Professor/Reader in Clinical Trials & Methodology
WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER
Centre of Excellence for Trials Collaboration
The Centre of Excellence for Trials Collaboration (CETC) was established as a University of Glasgow Centre in 2023. CETC’s mission is to grow and streamline local research infrastructure and capacity to ensure researchers, at all levels, are supported in every aspect of securing research[1] funding, research project delivery and capacity building.
Through strategic initiatives, CETC in partnership with a reimagined University CTU aim to:
- Drive increased funding success for Glasgow-led trials
- Develop and promote methodological expertise to address important health questions
- Cultivate a collaborative and supportive environment that enhances the research capabilities of our diverse community
- Foster capacity building and researcher’s training, linking local research infrastructure and establishing connections with important external stakeholders
For further information see the CETC website: https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/researchinnovationengagementsupport/cetc/
Glasgow Clinical Trials Unit/ Robertson Centre for Biostatistics website:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/healthwellbeing/research/robertsoncentreforbiostatistics/
Glasgow Cancer Clinical Trials Unit website:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cancersciences/research/units/ctu/
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to discuss with CETC co-Directors:
Prof Stefan Siebert: stefan.siebert@glasgow.ac.uk
Prof Rod Taylor: rod.taylor@glasgow.ac.uk
Why UoG
The University of Glasgow offers more than just a job—it offers a career that makes a difference. We are proud to provide:
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A World-Class Academic Environment: Be part of a globally recognised institution ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
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Commitment to Innovation: Our researchers and staff contribute to ground-breaking discoveries and innovative teaching methodologies.
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Professional Development: We offer a range of career advancement opportunities, from training and mentoring to leadership programmes and funding support for research.
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Diversity and Inclusion: We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer, committed to equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive community. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
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Embracing New Ways of Working: Our response to the pandemic has shown what we can achieve when we work collectively and imaginatively across our University community. We have embraced new technologies; we have worked flexibly and collaboratively; we have remained collegial and supportive; and our progressively strong emphasis on sustainability and equity continue to demonstrate our commitment to our colleague and student communities and society at large
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Competitive Employee Benefits: We are investing in our university and we’ll invest in you. We have a competitive package of employee benefits to show our appreciation of the value you will bring to team UofG.
Job purpose
To make a substantive and positive contribution to clinical trials methodology and delivery within the University of Glasgow. The post will initially be jointly based in the University’s new Centre for Excellence in Trials Collaboration (CETC) and Glasgow Clinical Trials Unit as the University transforms to develop a world-leading CTU for the future. CETC brings together specialist multidisciplinary expertise from across the University and NHS with other key partners in the UK trials ecosystem to concentrate and augment the design and delivery of internationally relevant and innovative trial research.
The Glasgow CTUs has a current portfolio of around 100 clinical trials/well-designed studies with 38 “live” clinical trials hosted on the electronic data capture systems with clear ambitions/plans to grow and develop the CTUs offering and capabilities. Working with the CETC co-Directors and with the Glasgow CTUs, you will have a lead role in enhancing Glasgow’s programme and reputation in the delivery of world class clinical trials and trial-related methodology.
The successful applicant will be expected to collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific and clinical research groups in Glasgow, the UK and internationally and to build and support an internationally leading and externally funded research programme. There will be opportunities to access clinical trials data and available infrastructure to support collaborative methodology research. Glasgow is part of the MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership funded doctoral programme for trial methodology with currently five active local PhDs.
The post holder will work closely with a range of stakeholders and contribute to pre-application trial support, while also contributing to the wider academic portfolio through teaching and learning contributions.
Applications are invited from candidates of international standing with an appropriate record of academic achievement.
Main duties & responsibilities
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Undertake a leading role in delivering Glasgow’s excellence in clinical trial methodology in partnership with the CETC and CTUs.
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Act as a principal investigator or project leader on major trials and methodological projects with a portfolio of publications of high quality and impact.
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Contribute methodological expertise to develop and enhance sizable funding applications, assessing landscape for appropriate funding opportunities which are strategically aligned.
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Undertake academic management and leadership roles and responsibilities in a manner that enhances the student experience, ensures programmes are internationally benchmarked and of international standing, and that values and supports a culture of enhancement.
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Provide high quality supervision of research projects undertaken by research staff and students and ensure their effective development . Actively engage with high calibre potential research students intending to undertake postgraduate and doctoral research, building effective working relationships and supervising to completion.
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Contribute to University Committees/Working Groups to ensure the advancement of learning and teaching policies and practice that align with local and international challenges in Higher Education, evolving student needs and other related changes in the University’s strategic context.
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Build effective internal and external collaborations to support the development and mentoring of academic staff and their learning, and to enhance research and teaching.
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Regularly attend and participate in appropriate activities to effectively contribute to subject specialism (e.g. learned societies, prof bodies, review and editorial proceses, presentation at local, national, international conferences etc.
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Through an established network of external stakeholders, increasingly influence public understanding and or professional policy and practice.
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Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the CETC Co-Directors, CTU leadership and/or the Head of School.
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Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.
For appointment at Professorial level
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We would expect the postholder to contribute to all the above duties, in addition to:
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Provide a lead strategic role in delivering Glasgow’s excellence in clinical trial methodology in partnership with the CETC and CTUs.
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Sustained internationally leading high-quality clinical trial and related methodology research activity, seeking and securing funding for a portfolio of research projects through grant applications to external funding bodies, including infrastructure funding to underpin the growth and sustainability of trials methodology support and innovation.
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Take a leading role across the University in relation to strategic learning and teaching initiatives through: embedding a research-led, evidence-based ethos in teaching and learning; leading on teaching collaborations and teaching innovations; and influencing teaching and assessment practices and policy across the School/College.
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Make a substantial contribution to University Committees/Working Groups to ensure the advancement of learning and teaching policies and practice that align with local and international challenges in Higher Education, evolving student needs and other related changes in the University’s strategic context.
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Represent the School/College/University on key external bodies and at significant external events nationally and internationally to promote excellence in research and teaching, and the development of professional practice.
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Ensure a substantial track record of, and demonstrate leadership in, knowledge creation and transfer, ensuring impact on external bodies and contributions to public understanding and contributing fully to key strategic initiatives that underpin School, College and University strategies for external engagement.
Knowledge and qualifications
Essential
- Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent Postgraduate qualification in Statistics, clinical trials or equivalent.
Desirable
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
Skills
Essential
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Extensive knowledge of innovative design and delivery of clinical trials.
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Established track record of successfully securing significant levels of funding for research projects.
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Substantial track record of published research of international standard compatible with enhancing the School/College’s submission to the REF.
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Internationally recognised excellence and reputation in subject area and scholarship of teaching the discipline.
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Knowledge of the requirements of Good Clinical Practice and all other legal and regulatory requirements in the management and analysis of clinical studies.
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Ability to multi-task, take effective decisions and manage and lead staff.
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Knowledge and understanding, and experience of contributing to, administration and management of a research centre.
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Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels within the subject, School, College, University, and beyond, in the academic, policy and practitioner communities.
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Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team with staff at all levels, mentoring, supervising and development early career staff as well as foster new and effective relationships within and beyond the University, leading to effective collaborations.
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Excellent project management and strategic thinking skills.
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Experience of contributing to the student experience through provision of teaching and learning activities.
Desirable
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Proven track record of developing and devising teaching programmes, techniques, and methods.
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Track record of student supervision and development/mentorship/coaching of early career researchers.
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Experience of working in/alongside a CTU.
For appointment at Professional level
Skills
In addition to the above criteria, professorial candidates will also demonstrate:
Essential
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An established and internationally recognised reputation for high-quality research and knowledge exchange in subject specialism.
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A sustained track record of substantial research income (i.e. supporting research staff) from a range of sources.
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Maintaining an established portfolio of research activity of international quality, reputation and impact.
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A thorough understanding of, track record in, contributing to broader academic leadership and management. Potential to contribute to the academic leadership and management of School/College/University.
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Proven ability to lead and deliver high quality and innovative University teaching, including assessment and curriculum development.
Desirable
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Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of research issues and debates, both national and internationally, and future direction of research and teaching in the subject area.
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Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels within the subject, School, College, University, and beyond, in the academic, policy and practitioner communities.
Campus development plan
Our Vision
Over the next 10 years, the major investment will expand our campus footprint by 25%, creating a new urban quarter with the University at the heart of a revitalised west end. This is the largest development since the creation of the original campus in 1870.
This is a unique opportunity for a University to extend the boundaries of its historic core in a central city location. It will create:
- New learning and teaching facilities
- Refurbishment and repurposing of existing iconic buildings for specialist uses
- Identification and design of social spaces that support the student and community experience.
The expansion of our Gilmorehill campus into the 14 acre, former Western Infirmary site will transform the West End of Glasgow. The Masterplan for the site will incorporate:
- New learning and teaching facilities supporting our students and making sure they get the best in modern teaching and learning styles and approaches
- Creation of a Research Hub, housing large-scale multidisciplinary projects and incubator space for spin out collaborations with industry. This will encourage further innovation development
- New public cycle and pedestrian routes and a new central square which will link Byres Road to the up-and-coming cultural quarter for the West End, with new links to Kelvingrove and the newly-refurbished Kelvin Hall
- Refurbishment of five listed buildings: The Chapel, the Outpatients building, the Macgregor building, the Tennent Institute and Anderson College
- Commercial opportunities, including a hotel, restaurant, bars and cafes
- The state of the art Learning and Teaching Hub adjacent to the Boyd Orr building on University Avenue will be completed next year.
Find out more
Living in Glasgow
A UNESCO City of Music, a vibrant arts and culture scene, a food-lover’s delight, and a shopper’s paradise. Just some of the highlights of the ‘friendliest city in the world’. As well as that accolade by the Rough Guides poll, Glasgow has also been named a must visit destination by publications including the New York Times, The Guardian, and Wanderlust.
Music
The city hosts an average of 130 music events a week catering for every taste; from rock to rap, and classical to country. Glasgow also has a world class club scene playing host to some of the world’s top DJs.
Shopping
Outside of London’s West End, Glasgow is frequently voted the best place for shopping in the UK. A must-visit destination for any shop-a-holic, it houses high street chains, international designers, and independent retailers. The West End, home to the University of Glasgow, is bustling with vintage fashion, vinyl stores, and second-hand bookshops.
Arts and Culture
Glasgow’s arts scene has gone from strength to strength, and is the base for five internationally renowned performing arts companies including the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet. The city has several world-class museums, which are free to the public, and the city’s architecture is a work of art in itself.
Food and drink
You can be in Glasgow and taste the world with its many diverse restaurants, cafes, and bars. And if you’ve yet to sample the delights of haggis and whisky, Glasgow is the place to be.
The City and Beyond
Glasgow has all the opportunities and excitement of a big city but its compact size means you can quickly travel from one vibrant district to the next. You could be relaxing in one of its many parks, before shopping in the quirky West End, and then dancing until the wee small hours in the Merchant City.
And when you fancy getting out of the city you can reach the stunning Loch Lomond in just 30 minutes, climb one of our many breath-taking Munros, play golf at one of Scotland’s many world-class courses, visit one of our ancient castles, or go further North and search for Nessie! Scotland has also just been named the world’s most beautiful country by Rough Guides.
Relocating to Glasgow
Choosing to relocate to Glasgow is a big decision. There are numerous things to be considered, such as the costs of moving, the cost of living, and where exactly to relocate to.
Please be advised that applicants for this role would be entitled to a relocation allowance (if eligible). Further details on this can be viewed in our Relocation Policy.
Find out more on relocating to Glasgow at the below link:
WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER
WORLD CHANGING GLASGOW 2025
Our outstanding disciplinary breadth and expertise has enabled us to make world-changing advances in fields as diverse as medicine, physics, linguistics, public policy and global development.
The key to our success is our talented staff and students pushing back at the boundaries of knowledge and understanding together.
Our World Changers Together strategy recognises the fundamental importance of a culture of open cooperation: not just as colleagues and mentors or students and teachers, but as a community of discovery that reaches beyond its walls and draws inspiration and strength from its connections and partnerships worldwide: excellence that's part of something bigger. The strategy is articulated across three themes:
COMMUNITY
- People centred, globally engaged
CONNECTIVITY
- Collaboratively minded, digitally enhanced
CHALLENGES
- Solution focused, impact oriented
Find out more
How to apply
Full details of the role and how to apply can be found by visiting our website:
The closing date for applications is 11th May 2025 at 23:45.
Terms & Conditions
This post is full time and open ended.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
A flexible approach to working.
A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University .
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment. We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.
Our values
The future holds innumerable challenges for our sector, our society, and our world. We will have to adapt and change what we do and what we offer if we are to navigate these successfully. Our strategy and approach may evolve as the landscape changes, but our values will remain constant: a fixed point of certainty in uncertain times.
We have identified our values in consultation and partnership with our staff and student community. Living and upholding these values will ensure that we remain true to the spirit of our community and ourselves:
Ambition and Excellence
- We strive for excellence through our work
- We defend academic freedom globally
- We recognise and celebrate shared success
- We have an unrelenting focus on development
Curiosity and Discovery
- We innovate and solve problems together
- We lead by influence and example
- We engage with lifelong learning and personal development
- We learn from our mistakes
Integrity and Truth
- We uphold honesty, integrity and fairness
- We share our work widely and generously
- We do the right thing, not the easy thing - or we don’t do it
- We take responsibility
An Inclusive Community
- We are one Glasgow team, and we care for and respect one another
- We advocate for diversity and believe in variety as a vital part of a healthy university
- We champion education as an engine for social progress
- We practise and advance sustainability