Consultant Research Radiographer

Job summary
The post holder will provide strategic leadership for radiotherapy research and development within the Trust, with a particular focus on advanced and adaptive radiotherapy techniques.

The post holder will lead and develop a portfolio of translational radiotherapy research, manage research staff and Allied Health Professional (AHP) clinical academics, secure research funding, and drive the integration of innovative radiotherapy research into clinical practice.

A key component of the role is to provide radiotherapy research leadership and input into Trust research strategy through active participation in the Radiotherapy Steering Group (RTSG), the Radiotherapy Research Committee (RRC), working collaboratively with clinical, research and academic colleagues.

The post holder will lead AHP clinical academic development, supporting radiographers and other AHPs from to develop and deliver research that contributes to the Trust's strategic aims and the wider national research agenda.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will input into trust radiotherapy research strategy via the RTSG and provide radiotherapy input into the Trust AHP research strategy (via the appropriate governance groups).

They will also represent AHP and radiotherapy research interests through membership in strategic and executive committees within the Trust and externally at local, regional, national and international levels. Lead a portfolio of translational radiotherapy research that aligns with the clinical and research strategies of the Radiotherapy Department, R&I Division, Trust, and funding initiatives.

Provide mentorship and guidance to academic staff, including supervision of MSc, PhD and other research students and support junior researchers. Lead horizon scanning for emerging radiotherapy technologies and research opportunities, translating these into feasible project proposals and funding applications.

Build strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry partners, and national research networks.

Lead the AHP Doctoral Academy and support the professional development of clinical academic staff through training, education, and mentorship. Undertake academic activity to maintain an academic appointment within a relevant division at the University of Manchester at the level of senior lecturer or above.

About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, looking after more than 64,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 25% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.

We are the largest radiotherapy provider in the NHS with one in 20 treatments delivered at The Christie. We have up to 15 linear accelerators operating across our network of sites. We operate the largest chemotherapy unit in the UK on our main site and treatments are also provided at 13 other networked sites, and in patients homes. And as a specialist tertiary surgical centre, we focus on rare cancers, complex procedures, and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer surgery, specialising in colorectal, peritoneal, gynaecological, urological and plastic surgery.

We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We have been named by the UK's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), as one of the best hospitals providing opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research studies, with more than 800 studies open at any time, caring for over 3,000 patients.

Salary
£66,582 to £77,368 a year Per annum, Pro rata
Band
Band 8b
Working pattern
Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and management: input into trust radiotherapy research strategy via the RTSG; oversee radiographer led and AHP led research activity using MR-guided and other advanced radiotherapy technologies; manage delegated budgets for radiotherapy research activities; contribute to Trust-wide research governance frameworks.
• Research and innovation: lead a portfolio of translational radiotherapy research; develop, implement and manage research protocols ensuring compliance with clinical governance, ethical standards and regulatory requirements; publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
• Professional and clinical leadership: champion professional standards within research teams; provide mentorship and guidance to clinical academic staff, including supervision of MSc, PhD and other research students; lead horizon scanning for emerging radiotherapy technologies and translate these into project proposals and funding applications.
• Governance and quality improvement: lead clinical governance activities within the radiotherapy research unit, including audit, risk management and quality improvement initiatives; lead on the development and implementation of a risk management strategy for radiotherapy research activities.
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration: build strategic partnerships with academic institutions, industry partners and national research networks; engage with service users, carers and families to ensure patient and public involvement; represent the Trust at national and international conferences.
• Teaching, education and capacity building: lead the AHP Doctoral Academy; support pre and post registration radiographer education; undertake academic activity to maintain an academic appointment at senior lecturer level or above at the University of Manchester.

General
The place of work is normally The Christie (Withington) but the appointee will be expected to spend periods of time in other Trust sites and other clinical, academic and industrial partner centres. The post is full-time. Hours are worked flexibly, in agreement with the line manager, to cover the necessary clinical duties between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. Research activity using the Proton Beam line will take place outside these clinical hours.

Essential Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field such as Radiotherapy, Medical Physics, or Oncology.
• Registration with a professional body such as HCPC, or equivalent accreditation as appropriate.

Desirable Qualifications

• Formal Leadership Qualification (e.g., ILM Level 7 completed or in progress).
• Formal Education Qualification (e.g., postgraduate certificate in education, completed or in progress).
• Membership of relevant professional bodies.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in radiotherapy research, with a demonstrable record of leading and managing complex research projects, including those involving advanced radiotherapy technologies.
• Experience in clinical leadership, strategic planning, and professional development within radiotherapy or a related field, including line management responsibility for senior staff.
• Experience supervising and examining MSc students in a relevant field.
• Evidence of continuous professional development in clinical research, leadership, and management.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in peer review of grant applications and manuscripts.
• Membership in local, regional, national, international research and or educational collaborations.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs for healthcare professionals.
• Specific training related to advanced radiotherapy techniques (e.g., MR Linac, Proton Therapy).
• Proven record of securing significant research funding as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator.
• Experience supervising and examining PhD students in a relevant field.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Expert knowledge of radiotherapy techniques, research methodologies, clinical governance, and ethical considerations in research.
• Advanced understanding of the principles and applications of advanced radiotherapy technologies (e.g., MR Linac, Proton Therapy).
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams, build consensus, and influence strategic decision-making.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience managing research budgets and resources.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of a wide range of healthcare-relevant research methodologies in relation to care pathways in complex adaptive systems.
• Understanding of NHS and NIHR research governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.

Values

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours, including a commitment to patient-centred care, innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
• Exhibits strong professional integrity, ethical conduct, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Promotes a culture of inclusivity, respect, and equality within the research team and wider organisation.

Other Essential Requirements

• Willingness to travel and represent the Trust at national and international events.
• Have and be able to maintain or be eligible for academic appointment at level of Senior Lecturer or higher in the division of cancer sciences at the University of Manchester.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer
The Christie NHS FT, Radiotherapy Withington Treatment - E00079, Manchester, M20 4BX, United Kingdom. Website: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/

Closing date: 20 November 2026

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer.