The post holder will provide strategic leadership for radiotherapy research and development within the Trust, with a particular focus on advanced and adaptive radiotherapy techniques.

The post holder will lead and develop a portfolio of translational radiotherapy research, manage research staff and Allied Health Professional (AHP) clinical academics, secure research funding, and drive the integration of innovative radiotherapy research into clinical practice.

A key component of the role is to provide radiotherapy research leadership and input into Trust research strategy through active participation in the Radiotherapy Steering Group (RTSG), the Radiotherapy Research Committee (RRC), working collaboratively with clinical, research and academic colleagues.

The post holder will lead AHP clinical academic development, supporting radiographers and other AHPs from to develop and deliver research that contributes to the Trust’s strategic aims and the wider national research agenda.

The post holder will input into trust radiotherapy research strategy via the RTSG and provide radiotherapy input into the Trust AHP research strategy (via the appropriate governance groups).

They will also represent AHP and radiotherapy research interests through membership in strategic and executive committees within the Trust and externally at local, regional, national and international levels. Lead a portfolio of translational radiotherapy research that aligns with the clinical and research strategies of the Radiotherapy Department, R&I Division, Trust, and funding initiatives.

Provide mentorship and guidance to academic staff, including supervision of MSc, PhD and other research students and support junior researchers. Lead horizon scanning for emerging radiotherapy technologies and research opportunities, translating these into feasible project proposals and funding applications.

Build strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry partners, and national research networks.

Lead the AHP Doctoral Academy and support the professional development of clinical academic staff through training, education, and mentorship. Undertake academic activity to maintain an academic appointment within a relevant division at the University of Manchester at the level of senior lecturer or above.

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, looking after more than 64,000 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 25% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.

We are the largest radiotherapy provider in the NHS with one in 20 treatments delivered at The Christie. We have up to 15 linear accelerators operating across our network of sites. We operate the largest chemotherapy unit in the UK on our main site and treatments are also provided at 13 other networked sites, and in patients homes. And as a specialist tertiary surgical centre, we focus on rare cancers, complex procedures, and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer surgery, specialising in colorectal, peritoneal, gynaecological, urological and plastic surgery.

We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We have been named by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), as one of the best hospitals providing opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research studies, with more than 800 studies open at any time, caring for over 3,000 patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership and Management
o Input into trust radiotherapy research strategy via the RTSG and provide radiotherapy input into the Trust AHP research strategy (via the appropriate governance groups).
o Oversee radiographer led and AHP led research activity using MR-guided and other advanced radiotherapy technologies (e.g., MR-Linac, adaptive workflows, proton therapy), working in partnership with clinical and physics leads.
o Provide input and support in clinical academic careers and enhancing the skills of research radiographers and AHPs at the Trust.
o Represent AHP and radiotherapy research interests through membership in strategic and executive committees within the Trust , University and externally at local, regional, national and international levels.
o Manage delegated budgets for radiotherapy research activities, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial sustainability.
o Contribute to the development and implementation of Trust-wide research governance frameworks.
o Find and drive links with other NIHR infrastructure, including other BRCs, the Clinical Research Network (CRN), Translational Research Collaborations (TRCs) and the NIHR Bioresource.
o Work with the business engagement and industry team to support industry and charity collaborations.
o Work with BRC management team to provide information as required reports to the Executive Group, Governance Board and International Advisory Board.
o As member of RRR senior leadership team, work to lead and fulfil the outputs of relevant research infrastructure, program and project grants.

2. Research and Innovation
o Lead a portfolio of translational radiotherapy research that aligns with the clinical and research strategies of the Radiotherapy Department, R&I Division, Trust, and funding initiatives.
o Develop, implement, and manage research protocols, ensuring compliance with clinical governance, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
o Promote the translation of research findings into clinical practice, enhancing patient outcomes through innovative radiotherapy treatments and techniques.
o Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
o Work nationally and internationally with clinical, academic, and industrial partners to advance radiotherapy practice, and develop clinical technologies and work practices of radiotherapy at the cutting edge.
o Work with national co-operative groups drawn from UK centres of excellence to provide clinical leadership for the development, assessment and clinical implementation of new Radiotherapy technologies.
o Develop and give the essential expertise in clinical Therapeutic Radiography to lead the development of planning and image-guided solutions in Radiotherapy.

3. Professional and Clinical Leadership
o Champion professional standards within research teams, fostering a culture of excellence in clinical practice and research.
o Provide mentorship and guidance to clinical academic staff, including supervision of MSc, PhD and other research students and support junior researchers.
o Ensure that AHP-led research aligns with Trust values, professional standards, and CQC requirements, promoting safe and effective patient care.
o Contribute to the development and implementation of local and regional clinical guidelines and protocols based on the latest research evidence.
o Lead horizon scanning for emerging radiotherapy technologies and research opportunities, translating these into feasible project proposals and funding applications.
o Provide supervision and oversight for radiotherapy research delivery (set-up, recruitment, governance, reporting), ensuring barriers are escalated and resolved.

4. Governance and Quality Improvement
o Lead clinical governance activities within the radiotherapy research unit, including audit, risk management, and quality improvement initiatives.
o Work with R&I to continuously develop and improve robust governance frameworks to support the delivery of high-quality research, ensuring that studies meet ethical standards and regulatory compliance.
o Drive continuous quality improvement, using research insights to refine clinical pathways and enhance patient safety and outcomes.
o Lead on the development and implementation of a risk management strategy for radiotherapy research activities.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
o Build strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry partners, and national research networks.
o Engage with service users, carers, and families to ensure that patient and public involvement is integral to radiotherapy research and service development.
o Represent the Trust at national and international conferences, promoting the Trust’s research profile and advocating for the advancement of radiotherapy research.
o Collaborate with local, regional, national and international research teams and institutions to share best practices and promote collaborative research initiatives.
o Lead an internal communication and engagement plan for radiotherapy research (senior leadership briefings, team updates, education slots), building research participation across bands and roles.

6. Teaching, Education, and Capacity Building
o Lead the AHP Doctoral Academy and support the professional development of clinical academic staff through training, education, and mentorship.
o Support pre and post registration radiographer education (e.g., CPEP, Study days)
o Undertake academic activity to maintain an academic appointment within a relevant division at the university of Manchester at the level of senior lecturer or above.
o Deliver educational sessions on advanced radiotherapy techniques and research methodologies for staff, students, and trainees.
o Participate with relevant Higher education Institutes as a lecturer, course (co)lead or otherwise appropriate role for example in the MSc Medical Physics in Cancer Radiation Therapy at the University of Manchester.
o Foster a learning environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning among radiotherapy staff.

7. General
o The place of work is normally The Christie (Withington) but the appointee will be expected to spend periods of time in other Trust sites and other clinical, academic and industrial partner centres.
o The post is full-time. Hours are worked flexibly, in agreement with the line manager, to cover the necessary clinical duties between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. Research activity using the Proton Beam line will take place outside these clinical hours.