Clinical Director- Irish Surgical Trials and Research

Title: Clinical Director- Irish Surgical Trials and Research (I-STAR) network Department: Surgical Affairs Tenure: 2-year fixed term, part time Location: 121 St Stephens Green Reporting to: Managing Director Surgical Affairs Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI): RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere, and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission "To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health". We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the "Race Equality Action Plan 2025-2029" at RCSI. Our students come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent. For each of the last six years, RCSI has been positioned in the Top 300 of universities worldwide in the Times Higher World University Rankings. We are proud that RCSI ranks first in the world for "Good Health and Well-being" in the Times Higher Education #SDG #SDG Impact Rankings 2025. This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health. Our values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship and Innovation continue to unite and direct our purpose. Innovating for a Healthier Future 2023-2027 is RCSI's new five-year strategic plan. Through it, RCSI will enhance human health by meeting the health workforce needs of society, creating the insights and inventions that drive health improvements, and working in partnership with patients and the public in support of better health and well-being for all. The strategy unites the RCSI community in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals - with a particular focus on Goal 3, which targets good health and well-being. More details about RCSI can be ; in particular. At RCSI, our core values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship, and Innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every colleague is valued and empowered to thrive. Our dedication to these values ensures that we foster a culture of mutual respect, open collaboration, continuous learning, and innovative thinking. Join us at RCSI, where your contributions will be recognised, and you will be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on global health. Surgical Affairs: RCSI, as the national training body for Irish Surgery is committed to supporting Irish Surgical Research across the whole Island of Ireland. In 2021 RCSI established the National Surgical Research Support Centre (NSRSC) based within the Dept of Surgical Affairs. The NSRSC acts as a centralised national surgical trial coordinating unit to provide the infrastructure and training to support high quality surgical research in Ireland. There is a dedicated team with expertise in clinical trials, research methodology, ethics and regulatory requirements, statistics and data analysis who facilitate surgeons in the management and coordination of surgical trials from idea to execution. Leveraging the supports from the various departments within RCSI, national clinical trial centres, local and regional hospital sites, national regulatory bodies, clinical trial networks and other academic universities, the NSRSC supports surgical trial investigators in opening and coordinating multi-site Randomised Controlled Trials. Partnering with International surgical trial units the NSRSC supports Surgical trial Investigators to open world class, high quality International surgical trials in hospitals nationwide. The establishment and success of the NSRSC has developed the essential foundations, relationships and track record to move to the next phase which is to formally establish an all island, Irish Surgical Trials and Research (I-STAR) network. The I-STAR network will focus on formalising the collaboration and co-ordination of surgical research and trials in an inter-institutional, multi-disciplinary manner to improve innovation in delivery of patient care and healthcare outcomes. As surgical and medical innovation evolve, the NSRSC and I-STAR network will require investment to adapt, expand and evolve to support high quality research into the development and assessment of innovative technologies and surgical techniques. The Role: The Clinical Director for I-STAR, which is a new role in RCSI, will be responsible for the leadership and co-ordination of the I-STAR research programme. The Clinical Director will be supported by the NSRSC and will work closely with the Operations Director of the NSRSC & I-STAR. Specific Responsibilities Develop the strategic plan to drive the I-STAR network activities Lead the I-STAR Trials and Research programme across the Irish Surgical community Implement a Research and Funding Strategy for the ISTAR network Establish governance structures and quality assurance processes for the I-STAR network including the Scientific Advisory Board, External Advisory Board, Public and Patient Advisory Board and Trial management governance committees Integrate clinical trials and the I-STAR network across the Hospital Groups on an all-island basis Create an identity and passion for surgical research to improve patient care Facilitate the streamlining of surgical trial management processes integrating with the existing local and national clinical trial infrastructure such as Clinical research centres and other Clinical Trial Networks Encourage participation and supporting Investigator-led trials in all surgical specialties Develop research collaborative groups and trial clusters Identify funding supports and opportunities including grants, Industry, philanthropy, NDTP governmental supports and others for the sustainability and succession of the I-STAR network Collaborate with international institutes to open international trials in Ireland to give Irish patients access to latest surgical innovations Build partnerships with the Med-tech industry to support innovative technologies and solutions for unmet clinical needs Support investigators in bench to bedside medical device trials to bring to market Expand training in research and trials methodology Work with government, HSE, health research funding agencies and policy makers to place surgery and surgical trials at the forefront of healthcare developments and incorporation into clinical practice Create a public and patient awareness about surgical trials, the need for a surgical trials network and how they can support its development Education and Experience required Consultant Surgeon on the SDR Fellow of RCSI (in good standing) NFQ Level 10 qualification (PhD or MD by research) Minimum of 5yrs experience as Consultant Surgeon Knowledge and experience of the existing healthcare and clinical trial infrastructure in Ireland Demonstrable track record of developing, delivering and leading surgical research studies Have published clinical research in recognised peer-reviewed journals Demonstrable track record in securing research grant funding Knowledge and experience (desirable): Leading collaborative inter-institutional clinical trials & research Engagement with Irish clinical research infrastructures Experience working with the Med-Tech industry Understanding of the research funding agencies in Ireland Involvement in policy and practice guideline development Leading Patient and Public initiatives Personal competencies associated with this role: Exceptional communication, leadership and interpersonal skills combined with sound judgment are required to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups. Must be able to show evidence of collaboration, flexibility and future focused thinking. Self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team: Ability to operate effectively as part of a team - is cordial, tolerant and willing to help others, is co-operative and patient; shares work and information; establishes rapport Conscientious: Have a pro-active approach to work, anticipating and resolving problems in advance; have keen attention to detail - from anticipating and addressing issues in advance to understanding requests and delivering quality work with minimal errors. Flexibility: Can operate flexibly within a busy environment; can shift focus when required. Time Management: effective time management and organisational skills Problem Solving: excellent problem identification and problem-solving skills with an ability to work independently and find solutions. Motivated: Display a 'can-do' attitude, be committed to the role We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you. Application process: Informal enquiries about this post can be made to Mr Kieran Ryan, Managing Director Surgical Affairs Applications can be made through Please apply online no later than 5pm on the closing date with your CV and Covering Letter outlining your suitability for the role. Garda vetting and occupational health review may be required for this role, depending on the nature of the duties and responsibilities. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process. Eligibility to Work in Ireland Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have unrestricted right to work in Ireland. Employee Benefits At RCSI, we help care for our people so they can focus on our mission to Educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health. RCSI truly goes above and beyond to support its employees, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Here's a glimpse of the fantastic benefit available: Health and Wellbeing: Our Inspire Programme promotes the importance of taking care of both our general health and mental health. Inspire manages the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offered through SpectrumLife. Past events held by Inspire have included, workshops on mindfulness practices, yoga, nutritional advice, financial advice on mortgages, pensions & health insurance from leading experts, fitness challenges, baking competitions, weight loss programmes, annual flu vaccination campaign and many more. You can also enjoy access to an onsite gym for just €10 per month. Work -Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for fostering employee well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction. At RCSI, we offer flexible working arrangements, study leave, and career breaks. In addition to 20 days of annual leave, employees receive an extra 6.5 days of university privilege days, which occur annually around the Christmas and Easter breaks. Family Benefits: RCSI offers enhanced family leave to our working parents with fully paid Maternity, Adoptive, Paternity and Surrogacy Leave. We also offer the first two weeks of Parents leave fully paid for, as well as the option to take Parental Leave until your child is 18 years old. We provide access to Platform 55, a new Parents Platform to support staff before, during, and after becoming a parent. We also offer flexible working, discounted Giraffe crche services of up to 20% and a Parents and Carers' Network. Financial Security: Benefit from automatic enrolment in a pension scheme with Willis Towers Watson with the employer contributions increasing with your length of service, Death in Service of up to 4 times your salary, long-term illness and disability income replacement, and free advice on health, motor, and home insurance. Discounted Services: Avail of discounted GP services, Taxsaver commuter tickets, the BiketoWork scheme, free eye tests at the National Optometry Centre, and discounted parking at St. Stephen's Green/RCSI car park. Recognition: At RCSI, we value and recognise the contributions of our staff through various awards and events, such as Long Service recognition, the Vice Chancellor Staff Awards, and through Research Day. Professional Growth: RCSI's Staff Learning and Development is committed to providing colleagues with opportunities and support to help them reach their full potential and thrive at work. Offerings include a comprehensive programme of staff training, management and leadership development, mentoring, coaching and funding support for further study. Staff Networks: Additionally, we support a range of staff networks, including the Women's Network, Postdoctoral Staff Network, Parents & Carers' Network, Project Manager's Network, LGBTI+ Network, Age Friendly Network etc. These networks help RCSI to foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Sports and Social Club: Engage in a variety of activities such as Yoga, Pilates and a variety of different Fitness classes. Enjoy social evenings, Book Clubs, Summer BBQs and one-off events like the Taste of Dublin, Bloom, Dublin Horse Show and Dublin Zoo. We also have a variety of discount tickets for shows and events through the year. Note: This job description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI. Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position. RCSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or race. RCSI is committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across everything we do. This ensures we can all work and learn in an environment defined by dignity and respect. Eligibility to work in Ireland is a requirement of this role, Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later date. Under limited and specific circumstances (research/ specialist roles) RCSI may be in a position to seek a hosting agreement and/or work permits. Employees are required to undertake 6 months service in their current role before applying for other internal opportunities, unless agreed in advance by the SMT representative