Job overview

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an enthusiastic, highly organised Research Project Manager to support the development and implementation of a brand-new Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and a dedicated research MRI scanner, due to open in 2026/27.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to help shape cutting‑edge research infrastructure that will transform patient‑focused research across the Trust and strengthen our partnerships with academia and industry.

You will join our established and forward‑thinking Research & Innovation Department, which plays a key role in enabling high‑quality research for a population of around 200,000 people. Working closely with the Associate Medical Director for Research & Innovation, estates, IT and clinical teams, you will contribute to delivering a facility that supports world‑class research and expands opportunities for patients and staff to take part in clinical studies.

Main duties of the job

Lead and coordinate the planning, delivery and operational readiness of a new Clinical Research Facility and research MRI scanner.

Manage project plans, timelines and reporting to ensure the successful implementation of both programmes of work.

Support procurement, installation and commissioning processes for specialist equipment, including MRI systems.

Work closely with estates, digital, radiology and clinical colleagues to ensure infrastructure, workflows and governance requirements are fully in place.

Ensure all activity complies with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), NHS research governance, and regulatory standards.

Coordinate and contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for use of the facility and MRI scanner. 

Act as a central point of contact for researchers, clinicians, external partners and funders.

Prepare project documentation, progress updates and governance reports for senior leaders and stakeholders.

Support the growth of research activity within the new facility, including commercial research opportunities.

Promote patient and public involvement (PPI) and champion the HDFT charity appeal for additional CRF equipment.

Working for our organisation

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) cares for the population in Harrogate and the local area, as well as across North Yorkshire, Leeds and parts of the North East. 

At HDFT we provide outstanding care to both our patients and our staff and we value Kindness, Integrity, Teamwork and Equality. If you’re looking for an interesting and rewarding career in the NHS, where you can make a real difference to patients’ lives, HDFT could be the place for you! 

We offer colleagues:

• A supportive culture so colleagues can bring their whole selves to work.
• Staff Recognition - as well as regular appraisals, we recognise achievements with our Making a Difference & Team of the Month Awards, along with annual Colleague Recognition Awards.
• Employee Support and wellbeing – we offer a wide range of staff benefits including an Employee Assistance Programme, counselling service and a fast-track Physiotherapy service. 

Please note:

• Due to high levels of interest, posts may close early if we reach a sufficient number of applications
• Visa sponsorship is only available for certain roles. Please ensure the role you are interested in meets the criteria for a visa before submitting your application. 
• Please also be aware that the Trust does not offer relocation packages for Agenda for Change roles.  
• All job offers are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.