Commercial Research Lead | Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 27 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £49,387 - £56,515 per annum pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 27 May 2026 |
| Location: | East Grinstead, RH19 3DZ |
| Company: | Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Trust |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 7945135/276-7945135-AFC |
Summary
This post is a part-time (28 hours per week) 1-year fixed-term.
We are seeking a highly motivated and strategically minded individual to join the Research & Innovation team as a Commercial Research Lead (Band 7)at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
This is a pivotal role responsible for strengthening the Trust’s commercial research portfolio by developing a sustainable pipeline of industry-sponsored studies, improving study set-up performance in line with national benchmarks (e.g. 150-day set-up target), and enhancing engagement with clinical teams, industry partners and NIHR infrastructure.
The postholder will work across organisational boundaries to identify and progress new commercial research opportunities, support efficient study delivery, and contribute to income generation and long-term sustainability of research activity within the Trust. This role would suit someone with an entrepreneurial outlook.
The post-holder will lead the development and management of the Trust's commercial research portfolio by establishing a sustainable pipeline of industry-sponsored studies and strengthening engagement with clinicians, research teams, NIHR infrastructure and commercial partners. This includes proactively identifying new opportunities, coordinating Expression of Interests (EOIs) and feasibility assessments, and positioning the Trust to maximise success in securing commercial research studies.
The role will also drive improvements in study set-up performance in line with national benchmarks, including the 150-day target, and support efficient delivery of commercial research activity. The post-holder will monitor performance against key indicators, undertake analysis of issues, and implement corrective actions, while supporting the delivery of the annual income plan.
In addition, they will develop systems and processes to support high-quality research delivery and act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, promoting the Trust's research capability and supporting long-term growth and sustainability.
Rated GOOD overall with outstanding care by the CQC. A specialist NHS hospital providing life-changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services across the South of England and beyond.
We specialise in conditions of the eyes (corneoplastics), hands, head and neck cancer and skin cancer, reconstructive breast surgery, maxillofacial surgery and prosthetics, providing regional and national services in these areas of clinical expertise. Our world-leading clinical teams also treat more common conditions of the eyes, hands, skin, and teeth for the people of East Grinstead and the surrounding areas. In addition, QVH provides a minor injuries unit, expert therapies, a sleep service, and a growing portfolio of community-based services. Patients consistently rate QVH amongst the top hospitals in the country for quality of care.
Our success is underpinned by the skills and enthusiasm of our staff and a strong culture of partnership. We are fully committed to training and development of the workforce with support for continuing education and learning.
The postholder will:
• Lead the development and management of a sustainable commercial research pipeline through proactive engagement with industry, NIHR infrastructure and internal stakeholders
• Develop and maintain a structured intelligence system to systematically map and
analyse existing clinician-industry networks, informing partnership development and
pipeline growth.
• Develop a strategic pipeline management plan to ensure long-term sustainability of
commercial research activity and delivery of the annual income plan
• Coordinate and submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs), undertaking rapid feasibility assessments and ensuring high-quality, competitive submissions
• Support feasibility, site selection and set-up planning for new commercial research studies
• Drive improvements in study set-up performance to meet national benchmarks, including the 150-day timeline
• Monitor performance against key indicators, undertake root cause analysis of issues, and implement corrective actions
• Develop systems to capture and analyse pipeline activity, performance data and commercial opportunities
• Provide expert advice on commercial costing frameworks (e.g. NCVR, iCT) and support appropriate cost recovery approaches
• Contribute to forecasting commercial research income and aligning pipeline activity to financial plans
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clinicians, research teams, sponsors, CROs and regional partners
• Act as a senior point of contact for commercial partners and represent the Trust in external forums
This advert closes on Sunday 10 May 2026