Research Lead, Clinical Research

Research Lead, Clinical Research

• locations
• London

• posted on
• Posted Today

• job requisition id
• R-003196

Salary: £ 83,100

Closing date:  Sun, 03 May 2026

Contract type: Permanent

Interview dates: 1st stage (w/c 1 June) online/Remote; 2nd stage: face to face

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.

We committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

We are looking for a Research Lead, Clinical Research to join the Infectious Disease (ID) team.

Where in Wellcome will I be working? 

You will take a leading role in advancing the clinical research workstream within the Infectious Disease Programme, from scoping and strategic planning through to delivery. By guiding projects, leading colleagues where needed and working with expert advisers, you will help ensure clinical research activity aligns with and strengthens the team’s overall strategy.

Infectious Disease is a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering Wellcome’s strategy to address the global health challenge of infectious disease. Our ambitious goal is to accelerate the discovery and development of new drugs, vaccines and interventions through to transforming the lives of people suffering from or at risk of infectious disease. We do this by funding research, product development and policy initiatives and focus on: Vector borne Infections such as dengue, schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis, and bacterial and fungal infections including cholera and tuberculosis.

What will I be doing? 

This new role presents an exciting opportunity to influence the development of clinical research programmes under Wellcome's ambitious 10-year strategy. Working across a diverse range of projects, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Infectious Disease team delivers meaningful impact in communities with the highest burden of infectious disease.

As the Clinical Research Lead, you will help shape the clinical research strategy for ID, independently leading clinical programmes and ensuring the proper conduct of clinical research by our partner organisations. In addition, you may oversee and mentor team members, fostering the growth of clinical expertise within Wellcome.

As a Research Lead, Clinical Research, you will :

• Lead and manage clinical trials from planning through delivery, coordinating stakeholders, managing budgets and timelines, and ensuring activity is delivered to a high standard.

• Shape funding and strategic decisions by contributing scientific and strategic insight to the prioritisation of clinical trials, funding calls and discretionary awards within Infectious Disease.

• Provide scientific leadership and expertise to improve trial design, methodology and scientific integrity, identifying research gaps and setting clear priorities.

• Ensure regulatory and ethical compliance across all funded trials, including adherence to national and international regulations, ethical standards and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

• Work collaboratively with partners and teams across disciplines and organisations, supporting effective communication, shared learning, and a diverse and inclusive working culture.

• Maximise impact and build capability by overseeing data analysis and reporting, supporting dissemination of findings, mentoring others, and promoting innovation and continuous improvement in clinical research.

Is this job for me?

This role is for someone who is motivated by high‑quality clinical research and wants to lead programmes that tackle infectious diseases, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income countries. You’ll suit this role if you have a strong background in clinical trials, can work independently and strategically, and enjoy collaborating with a wide range of partners to deliver impact. In return, you’ll contribute directly to Wellcome’s mission to improve health through science, especially for communities most in need.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria: 

• Proven experience leading clinical research in LMIC settings, with a demonstrable track record of designing, delivering or overseeing clinical trials or research programmes, and an understanding of local regulatory, ethical and operational contexts.

• Well‑established scientific background, ideally supported by an advanced degree (such as MD, PhD, DrPH or a relevant MSc), with experience in infectious disease or global health research.

• Expertise in clinical trial methodology and research governance, including trial design, ICH GCP, data integrity, participant safety and ethical review processes, gained through work with diverse research partners and delivery models.

• Ability to operate strategically within a research funding environment, with experience shaping research priorities, assessing scientific proposals, synthesising evidence and contributing to senior‑level funding and impact decisions.

• Effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build equitable partnerships across LMIC institutions, governments, academia and delivery partners, and to communicate clearly with both scientific and non‑scientific audiences.

 

Applications Questions:

• Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)

• Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

You can view the full job description on our website

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website  

Our Hybrid Way of Working 

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do 

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org. 

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About Us

We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. Wellcome isn't just a supporter of great ideas, it's a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits and help our employees to develop in an open, respectful culture where differences are valued.