11 Oct
NIHR
London
Job description
About the role
The UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway team is looking to appoint two new Clinical Co-Leads to support the transformational programme of work.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior clinician to provide leadership across the UK and work with leading companies including Moderna and BioNTech.
Role summary
To provide clinical leadership, vision and insight for the development of the UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway for infectious diseases or cancer and work closely with the Head of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway Programme Management Office to develop and oversee delivery of the plan.
Time commitment
1 PA per week
Tenure
Initially 12 months with the option to renew until 31 March 2026
Reporting lines and key relationships
- The role will report to Dr Gail Marzetti (DHSC Director of Science, Research and Evidence) and Dr Matthew Hallworth (NIHR Director of External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships) If Co-Leads are appointed who are based in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland there is an expectation that they will also liaise with senior colleagues in their relevant health departments.
- For operational purposes, the role will work closely with Dr Maria Koufali (Head of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway Programme Management Office) to provide clinical leadership, vision and insight for the development and operational delivery of the UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway for infectious diseases or cancer.
Context
The UK has a well established clinical trials system which played a major role in the UK and global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This ensured that pivotal studies involving hospital and community settings were delivered rapidly and efficiently, enabling informed international disease management.
By successfully undertaking multiple vaccine studies across all clinical trial phases, the UK directly contributed to the development and licensing of vaccines that have protected millions of people all over the world.
During the pandemic a bespoke system was developed to allow accelerated set up and recruitment to COVID-19 vaccine studies.
The learnings gained from this experience are now being applied to wider vaccine research. Looking forward, there is a significant opportunity to capitalise on the UK’s increased profile to undertake more vaccine studies and continue to deliver high-quality research, with quicker set up timelines and more efficient recruitment.
The UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway (VIP)
programme represents a strategic initiative to capitalise on the momentum and expertise gained during the COVID-19 pandemic in vaccine research and development.
By leveraging these innovative approaches and research assets the programme aims to expedite the clinical trial process for vaccines for infectious diseases and mRNA therapeutics for cancer and cement the UK's position as a global leader in this vital area of public health.
The Vaccine Innovation Pathway is expected to build on existing initiatives to develop novel clinical trial delivery approaches, streamlined documentation, efficient processes and improved support services.
Development of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway is led by the Head of the VIP Programme Management Office working in close collaboration with the Clinical Leads for the VIP programme, built around five key workstreams.
The successful applicants will work with the Clinical Co-Leads who are already working as part of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway : Professor Saul Faust and Professor Sarah Danson.
What you will bring to the role
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic insight and vision for the development of the UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway.
- Work closely with the Head of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway Programme Management Office to support the development and continued evolution of the programme plan, and to ensure its implementation.
- Bring a broad knowledge and experience of leading and delivering infectious diseases vaccine trials or innovative therapeutic trials for cancer, acting as a champion for these areas.
- Work to balance the clinical trial delivery needs of industrial partners with the wider priorities and goals of the health research system.
- Represent the UK clinical trials ecosystem in interaction with HMG strategic industry partners and other key companies, working closely with the Programme Management Office to promote the development of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway.
- Work with the Head of the VIP Programme Management Office and co-clinical leads to oversee the delivery of VIP objectives and targets, and support the delivery of the individual work streams.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across the research ecosystem, acting as an ambassador for the VIP.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of the full scope of the UK clinical trials delivery system relevant to infectious diseases or cancer.
- Work collaboratively with leaders from across the clinical trials delivery system, including DHSC, DAs, NIHR RDN, UK CRF Network and ECMCs.
- Work with the Chairs of the of the Infectious Diseases and Cancer Research Forums to ensure the Forums deliver on their core purpose and are a two-way channel to inform and disseminate the VIP innovation work
- Championing a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Maintaining good links to the evolving NHS strategic clinical leadership.
Applications
To express your interest in becoming a Clinical Co-Lead for the Vaccine Innovation Pathway, please send an up-to-date CV and a short covering letter explaining why this opportunity is of interest to you to by 5pm on Monday 24 June 2024.
Ready to apply?
Are you interested in learning more about this exciting position with the NIHR?
This role is with NIHR Coordinating Centre (NIHRCC) and is hosted by LGC.
▶️ Clinical Co-Leads for the UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway
🖊️ NIHR
📍 London