Lead Nurse Academic Research | Christie NHS Foundation Trust

Lead Nurse for Academic Research | The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

Employer:

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

Location:

Manchester, M20 4BX

Pay:

Contract Type:

Contract

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

Yes

Closing Date:

11/06/2026

Are you an inspiring senior nurse leader with a passion for research, innovation, and shaping the future of academic nursing?

The Christie—one of Europe’s leading cancer centres and a world renowned hub for research excellence—is looking for a dynamic Lead Nurse for Academic Research to join our Research & Innovation Division.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to influence research strategy at organisational, regional, and national levels while supporting a talented and growing academic research nursing/AHP workforce.

At The Christie, research isn’t an add on—it’s part of our DNA. You’ll be joining a Trust that is internationally recognised for pioneering clinical and academic research, delivering cutting edge treatments, and improving outcomes for patients across the globe.

You’ll work alongside exceptional clinical teams, Higher Education Institutions, NIHR partners, and national research networks to drive forward a culture of research excellence.

The Lead Nurse for Academic Research is a senior, high impact leadership role at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for shaping and driving the Trust’s academic research nursing strategy.

This person provides both strategic and operational leadership to the Academic Research Nursing workforce, ensuring the delivery of high quality, safe, and effective research activity across the organisation.

They will foster a culture of academic excellence, strengthen partnerships with NIHR and Higher Education Institutions, and support the integration of research into clinical practice.

About You We’re looking for someone who brings:
Essential

Registered Nurse (NMC) with a degree in nursing or related subject.

Master’s degree (or working towards).

GCP training.

Significant senior management experience in clinical or academic research.

Advanced leadership, communication, and change management skills.

In depth knowledge of research governance, NHS policy, and academic research frameworks.

Leading on own research portfolio.

As the Lead Nurse for Academic Research, you will:
Lead & Inspire

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Academic Research Nursing workforce.

Develop and deliver a Trust wide Academic Research Nursing strategy aligned with national and local priorities.

Foster a culture of research and academic excellence, integrating research into everyday clinical practice.

Represent The Christie at local, regional, and national forums, including academic and research networks.

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with HEIs, NIHR, and key research stakeholders.

Support the Associate Chief Nurse with the implementation of the national SORT tool.

Drive Operational Excellence

Provide visible, professional leadership to academic research staff.

Oversee the delivery of high quality research studies, ensuring compliance with GCP, governance, and regulatory standards.

Lead on workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and development.

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year.

We are based in Manchester and serve a population of
3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.

We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services.

We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.

We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year.

Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

• Manage resources effectively, including budget oversight and business case development.

Advance Education & Professional Development

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