Assistant Director – NIHR School of Primary Care Research (SPCR)

Fixed Term until 31^st May 2029

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity for a motivated team member to join a team of staff in Keele University’s School of Medicine, working as part of the leadership team for the NIHR School for Primary Care Research.

With the Director of the SPCR (Professor Christian Mallen), the Assistant Director is required to be proactive and innovative in the development of strategic priorities and to provide operational solutions to deliver the planned activities.

The Assistant Director manages the effective and efficient day to day running of the SPCR to enable academic colleagues to discharge their particular duties. With responsibility for the SPCR Directorate’s core team, the post holder ensures the smooth operation of the SPCR, ensuring appropriate governance frameworks are in place for the hosting of the SPCR by Keele University and that the delivery of the NIHR contract for the SPCR is delivered appropriately and in conjunction with all members of the SPCR. They will oversee the SPCR’s portfolio of research studies and cohort of trainees and promote the range of School activities to national and international networks.

The role involves extensive interactions with members of the nine academic units of primary care that comprise the SPCR. 

Although the post is based at one of the SPCR member departments, the post holder will be expected to travel to the other partner Universities on a regular basis, as well as representing the SPCR at various scientific meetings, and attending meetings hosted by the NIHR nationwide.

You will have experience in strategic planning, financial and programme management, and strong communication and team working skills.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. 

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University values diversity, and is committed to ensuring equity of opportunity, and to proper and fair representation across its senior decision making groups. In support of these commitments, the University particularly welcomes expressions of interest and applications from women and from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, for this post.

Keele University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN charter, and values equity and diversity across our workforce.  We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore, we would actively welcome applications from women for this role.  

How to Apply

For full post details and to find out more about working at Keele please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.

For informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Christian Mallen (c.d.mallen@keele.ac.uk).  Applications to this address will not be accepted. 

Closing Date: 21st December 2025

Interviews will be held on: 22^nd January 2026 

Advert information