Professor/Reader – Clinical Trials & Methodology

Job Description

Job Purpose Over the past five years, the University of Glasgow has made substantial strategic investment to consolidate its position as a leading centre for world class health research. This includes the creation of the Centre for Trial Excellence and Collaboration (CETC) and a Trusted Research Environment, hosting the MRC Doctoral Training Programme trial methodology scheme and initiating a Masters programme in Clinical Trials. These innovations have increasingly positioned Glasgow as a national and international centre of excellence in trials methodology, digital trial delivery, and embedded methodological innovation.

This new senior strategic post therefore offers an exciting opportunity for an outstanding academic leader to shape the next phase of growth, contribute to the continued development of clinical trial methodology and delivery, and strengthen the University’s international impact in trial design, conduct, and outcomes. It will be based in its UKCRC registered Glasgow Clinical Trials Unit/ Robertson Centre for Biostatistics which has an established and continuing track record of designing and delivering impactful trials and publishing in leading journals.

There is a strong institutional commitment and a shared vision and partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to consolidate and further develop a seamless and connected clinical trials ecosystem in Glasgow. There is access to a diverse population in the largest Health Board in Scotland along with expanding opportunities to collaborate with world class Chief Investigators in Glasgow and elsewhere across a range of clinical and non clinical disciplines. In addition, there are strong links with translational research and excellent scope for interdisciplinary work (e.g. engineering/ bio engineering/ social sciences).

The University of Glasgow, a Russell Group University, is undergoing a transformational campus development on the site of the former Western Infirmary. New world class and sustainable buildings include the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, the Advanced Research Centre, the Clarice Pears Building (which houses the CTU in purpose designed premises) and the Adam Smith Business School. The Keystone building (currently under construction) will complete in 2028/9 the creation of a new St Mungo Square, housing a range of dry and wet lab spaces, high spec computing labs and general teaching facilities for 3600 students. The campus is closely integrated with the busy West End (Byres Road area) which is packed with cafes, restaurants, independent shops, as well as theatre and cinemas.

Main Duties and Responsibilities For appointment at Reader level:

1. Undertake a leading role in delivering Glasgow’s excellence in clinical trial methodology within the CTU, supporting CTU development in close partnership with the CETC.
2. Act as a principal investigator or project leader on major trials and methodological projects, contributing a portfolio of publications of high quality and impact and enhancing Glasgow’s visibility in UK and international clinical trials networks.
3. Contribute methodological expertise to developing and enhancing major funding applications (e.g. complex interventions, adaptive/platform designs, data enabled trials, evaluation science), assessing the landscape for appropriate funding opportunities which are strategically aligned and strengthening grant capture.
4. Support development of high quality funding applications developed within the CTU, advising on innovative, appropriate and well considered statistical designs that optimise trial methodology and maximise study outcomes.
5. Mentor early career statisticians within the CTU in the design and delivery of clinical trials within the candidate’s specific area(s) of expertise, working alongside the CTU’s Director of Biostatistics.
6. Supervise research (including PhD) projects related to trials/ trial methodology undertaken by research staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students across the MVLS College to support the effective development of staff and students. Actively engage with potential research students of high calibre intending to undertake postgraduate and doctoral research, building effective working relationships and supervising to completion.
7. Undertake academic management and leadership roles and responsibilities in a manner that enhances the student experience, ensures programmes are benchmarked and of international standing and that values and supports a culture of enhancement.
8. Develop a strategic and inclusive approach to embedding innovative learning technologies across the Subject/School and College, recognising the needs of a diverse student cohort, supporting and enhancing course/programme delivery, course organisation, feedback and assessment within campus based, blended and online provision.
9. Build effective internal and external collaborations to support the development and mentoring of academic staff and their learning, enhancing research and teaching.
10. Regularly attend and participate in appropriate activities to contribute effectively to subject specialism (e.g. through learned societies, professional bodies, broader review and editorial processes, presentation at local, national, international conferences) – at all times to enhance learning within the discipline and represent the University externally.
11. Through an established network of external stakeholders, increasingly influence public understanding and or professional policy and practice.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the CTU Director and/or the Head of School.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

For appointment at Professorial level: We would expect the postholder to contribute to all the above duties, in addition to:

1. Provide a lead strategic role in delivering Glasgow’s excellence in clinical trial methodology and delivery in partnership with the CETC.
2. Sustain internationally leading high quality clinical trial and related methodology research activity, seeking and securing funding for a portfolio of research projects through grant applications to external funding bodies, including infrastructure funding to underpin the growth and sustainability of trials methodology support and innovation.
3. Take a leading role across the University in relation to strategic learning and teaching initiatives through: embedding a research led, evidence based ethos in teaching and learning; leading on teaching collaborations and teaching innovations; and influencing teaching and assessment practices and policy across the School/College.
4. Make a substantial contribution to University Committees/Working Groups to ensure the advancement of learning and teaching policies and practice that align with local and international challenges in Higher Education, evolving student needs and other related changes in the University’s strategic context.
5. Represent the School/College/University on key external bodies and at significant external events nationally and internationally to promote excellence in research and teaching, and the development of professional practice.
6. Ensure a substantial track record of, and demonstrate leadership in, knowledge creation and transfer, ensuring impact on external bodies and contributions to public understanding and contributing fully to key strategic initiatives that underpin School, College and University strategies for external engagement.
7. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the CTU Director and/or the Head of School.
8. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Knowledge / Qualifications Essential:

• A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent Postgraduate qualification in Statistics, clinical trials or equivalent.
• A2 Recognised expertise in subject discipline/specialism to develop new knowledge and understanding within the field.
• A3 A thorough understanding of, and track record in, contributing to broader academic leadership and management at School/Service/College level.
• A4 Extensive knowledge of innovative design and delivery of clinical trials.
• A5 Knowledge of the requirements of Good Clinical Practice and all other legal and regulatory requirements in the management and analysis of clinical studies.
• A6 Knowledge and understanding, and experience of contributing to, administration and management of a CTU or other research centre.

Desirable:

• B1 Membership of a relevant professional body.

Skills Essential:

• C1 Internationally recognised excellence and reputation in subject area and scholarship of teaching the discipline.
• C2 Proven ability to plan and lead staff and efficiently deploy resources in support of major research and teaching activities.
• C3 Ability to disseminate conceptual and complex ideas to a wide variety of audiences including within the subject, School, College, University, and beyond, in the academic, policy and practitioner communities.
• C4 Ability to forge new and effective relationships with colleagues, internally and externally, to foster collaboration across the University and with colleagues in other institutions.
• C5 Excellent project management and strategic thinking skills.
• C6 Demonstrated commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code . click apply for full job details