Role Summary
The Rehabilitation and Frailty Team Lead will provide strategic leadership in advancing research, innovation, and clinical translation within the Rehabilitation and Frailty theme of the NIHR Health Research Centre (HRC). This role is critical in shaping the theme’s direction, securing funding, and fostering collaborations across academia, healthcare, and industry.
The postholder will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement research initiatives that improve patient outcomes, promote independent living, and optimize healthcare pathways for frail populations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership: Define and deliver the vision for the Rehabilitation and Frailty theme, ensuring alignment with NIHR and national healthcare priorities.
Research and Innovation: Lead high-impact research projects, securing funding and publishing in high-quality journals.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Develop partnerships with NHS organisations, industry, patient groups, and academic institutions.
Translation & Implementation: Facilitate the translation of research findings into clinical practice and policy.
Capacity Building: Support and mentor early-career researchers and clinicians in the field.
Governance & Compliance: Ensure research activities comply with NIHR, MHRA, and NHS regulations.
Essential Criteria
MD/PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., orthopaedics, rehabilitation sciences, geriatrics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or public health).
Proven track record in research leadership, securing competitive grants, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience in clinical or applied research related to frailty, ageing, or rehabilitation.
Strong network within healthcare, academia, and industry.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive innovation in healthcare services.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
The Rehabilitation and Frailty Theme Lead will provide strategic leadership in advancing research, innovation, and clinical translation within the Rehabilitation and Frailty theme of the NIHR Health Research Centre (HRC). This role is critical in shaping the theme’s direction, securing funding, and fostering collaborations across academia, healthcare, and industry.
Working Pattern: Flexible
Interview Date: TBC
For further information please contact: Rebecca Harper, Chief Operating Officer, r.harper4@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 34 days plus bank holidays depending on grade and years of service.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
