Head of Research Programmes & Operations - INTERNAL ONLY - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

About Us

The Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology is based within the School of Life Course and Population Sciences within the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine. The department has a long history of high academic esteem and has contributed on an international level in genetic and ageing science. The Head of Research Programmes & Operations holds a critical leadership role, responsible for leading the overall management, operational leadership and core infrastructure of programmes within the Department. The role will be based at St Thomas’ Hospital campus at King’s.   

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader to take on the pivotal role of Head of Research Programmes & Operations within the Department of Twin Research (DTR). This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the world’s most influential population research resources, driving the operational, scientific, and strategic vision behind the TwinsUK cohort and other longitudinal studies.

In this high-impact role, you will lead the full operational portfolio of DTR, including departmental administration, a team of high-performing operational managers, and the complex research infrastructure that underpins our scientific excellence. Your remit spans oversight of a biobank of more than 750,000 samples, high-performance computing systems, and a dedicated clinical research facility delivering around 1,000 participant visits each year. You will shape and deliver long-term programme strategy, ensure excellence in governance, and strengthen key partnerships across King’s College London, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s Health Partners, and national and international cohort networks.

Working closely with academic leaders, you will define and drive ambitious strategic objectives for the Department, secure and maintain high-level core funding as a Co-Principal Investigator, and co-lead a diverse team of around 70 professional services, research staff and post graduate students. This includes providing strong leadership to a senior group of operational managers, ensuring cohesive, effective, and forward-looking operational delivery across all programmes. Your leadership will be part of the department’s major applications for funding opportunities and be involved in the upcoming Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) renewal and ensure DTR continues to deliver innovative, globally impactful research.

You will bring substantial experience in senior research operations, large-scale programme leadership, and managing complex multi-stakeholder environments. You will be an authoritative and inspiring leader, able to influence at senior levels across the University, NHS, and wider scientific research community. Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to accelerate scientific discovery and deliver research that improves health outcomes worldwide.

If you thrive on strategic challenge, operational excellence, and driving transformative research, this role offers a platform to make an enduring impact at the forefront of health science.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.