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Overview

The Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU) is a UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) -UKCRC-registered clinical trials unit providing high-quality support in running clinical trials in line with international regulatory standards, from the planning stages right through to analysis and reporting.

As the Director of the CTRU, you will be responsible for a portfolio of trials and for developing and expanding the CTRU portfolio into trials of cancer interventions. 

Leading a unit of nearly 100 researchers that sits in the School of Medicine and Population Health, you will make a full contribution to the vision and strategy of the University of Sheffield, delivering excellent teaching and research.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To maintain and grow the portfolio of CTRU clinical trials undertaken with collaborators within and outside the University, to include developing and expanding the CTRU portfolio into trials of cancer interventions
• To be responsible for the day-to-day financial and personnel management of the unit, and for the timely delivery of high-quality trials support services
• To review and amend as necessary the financial framework and charging structure enabling the unit to generate its own income for future growth
• To make a case for University of Sheffield (UoS) investment in CTRU infrastructure and key staff as necessary
• To ensure provision of advice and support to researchers developing new funding proposals, ensuring that trials are designed to robust scientific standards
• To ensure that all services provided by the unit are compliant with the relevant professional, national and international regulatory frameworks
• To develop strong links with other agencies and potential clients, in the academic, health and commercial sectors, with other Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) research support organisations and with relevant University offices
• To consistently deliver academic output, at internationally recognised standard, related to clinical evaluation and research methodology
• To deliver teaching within the Faculty of Health that aligns with your experience and skills
• Make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole
• Make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Post-graduate level qualification in a health-related discipline (assessed at: application).
• At least five years’ experience in managing phase III clinical trials or similar large/complex clinical research projects (assessed at: application).
• Knowledge of cancer trials (assessed at: application).

• Understanding of clinical and health services research in an academic environment (assessed at: application and interview).
• Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards related to clinical trials (assessed at: application and interview).
• Experience of delivering high quality education and student experience in a higher education setting (assessed at: application and interview).
• Ability to negotiate with stakeholders from a range of settings and at both junior and senior levels (assessed at: application and interview).

• A track record of peer-reviewed publication in clinical or health services research (assessed at: application).
• A track record of significant research grant capture in clinical research (assessed at: application).

• Well organised and self-motivated with good time management skills (assessed at: application and interview).
• Excellent HR and financial management skills (assessed at: application and interview).

For informal enquiries about this job please contact Mark Strong, Dean of the School of Medicine and Population Health (PA Francesca Baker f.a.baker@sheffield.ac.uk)

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in September/October 2025. This will consist of an interview, presentation and campus tour. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in September 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Rebecca Swift, Recruitment Co-ordinator on r.d.swift@sheffield.ac.uk

Closing Date : 17/08/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.