NICRF Head of Operations

We are seeking an experienced and strategic operational leader with a strong track record in managing complex clinical research or healthcare operations. You will bring substantial leadership experience and the ability to operate effectively across academic, healthcare, and industry environments.

The successful candidate will demonstrate proven experience in leading large-scale operational programmes, managing significant budgets, and delivering high-quality services within regulated environments. You will have a strong understanding of clinical research delivery, including the governance and regulatory frameworks that underpin clinical trials (e.g. GCP, MHRA and related standards).

You will be an effective collaborator and relationship builder, capable of working with senior academic leaders, clinicians, healthcare partners and industry sponsors to enable high-performing research delivery. The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, develop workforce capability and drive organisational change will be essential.

Applicants should hold a postgraduate or professional qualification in a relevant discipline such as health services management, clinical research, life sciences, public health, or business/healthcare leadership (or demonstrate equivalent senior leadership experience).

This role requires a highly organised, strategic thinker with excellent communication, influencing and problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to delivering safe, compliant and impactful clinical research.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on Queen's website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit Queen's website.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.

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