MFT is one of the largest NHS Foundation Trusts in England with over 30,000 staff, 5-7000 trainees and a turnover of £2.8bn. We are by definition a big and complex organisation on a different scale to most other NHS trusts and we are viewed as an organisation of national significance.Manchester has a rich history of ground-breaking research and innovation - it is part of the DNA of the city-region and it is one of the UK's most dynamic health innovation and life sciences ecosystems. At MFT we recognise and support this our R&I strengths, including data, genomics, oncology, and real-world evidence clinical trials, attract partnerships and collaborations with leading national and international companies. We continue to be at the cutting-edge of healthcare research, innovation, and life sciences in the UK and across the world and we host one of the largest and diverse National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) portfolios in the country, providing our local ecosystem with the full translational pathway from bench to bedside. We also host Health Innovation Manchester, GM's Health Innovation Network, and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), uniting leading healthcare providers with world-class academics and researchers.Our recent move to a clinical group model ensures we are clinically led, collaborative, and patient-focused, and our One MFT change programme is our blueprint to delivering better value for our patients and communities. We continue to shape our organisation as a unique clinical care provider with teaching, research, and innovation at its heart. Against this backdrop we have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Research and Innovation to join our organisation and play a pivotal role to our future success as we work to improve the care and services for the people of Manchester, Trafford, and beyond.This is a fantastic role, at a truly crucial time for our organisation, as we play our part in delivery of the upcoming NHS 10-year plan and deliver our highly ambitious R&I plans. Our ideal candidate will have an international profile in translational research/experimental medicine, be recognised as a research leader and bring the knowledge, experience, and capability to lead within academia. You will be a highly credible and inclusive leader with the ability to influence at all levels and central to your success will be your experience of establishing new structures and procedures based on networks of influence and persuasion, in a clinical/academic environment. Finally, a track record of leading or participating in successful applications for major strategic grants from third party bodies will be key.At MFT, we create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development that are fair, open and transparent, protecting your health and wellbeing and shaping the future of our organisation together. If this appeals to you and you think you have the skills, expertise and motivation to succeed, we would be delighted to hear from you.Closing date for applications - Wednesday 10th September 2025
