Job summary
Expected Shortlisting Date: 10/03/2025
Planned Interview Date: 24/03/2025
Would you like to support world-leading digital pathology research, creating innovative systems and processes to manage petabytes of data for training and evaluating cutting-edge AI?
The National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC) is working to digitise pathology services across the country, whilst harnessing the associated data for research into improving patient care. NPIC's strategic vision includes the creation of a platform for NHS Secure Data Environments (SDEs), where patient data will be used by researchers nationwide. This platform will rely heavily on robust interoperable systems that need to be managed and maintained effectively.
Main duties of the job
The role will work closely with the Head of Research Infrastructure to deliver a robust service for a diverse range of research use cases. A successful candidate will have significant experience with digital pathology and be comfortable working under pressure to deliver complex technical projects with changing demands on the service. The role will require a candidate who is passionate about cutting-edge technology and a background supporting technical research activity is advantageous.
As Digital Pathology Research Systems Lead, you will be expected to:
1. Manage and lead the Research Systems Team, supporting research users with complex and diverse needs
2. Lead on a diverse range of technical projects that incorporate new technologies and exploratory proof of concepts
3. Report on various technical activities, and forecast requirements based on robust and comprehensive performance metrics
4. Contribute to procurement activities and advise on strategic plans affecting technical research activity
5. Develop policies and procedures for standardising workflows and managing data
6. Develop effective working relationships with stakeholders and suppliers
7. Horizon scan the latest developments in digital pathology systems and workflows
About us
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been at the forefront of Digital Pathology research and innovation for over 20 years. NPIC builds on that advanced starting position, uniting a consortium of academic, clinical and industry partners with a common vision - to create a world-leading centre for digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) on which a UK industrial sector can grow and thrive. NPIC is a multidisciplinary and highly motivated team that is working to deliver these challenging ambitions. As a part of this team, you can expect a supportive environment and management that is receptive to the needs of individuals, continued development through training, and opportunities to be involved in diverse aspects of a multimillion-pound program.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB DETAILS
Job Title: Digital Pathology Research Systems Lead
Reports to: Head of Research Infrastructure
Band: 8a
Unit/Department: Research and Innovation
Location: SJUH
AFC Number: 3473a
JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY
The National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC) programme, a £100m+ initiative supported by central funding from NHS England, Innovate UK and the Office for Life Sciences. NPIC has the ambition to provide a national platform to support pathology services. The post-holder will be responsible for the management of Information Systems relating to the Research activity of the NPIC programme.
To succeed in this role the successful candidate will need substantial experience in project management and a track record of delivery. The ability to build successful networks and collaborations across a complex range of stakeholders, including industry, academia, NHS and patients.
This role requires an experienced individual who is driven, ambitious and passionate about improving patient care through the use of cutting-edge technology. The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of service re-design, policy/procedure creation & technical implementation and creation and service development. The job holder will use experience and judgement to evaluate complex requirements and implement solutions that are consistent with the overall aims of the Programme.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Operational Management
The post-holder will be accountable for the management, development and maintenance of several IT systems within the NPIC Programme. They will ensure these systems function to meet the aims of the Programme and the Trust and to ensure they evolve in line with new developments and associated demand. They will have in depth specialist knowledge of information systems and PACS.
Information Management
To lead, manage and develop the Information Strategy for the NPIC Programme. To be responsible for the operation of all IT systems within NPIC Programme and integration with Regional/National systems.
Access Management
To ensure compliance with the relevant information security policies, ensuring that activities are in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and other legislation and regulations related to information security.
Quality Management
To develop and implement strategies and systems for quality assurance, providing feedback, development and support as necessary.
Training/Communication
Ensure that relevant training programmes are in place and delivered effectively.
Financial
The post holder may be the delegated budget manager for IT systems monitoring budgetary performance.
Strategy
Responsible for the development of policy and procedures in relation to IT Systems which will impact across the NPIC Programme.
Staff Management
Accountable for the appointment, induction, management, and continued development and training of staff.
Person Specification
Skills & behaviours
Essential
* Strong leadership skills
* Excellent organisational and planning skills, and the ability to priorities in a high-pressure environment
* Able to co-ordinate and influence the activity of others to produce work within agreed time-scales and quality standards
* Confident and articulate, able to get across own point and negotiate in complex situations
Desirable
* Experience in the use of risk and issue management to track and resolve ongoing project matters.
* Experience of implementing information systems
* Experience of budget management
* Experience of training delivery
Experience
Essential
* In depth specialist knowledge/experience of Information Systems and PACS
* Knowledge of Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information and Caldicott
* Knowledge of the strategic direction of the NHS and an understanding of the implications of national policy including NpfIT/Connecting for Health.
* Knowledge of data standards, NHS performance indicators, national targets and Standards for Better Health.
* Recent experience in a senior management post
Desirable
* Recent experience of working in Pathology, preferably within an acute NHS Trust
* Knowledge of local and national IT Strategy
* Recent experience of working in the NHS (in any sector)
Qualifications
Essential
* Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification or experience with evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
* ITIL Foundation Level
* Prince2 Project Management Foundation Level
* Management qualification
Other Criteria
Essential
* Willingness to work across sites as required
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Leeds Teaching Hospitals
Address
St. James's University Hospital
Beckett Street
Leeds
LS9 7TF
Employer's website #J-18808-Ljbffr