The Head of Research Data & Technology is fundamental to the continuing success of the NIHR BioResource. As part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) the role is actively involved in overall strategy and planning, along with providing expert advice to the SMT, Oversight Committees and the Director of the NIHR BioResource.

The NIHR BioResource, as mandated by the Department of Health & Social Care, via the National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR), provides a unique resource for national and international Academic and Commercial research organisations, with the overall aim to improve healthcare and the long-term prevention and treatment of disease, and as part of the national health care agenda (including the England Rare Diseases Action Plan 2023).

The NIHR BioResource has an ambitious 2-year plan to deliver on its £50m funded portfolio of programmes. Key to its success is the Data and Informatics section, underpinned by a high performing and secure IT infrastructure. 

The Head of Research Data & Technology has overall responsibility for four teams, consisting of circa 40 people: Bioinformatics, Data, Information Security and Governance and IT Infrastructure & Systems. This role also has responsibility for overseeing and signing off on Data Protection Impact Assessments, the Participant Privacy Notice and other aspects relating to GDPR. The role provides the Informatics & IT interface to external stakeholders such as the funders, collaborators, and the life science industry.

This role would be ideally suited to an established leader with experience at developing thriving business relationships across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and an ability to contribute strategically at the most senior level. We are looking to speak with those who have a demonstrable track record of introducing change and innovative ways of working, and the ability to identify relevant new opportunities, galvanise support and deliver on the agreed objectives and timelines. Highly self-motivated and results oriented with a consultative approach to problem solving. A proven ability to thrive in a fast-changing environment with strong strategic thinking and able to prioritise and overcome conflicting priorities.