Director, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology – REF 1316

University College London

Director, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology

Location: London

Salary: An attractive remuneration package

UCL is a world-leading, global university with a community of more than 51,000 students from 150 countries and over 18,000 staff. We pursue academic excellence, break boundaries, and make a positive impact on real-world problems. We are consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation. We are ambitious for change and are committed to taking ever bolder and more impactful interventions towards becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive university.

Part of UCL’s world-leading Faculty of Population Health Sciences, the Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology (ICTM) is one of the foremost centres for clinical trials, epidemiology, evidence synthesis and health research methodology. Bringing together around 400 experts across clinical trials and methodology, ICTM has exceptional breadth of expertise spanning the full clinical trials pathway, from first-in-human studies through to large-scale international trials. ICTM also collaborates closely with external partners to develop and evaluate new therapies and accelerate their translation into improved patient outcomes. The Institute generates approximately £30 million in annual research income and manages an active research portfolio of around £250 million.

Following a highly successful period of leadership that has seen ICTM grow into one of the world’s leading clinical trials institutes, expand both the Innovative Clinical Trials Unit and Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, and establish the MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Clinical Trial Innovation, we are seeking a new Director to lead the Institute into its next phase. This is an opportunity to build on an exceptional foundation and shape the future direction of clinical trials science nationally and internationally.

Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences, you will be a member of the Faculty Leadership Team and a key contributor to both the Faculty and UCL’s wider strategic ambitions. You will shape the Institute’s strategic vision and guide its next stage of development, building on its strong collaborative culture and supporting continued excellence across its research, people and partnerships. You will also provide strategic oversight of the Institute’s resources, build on its extensive external partnerships, and harness methodological innovation to extend its national and international influence and impact.

We are seeking an internationally recognised academic leader with a strong track record in clinical trials, trial methodology or a related discipline, combined with the strategic vision and leadership experience to lead an outstanding academic community. You will bring sound organisational judgement, experience of leading at scale, and a record of fostering innovation and developing influential external partnerships. An inclusive and persuasive leader, you will be able to inspire and develop others, bring people together around a shared vision, lead through change, and build successful relationships across UCL, the NHS, funders, regulators, industry and international partners.

This appointment represents a rare opportunity to lead one of the world’s most influential clinical trials environments at a time of considerable opportunity and ambition.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our advising Consultants at Veredus: James Griffin on [email removed] or Reece D’Alanno on [email removed].

The deadline for receipt of applications is 9am on Friday, 2nd October 2026.

Final interviews will be held w/c 9th November 2026.

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