About this role
Job summary
Head of Research Infrastructure
Band 8b | Fixed Term (2 years initially)
GOSH is seeking an exceptional individual to lead our Research & Innovation Core Infrastructure function at one of the world's leading children's hospitals.
Research is central to GOSH's mission, and this role offers a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen the infrastructure that enables world-leading paediatric research. Working across research, clinical and corporate teams, you will oversee a diverse portfolio including strategic programme management, research data and systems, grants support, capital infrastructure and organisational improvement initiatives.
This is a hands-on leadership role, combining operational delivery with strategic development. You will be responsible for leading a team, managing substantial budgets and resources, overseeing major projects, and ensuring that researchers have access to the systems, facilities and support they need to succeed. You will also play a key role in delivering high-profile initiatives including the GOSH Research Accelerator programme, digital transformation projects and research infrastructure investment programmes.
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative leader with experience of managing complex services, programmes or infrastructure within the NHS, higher education, research, charity or comparable sectors.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative leader with experience of managing complex services, programmes or infrastructure within the NHS, higher education, research, charity or comparable sectors.
You will be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, leading change, managing competing priorities and translating ambitious ideas into practical delivery.
In return, you will join a forward-thinking Research & Innovation Directorate and work alongside internationally recognised researchers, clinicians and operational leaders.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the future of paediatric research and ultimately improve outcomes for children and young people in the UK and beyond.
About us
We are committed to recruiting the best person for the job through a fair, open and consistent process that is free from bias and discrimination.
We are working towards becoming an anti-racist organisation. This means creating a workplace where every colleague feels seen, heard and valued, and where racism in any form has no place. Our anti-racism commitment is backed by action through our Anti-Racism Statement and action plan, developed in collaboration with our REACH staff network.
We actively challenge discrimination, dismantle barriers and embed equity across all aspects of our workforce, including recruitment, progression and development. All applicants will receive equal consideration regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, health condition or employment history.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and LGBTQ+ community members. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Business Disability Forum, and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
Our staff networks, including REACH, PRIDE, ENABLED and Women's Networks, are active and executive supported. These employee-led networks play a vital role in shaping an inclusive culture at GOSH and are open to all colleagues.
Together, we are building a culture where inclusion is not optional - it is essential.
Job description Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person Specification
GOSH Values and Culture Essential
Our values | Collaboration| Curiosity | Respect Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.
Academic/Professional qualification/Training Essential
Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field e.g. life sciences or medical research Significant knowledge of NHS R&I infrastructure, funding landscape, and governance Evidence of continuing professional development/education
Desirable
PhD in a relevant field Formal project/programme management qualification e.g. PRINCE2, MSP PhD in a relevant field
Experience/Knowledge Essential
Senior leadership experience working on both strategic and operational matters in a relevant complex environment, preferably the NHS or a University Proven track record of effectively managing large budgets to time and target Proven track record of successfully delivering strategic programmes of work across multidisciplinary teams Demonstrable experience of leading the development of major external funding proposals (e.g., NIHR, charity funding) in open competition Significant experience in project/programme management Knowledge of research data systems and digital transformation Demonstrable ability to operate effectively across a partnership of multiple organisations Experience of designing or overseeing process optimisation frameworks within complex organisations Experience of defining and implementing local policy and influencing national/international policy relating to research and innovation
Desirable
Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams and supporting organisational transformation programmes
Skills/Abilities Essential
Strong strategic thinking and leadership capability including the ability to translate organisational priorities into scalable operating models and transformation programmes Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyse, rationalise, and apply research information to support the preparation of business cases plans and reports, and monitor impact Excellent oral and written presentation skills Demonstrable track record of successful staff line management, proven team leadership, and the ability to deal with difficult situations with tact and diplomacy. Ability to manage complex portfolios and competing priorities A team player, with a flexible approach and a 'can do' attitude
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Address R&D Office, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
30 Guilford Street
London
WC1N 1EH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)