Director, National Centre for Chiropractic Research, (0.6 – 1 FTE)

Full/Part Time, Fixed Term (3 years)

Bournemouth or London (with national and occasional international travel)

Health Sciences University (HSU) is a specialist health sciences institution dedicated to excellent education, clinical care and applied research.

Following the approval of our new university title and continued institutional growth, HSU is entering an exciting phase of development across our campuses in Bournemouth and central London, with research and innovation are the heart of our strategy.

We are highly values-driven, inspired by our mission to ‘create a healthier society through education, research and clinical care’ with highly dedicated and capable staff and students working together within a caring and inclusive community. We are part-way through the delivery of our Strategic Plan 2021-2026, entitled Fit for the Future, which we will refresh this year to reflect recent institutional changes.

HSU delivers a diverse and growing portfolio of pre- and post-registration academic provision and research in allied health and related disciplines, and substantial CQC-registered clinical and imaging services delivering high quality care for our staff, students and local communities. These facilities create a unique offering in higher education for our students to gain valuable practice learning experience onsite, to support local and regional NHS partners, and provide a data-rich research environment for our students, staff and partners.

Partnership working sits at the heart of what we do as an agile and collaborative higher education provider and clinical provider, responding to the workforce, educational and clinical needs of our external stakeholders, and supporting our communities as an established anchor institution. As we continue to develop in Dorset and London, it is imperative that we develop a more strategically informed approach to partnership working as a multi-professional centre of excellence for healthcare education, clinical care and research locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

We provide a vibrant and positive inter-professional learning and practice environment, within a caring and inclusive community.

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a Director for the National Centre for Chiropractic Research (NCCR) to provide strategic leadership for a nationally significant research initiative.

The NCCR has been established to strengthen the evidence base for musculoskeletal and chiropractic care by supporting collaboration across UK chiropractic education providers and by building research capacity and capability across the profession.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a new national research centre, working at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the evidence base for musculoskeletal and chiropractic care.

The Director will play a central role in shaping and delivering the Centre’s vision.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership for the NCCR
• Leading the development and delivery of the Centre’s research strategy and funding programmes
• Chairing the NCCR Steering Group and overseeing governance arrangements
• Building and sustaining partnerships with academic, clinical and professional stakeholders
• Representing the Centre nationally and internationally

The role also includes leading the development of externally funded research activity and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Centre.

The post is available on a flexible basis between 0.6 and 1.0 FTE. The Director role comprises a minimum of 0.6 FTE focused on the NCCR, with any additional FTE (up to 0.4) aligned to education, research and strategic leadership activity within the AECC School of Chiropractic, depending on the agreed FTE and the experience of the successful candidate.

If you would like further information on these roles, please contact peoplehelpdesk@hsu.ac.uk and please indicate on your application form if you would like to also be considered for this secondary role.

About you

We are seeking an experienced and credible research leader who can demonstrate:

• A strong track record in health, clinical or applied research
• Experience of developing and leading research strategy, programmes or centres
• A successful track record of securing external research funding
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• The ability to build effective collaborations across institutions and sectors
• A commitment to high-quality, impactful research

Experience within musculoskeletal health, chiropractic research or a closely related field would be advantageous but is not essential.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum & Nationality Act 2006.

Benefits

• Competitive Employer's Pension
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced policies
• Subsidised clinical treatments
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• And many more

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Daniel Moore (Head of the AECC School of Chiropractic) on  Daniel.Moore@hsu.ac.uk or

Dr Julie Northam (Director of Research) on Julie.Northam@hsu.ac.uk

Please visit our website to complete an online application form. Please note that CVs will not be considered as a substitute for a complete application form.

Closing date: Midnight Friday 24th July 2026.

Interviews to take place in August 2026, date to be confirmed.

We value diversity and inclusion at HSU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture which offers equality and opportunity for all. We operate Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview scheme for applicants who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.