Deputy R&D Director

Job Description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.

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As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

Deputy Director Research & Development – NHS Lothian

Location: ACCORD, Usher Building, Edinburgh BioQuarter,

Hybrid working, minimum 2 days per week in office,

Contract: Permanent, Full time, 37 hours worked over 5 days per week

Salary: AFC Band 8C £87,400 – £93,685

Closing Date: Friday 13th March 2026

NHS Lothian is seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Deputy R&D Director, providing strategic and operational leadership across our Research & Development function. Based within the Academic and Clinical Central Office for Research and Development (ACCORD), you will oversee a joint NHS Lothian and University of Edinburgh research office at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic clinical research environments.

About the Role

You will lead the ACCORD office and ensure robust systems, governance and processes are in place to support high quality, compliant clinical research across NHS Lothian. Working closely with the University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, partner HEIs and Edinburgh BioQuarter, you will drive excellence in research delivery, policy development and regulatory readiness.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree and postgraduate qualification (Master’s or PhD) in a clinical or life sciences discipline, with ongoing professional development in clinical research.
• In depth knowledge of UK research governance, including the UK Policy Framework, MHRA Clinical Trials Regulations, UK GDPR, FOI, Human Tissue legislation and ICH GCP.
• Extensive experience managing NHS R&D functions, including leadership during MHRA inspections of Sponsor systems.
• Strong understanding of national research strategy and delivery structures (CSO, NRS, DHSC, NIHR).
• Industrial healthcare R&D experience is desirable.

If you want to find out more about the role, please contact:

Professor Alasdair Gray, Director of Research and Innovation:

Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.