Head of Research

Who are Guts UK Charity?

People are suffering. People are dying. All because of a lack of knowledge about our guts. 

Guts UK is the only charity that covers all of the digestive system, from ‘top to tail’ covering the gut, the liver and the pancreas. Guts UK works actively and collaboratively with other charities. However, with our own limited resources, we choose to focus particularly on the conditions that have no other specific charity or voice - those illnesses that really are underserved such as pancreatitis, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), childhood gut and liver disease and digestive cancers.

Our vision is a world where digestive disorders are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support that they need. 

Overall Purpose of the Head of Research

• To lead the delivery of the charity’s strategic research aims including managing and further developing Guts UK’s grants programme, managing our small research team, working with research partners and networks to raise awareness of our work and outcomes, further develop impact, and continue to develop and embed patient and public involvement (PPI) in our research.
• To drive new initiatives and develop and deliver tactical plans for the Research team which meet our strategic objectives.
• As a member of the charity’s senior leadership team, to contribute to the leadership, planning and delivery of strategic initiatives and the wider development of the charity.

Who we’re looking for?
As a small but growing national charity, we punch above our weight including our research programme where we invest directly and in partnership with other organisations. We are looking for an experienced healthcare research manager who is looking to take their next career step including a move to senior leadership role. With the support of our CEO, SLT, and the Board Research Strategy Committee, you will take ownership of this portfolio, further develop and successfully delivery research strategy, and develop our research investment and impact.

We currently have a small Research team, so while this role requires strategic thinking and leadership, similar to charities of our size you will need to be someone who relishes multi-tasking and isn’t afraid to roll their sleeves up to things done. In the long term we are targeting significant growth in our research portfolio, and therefore our team, and so the role will develop and evolve.

So, if you know the medical research landscape, are experienced in research grants management, enjoy working with others and building professional partnerships, have a passion for patient voices and don’t mind getting stuck in – this role could be just what you’re looking for.

Location

We have offices in London and Huddersfield which are easily accessible by road orpublic transport. We support hybrid working but attendance in one of the offices [dependent on your location] is required on an average of 2 days per week. If you are interested in the role but have queries about office-base requirements, please contactus to discuss.

Please see the attached detail job pack for further information and how to apply.