Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Chief Scientist and Head of Clinical Sciences

The closing date is 05 April 2026

Job summary

We are delighted to announce a rare and exciting opportunity to join our dynamic Clinical Sciences Directorate as the Chief Scientist and the Head of Clinical Services. This pivotal leadership role is available due to the well-earned retirement ofthe existing post holder.

The Chief Scientist is theprofessionallead forour1200Healthcare Science(HCS)colleagues who work across 40scientificspecialismsAs theprofessionallead, you will drive forward the Healthcare Science Strategy for the organisation working with an established Healthcare Science Board, supported by the Care Group and the Medical Directors office.Youwillalsorepresentour HCS at a senior level and support the advancement of science for patient benefit and the development of the scientific workforce

The Clinical Sciences Directorate is part of the Specialist Clinical Services Care Group whereyou'll collaborate with expert teams. Our Care Group is renowned for its breadth of services and the vital role we play in supporting clinical excellence throughout NUH every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Ifyou'reinterested in learning more about this rewarding role, wewould be happy to have an informal conversation. So please contactAudrey Strong(Audrey.Strong1@nhs.net) to arrange this.

Main duties of the job

This role is to ensure we optimise the use of Science within NUH to address health challenges in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Ultimately, to continuously raise the game of health science and technology and in so doing, to use science-based intelligence for improved service planning and high-qualityhealthcare delivery.

The role has two core elements.Firstly,ChiefScientist and Professional Lead for the scientific workforce within NUH, and secondly,Head of Clinical Servicesfor theClinical SciencesDirectorate.

The purposeof the role is to provide strategic, scientific advice of the highest level to NUH, to improve the delivery ofhigh-qualitycare and provide strong leadership, strategic direction, and influence for Healthcare Science Diagnostic and Therapeutic services across the employing organisation. The post-holder will also support the workforce and leadership development of healthcare scientists (HCS) Trust wide.

DIRECTORATE HEAD OF CLINICAL SERVICES (CLINICAL SCIENCES)

As a key member of theCare Groupleadership team will contribute to the development and implementation ofthevision and strategic priorities to deliver efficientservices and effective patient careat Directorate level.

TheDirectorateHead of Clinical Serviceswill have specific responsibilities and accountabilities across theirDirectorate for delivery of clinical and operational leadership.

About us

With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation.

Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career!

We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH.

Details

Date posted

26 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 9

Salary

£109,179 to £125,637 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

164-7873598

Job locations

QMC Campus

Derby Road

Nottingham

NG7 2UH


Job description

Job responsibilities

LEADERSHIP

Create a compelling vision and strategy for the future of the Directorate and the Healthcare Scientist profession within the Trust working in partnership

Lead the HCS Board and ensure HCS are represented and link in effectively with the Regional Chief Scientists

Work closely with the professional leads across NUH

Toensureclinicalleadershipandprofessionalresponsibilityforthe clinicalworkforceintheDirectorate

Pro-actively apply integrated management and clinical knowledge to lead the decision-making process for your services

To foster a climate of innovation and improvement for all services in theDirectorate

Provide credible, quality professional leadership to staff in the Directorate, and across the Trust and act as an effective role model.

Promote the excellence agenda by demonstrating personal commitment toCPDand quality improvement.

Provide mentorship, advice and support to senior members of the team/Healthcare Scientist teams in the Trust

Ensure that staff in the services are clear about what is expected for success and working together to achieve the Trusts vision.

Lead the development and implementation of local and Trust-wide policieswithin the Directorate.

Take an active role in ICS, regional and national professional and clinical specialty forums, leading on clinical quality initiatives and acting as a representative for the Profession, Services, Trust and any relevant Network

Provide effective, visible,inspirationalleadership and professional guidance for Healthcare Scientists.

Lead the development of any Trust wide policies for the Healthcare Scientists

SERVICE DELIVERY

Working with the DirectorateLeadership Team, lead the development of service strategies and annual plans for the Directorate

Review and revise existing practices as necessary ensuring that progressive solutions

Work with Community, Social Care and Academic partners to ensure that delivery plans support the wider agenda

Provide direction to managers in the Directorate Team to continually review roles and responsibilities ensuring service quality and efficient use of resources

Working with the DirectorateLeadership Teamto lead the development of business cases and/or options appraisals that clearly set out the justification for securing additional resources.

Manage the implementation of approved proposals to ensure delivery of agreed benefits.

Ensure clear processes to involve staff and patients in service development, to support service excellence

FINANCE

With the DirectorateLeadership Teambe accountable for developing robust finance models that deliver theCare Groups and Trusts requirements with regards to managing services within budgets, overseeing income opportunities, development of cost improvement plans

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

To have in place robust performance management systems to pro-actively ensure that the component services within the Directorate meet their business and financial objectives. Enhance the performance and capability of others through formal and informal interactions.

Motivate staff to higher levels of performance by increasing their commitment to the Trusts objectives

Work with theCareGroupLeadership Team to agree clearly defined performance objectives / Key Performance Indicators for your services

To provide clinical leadership, input and oversight to achieve and sustain all constitutional waiting time targets and patient standards

HEALTHCARE STANDARDS

Ensure the service meets or exceeds national health care standards including CQC andCancerWaiting Timesstandards as appropriate to the service.

Ensure the servicesmeet appropriate national and international standards forScientific Services.

Ensure regular reviews of standards of care take place where appropriate best practice is adopted to support the Trusts objective to become a Centre of Excellence

Ensure the servicesachieve and maintains registration against appropriate quality standards(e.g. ISO9001, UKAS)

Provide support for responses and action on clinical issues

GOVERNANCE AND RISK

Promote systems for clinical quality and safety improvement within the Directorate and across Healthcare Science to include, where appropriate, benchmarking across other organisations and against clinical guidelines.

To overseeandseekassuranceonthegovernancearrangementsfortheDirectorate alongside Care Group and corporate Safety Team colleagues ensuringthatregulatorytargetsandcompliancewithclinicalqualityriskandgovernancestandardsaremet.

Ensure the service supports the Trust in the management of risks associated with the safe use of ionising and non-ionising radiation, radioactive materials, medical devices and medical device infrastructure, including the governance arrangement for Research & Innovation (R&I).

Promote a culture where governance and risk management are seen to be everyones responsibility.

Ensure that servicesareexternally accredited to meet appropriate standards(e.g.JAG,UKAS,ISO9001,ISO13485).

COMMUNICATION

Ensure effective communication arrangements exist within the servicesthat link to theCareGrouparrangements.

Build mutually beneficial alliances and networks at senior levels within and outside theCare Group, Trust and wider healthcare community to ensure that services work together to benefit patients and the Trust.

Be pro-active in promoting the Trusts visionto deliver outstanding health outcomes and patient and staff experience, supporting staff forums and discussions.

Ensure that good practice is rapidly shared at all levels within the service.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Accountable for clinical workforce planning for the Directorate

With the DirectorateLeadership Team, jointly line manage senior members of the team and support recruitment of staff with the right clinical competency to meet service needs.

Ensure that professional leadership is provided for staff including support for welfare and knowledge within roles.

Provide direction and support to senior HCS across theCare Groups, ensuring they are supported to lead, motivate and develop staff and that students are provided with clinical supervision as required by the National School for Healthcare Science, professional bodies and Universities.

Promote a culture where staff feel empowered and accountable for service improvement at a local level.

Accountable for appropriate registration of all Healthcare Scientists within the organisation and for processes that ensure the timely completion of appraisal andCPD.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Ensure the service is accredited to provide work placements for Scientist and Practitioner Training Programmes, provides ahigh-qualitytraining experience and that trainers are adequately mentored and supported.

Manage theHCS Practice Educatorand support post holder to build a robust Trust side HCS TNA

Work with thepractice educatorand the HCS Board to develop innovative HCS training packages for HCS at all levels.

Ensure that the opportunities for talent to be developed are provided to ensure the service continues to develop.

Provide constructive feedback, support and resources to enable teams to develop and increase skills and abilities.

Prioritise own time to be available to coach and mentor other members of theDirectorateand senior HCS across the organisation.

Ensure suitable supervision processes are in place with regular evaluation to support them.

Where appropriate, ensure staff who have any responsibility in relation to major incidents are clear about their roles and receive appropriate training.

RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND AUDIT

Foster a proactive research portfolio for Healthcare Scientists across the organisation and take line management responsibility for the HCS Clinical Academic leads.

Oversee the development and implementation of the R&IStrategy forHealthcare Science

Initiate and direct R&I programmes including original and translational research, monitoring research quality.

Direct and plan the introduction, evaluation and application of improved scientific and operational procedures to continually develop the service.

Evaluate published research and innovation and make recommendations for future service provision.

Stimulate innovation and appropriate research initiatives within the service and a wider multidisciplinary field, developing evidence bases and encouraging staff participation in research.

Initiate and develop appropriate academic and research networks.

Ensure compliance with ethical and financial research governance requirements for the services.

Ensure research findings are disseminated appropriately through peer reviewed journals, national and international meetings.

Establish a clear system of audit in line with the Trust requirements and review audit results with relevant team members.

Develop audit tools andclinical guidelines to underpin practice in collaboration with other partners in theCare GroupTeam, overseeing protocols and implementation.

Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of service provision in the clinical area.

OTHER DUTIES

Contribute to discussions/forums etc.affecting theCare Group,as appropriate.

Provide specialist knowledge as required forCare Group/Trust wide debates.

Represent the service and/or theCare Groupat Trust/wider Health Community meetings,as appropriate.

Be a member of Trust-wideGroups,as appropriate.

Job description

Job responsibilities

LEADERSHIP

Create a compelling vision and strategy for the future of the Directorate and the Healthcare Scientist profession within the Trust working in partnership

Lead the HCS Board and ensure HCS are represented and link in effectively with the Regional Chief Scientists

Work closely with the professional leads across NUH

Toensureclinicalleadershipandprofessionalresponsibilityforthe clinicalworkforceintheDirectorate

Pro-actively apply integrated management and clinical knowledge to lead the decision-making process for your services

To foster a climate of innovation and improvement for all services in theDirectorate

Provide credible, quality professional leadership to staff in the Directorate, and across the Trust and act as an effective role model.

Promote the excellence agenda by demonstrating personal commitment toCPDand quality improvement.

Provide mentorship, advice and support to senior members of the team/Healthcare Scientist teams in the Trust

Ensure that staff in the services are clear about what is expected for success and working together to achieve the Trusts vision.

Lead the development and implementation of local and Trust-wide policieswithin the Directorate.

Take an active role in ICS, regional and national professional and clinical specialty forums, leading on clinical quality initiatives and acting as a representative for the Profession, Services, Trust and any relevant Network

Provide effective, visible,inspirationalleadership and professional guidance for Healthcare Scientists.

Lead the development of any Trust wide policies for the Healthcare Scientists

SERVICE DELIVERY

Working with the DirectorateLeadership Team, lead the development of service strategies and annual plans for the Directorate

Review and revise existing practices as necessary ensuring that progressive solutions

Work with Community, Social Care and Academic partners to ensure that delivery plans support the wider agenda

Provide direction to managers in the Directorate Team to continually review roles and responsibilities ensuring service quality and efficient use of resources

Working with the DirectorateLeadership Teamto lead the development of business cases and/or options appraisals that clearly set out the justification for securing additional resources.

Manage the implementation of approved proposals to ensure delivery of agreed benefits.

Ensure clear processes to involve staff and patients in service development, to support service excellence

FINANCE

With the DirectorateLeadership Teambe accountable for developing robust finance models that deliver theCare Groups and Trusts requirements with regards to managing services within budgets, overseeing income opportunities, development of cost improvement plans

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

To have in place robust performance management systems to pro-actively ensure that the component services within the Directorate meet their business and financial objectives. Enhance the performance and capability of others through formal and informal interactions.

Motivate staff to higher levels of performance by increasing their commitment to the Trusts objectives

Work with theCareGroupLeadership Team to agree clearly defined performance objectives / Key Performance Indicators for your services

To provide clinical leadership, input and oversight to achieve and sustain all constitutional waiting time targets and patient standards

HEALTHCARE STANDARDS

Ensure the service meets or exceeds national health care standards including CQC andCancerWaiting Timesstandards as appropriate to the service.

Ensure the servicesmeet appropriate national and international standards forScientific Services.

Ensure regular reviews of standards of care take place where appropriate best practice is adopted to support the Trusts objective to become a Centre of Excellence

Ensure the servicesachieve and maintains registration against appropriate quality standards(e.g. ISO9001, UKAS)

Provide support for responses and action on clinical issues

GOVERNANCE AND RISK

Promote systems for clinical quality and safety improvement within the Directorate and across Healthcare Science to include, where appropriate, benchmarking across other organisations and against clinical guidelines.

To overseeandseekassuranceonthegovernancearrangementsfortheDirectorate alongside Care Group and corporate Safety Team colleagues ensuringthatregulatorytargetsandcompliancewithclinicalqualityriskandgovernancestandardsaremet.

Ensure the service supports the Trust in the management of risks associated with the safe use of ionising and non-ionising radiation, radioactive materials, medical devices and medical device infrastructure, including the governance arrangement for Research & Innovation (R&I).

Promote a culture where governance and risk management are seen to be everyones responsibility.

Ensure that servicesareexternally accredited to meet appropriate standards(e.g.JAG,UKAS,ISO9001,ISO13485).

COMMUNICATION

Ensure effective communication arrangements exist within the servicesthat link to theCareGrouparrangements.

Build mutually beneficial alliances and networks at senior levels within and outside theCare Group, Trust and wider healthcare community to ensure that services work together to benefit patients and the Trust.

Be pro-active in promoting the Trusts visionto deliver outstanding health outcomes and patient and staff experience, supporting staff forums and discussions.

Ensure that good practice is rapidly shared at all levels within the service.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Accountable for clinical workforce planning for the Directorate

With the DirectorateLeadership Team, jointly line manage senior members of the team and support recruitment of staff with the right clinical competency to meet service needs.

Ensure that professional leadership is provided for staff including support for welfare and knowledge within roles.

Provide direction and support to senior HCS across theCare Groups, ensuring they are supported to lead, motivate and develop staff and that students are provided with clinical supervision as required by the National School for Healthcare Science, professional bodies and Universities.

Promote a culture where staff feel empowered and accountable for service improvement at a local level.

Accountable for appropriate registration of all Healthcare Scientists within the organisation and for processes that ensure the timely completion of appraisal andCPD.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Ensure the service is accredited to provide work placements for Scientist and Practitioner Training Programmes, provides ahigh-qualitytraining experience and that trainers are adequately mentored and supported.

Manage theHCS Practice Educatorand support post holder to build a robust Trust side HCS TNA

Work with thepractice educatorand the HCS Board to develop innovative HCS training packages for HCS at all levels.

Ensure that the opportunities for talent to be developed are provided to ensure the service continues to develop.

Provide constructive feedback, support and resources to enable teams to develop and increase skills and abilities.

Prioritise own time to be available to coach and mentor other members of theDirectorateand senior HCS across the organisation.

Ensure suitable supervision processes are in place with regular evaluation to support them.

Where appropriate, ensure staff who have any responsibility in relation to major incidents are clear about their roles and receive appropriate training.

RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND AUDIT

Foster a proactive research portfolio for Healthcare Scientists across the organisation and take line management responsibility for the HCS Clinical Academic leads.

Oversee the development and implementation of the R&IStrategy forHealthcare Science

Initiate and direct R&I programmes including original and translational research, monitoring research quality.

Direct and plan the introduction, evaluation and application of improved scientific and operational procedures to continually develop the service.

Evaluate published research and innovation and make recommendations for future service provision.

Stimulate innovation and appropriate research initiatives within the service and a wider multidisciplinary field, developing evidence bases and encouraging staff participation in research.

Initiate and develop appropriate academic and research networks.

Ensure compliance with ethical and financial research governance requirements for the services.

Ensure research findings are disseminated appropriately through peer reviewed journals, national and international meetings.

Establish a clear system of audit in line with the Trust requirements and review audit results with relevant team members.

Develop audit tools andclinical guidelines to underpin practice in collaboration with other partners in theCare GroupTeam, overseeing protocols and implementation.

Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of service provision in the clinical area.

OTHER DUTIES

Contribute to discussions/forums etc.affecting theCare Group,as appropriate.

Provide specialist knowledge as required forCare Group/Trust wide debates.

Represent the service and/or theCare Groupat Trust/wider Health Community meetings,as appropriate.

Be a member of Trust-wideGroups,as appropriate.

Person Specification

Training Qualifications

Essential

  • HCPC registration
  • MSc in Clinical Science
  • DClinSci/PhD or equivalent academic Experience

Desirable

  • Recognised Leadership / Management qualification

Experience

Essential

  • An in depth knowledge and understanding of NHS policy and national agenda
  • Significant experience leading and managing services

Communication

Essential

  • Leadership skills demonstrating ability to work in partnership
  • Ability to lead large groups to shape and implement change

Analytical and Judgement Skills

Essential

  • Ability to identify and evaluate options for complex service issues

Planning and Organisation Skills

Essential

  • Operate strategically translating strategy into practice
Person Specification

Training Qualifications

Essential

  • HCPC registration
  • MSc in Clinical Science
  • DClinSci/PhD or equivalent academic Experience

Desirable

  • Recognised Leadership / Management qualification

Experience

Essential

  • An in depth knowledge and understanding of NHS policy and national agenda
  • Significant experience leading and managing services

Communication

Essential

  • Leadership skills demonstrating ability to work in partnership
  • Ability to lead large groups to shape and implement change

Analytical and Judgement Skills

Essential

  • Ability to identify and evaluate options for complex service issues

Planning and Organisation Skills

Essential

  • Operate strategically translating strategy into practice

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Address

QMC Campus

Derby Road

Nottingham

NG7 2UH


Employer's website

https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts

Address

QMC Campus

Derby Road

Nottingham

NG7 2UH


Employer's website

https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

PA

Audrey Strong

audrey.strong1@nhs.net

01159249924

Details

Date posted

26 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 9

Salary

£109,179 to £125,637 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

164-7873598

Job locations

QMC Campus

Derby Road

Nottingham

NG7 2UH


Supporting documents

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