sharing opportunities.
• A sector-leading salary and benefits package, including 39 days of annual leave and generous pensions.
• Access to a range of wellbeing and lifestyle benefits such as on-site leisure facilities, cycle-to-work and interest-free season ticket loan schemes.
• Supportive networks and professional development resources from day one.

Further Information

You will report to the CATO Director and Head of the AHSC Directorate, within the Faculty of Medicine.

Interviews will be held in person on Monday 16 June at Hammersmith Hospital.

For more information, contact Angela Cooper: a.cooper@imperial.ac.uk

Advert information