Newcastle University

The Role The purpose of this role is to provide academic leadership in evidence synthesis across the Population Health Sciences Institute, working within a shared leadership model to support the strategic development, integration, visibility and sustainability of evidence synthesis activity across research groups and NIHR infrastructure. The postholder will lead the development and delivery of a high-quality evidence synthesis education portfolio across postgraduate and continuing professional development programmes, ensuring that evidence synthesis methodologies are embedded within curricula and aligned with emerging research and policy needs. They will contribute to the development of future evidence synthesis capacity through teaching, supervision, mentorship and curriculum innovation. Alongside this educational leadership, the postholder will build a coherent programme spanning methodological innovation in evidence synthesis, applied evidence synthesis (including health technology assessment), and interdisciplinary collaboration within a highly collegiate research environment. The role will play a key part in strengthening evidence synthesis as a visible and sustainable academic discipline within the Institute, integrating research, teaching and knowledge mobilisation activities. This will include developing income-generating educational and research activity, contributing to major collaborative infrastructure programmes, and enhancing the national and international profile of the Institute's evidence synthesis expertise. The University has developed an Academic Job Summary Guidance document which summarises the range of activities that academic colleagues may be expected to perform. Key Accountabilities To provide strategic leadership in the development, advancement and application of evidence synthesis methods across research, education, policy and practice. To lead and develop evidence synthesis education across undergraduate, postgraduate and professional development programmes, driving curriculum innovation, digital and blended learning, student supervision, and excellence in the learner experience To provide academic leadership through supervision, mentoring, and capacity building, supporting the development of postgraduate students, early career researchers and the future evidence synthesis workforce. To contribute to and help shape the academic leadership of the Evidence Synthesis Group (ESG), supporting its strategic development within a broader interdisciplinary and infrastructure-rich environment To develop and lead programmes of applied evidence synthesis (including systematic reviews, HTA, rapid and policy-facing reviews) that generate independent research income aligned to funder priorities (e.g. NIHR, UKRI, charities).  To lead the development and submission of research proposals to external funders, managing projects to ensure delivery within budget, milestones, and timelines  To work across Institute and NIHR infrastructure programmes to strengthen the visibility, coherence, sustainability and impact of evidence synthesis, building national and international collaborations. To lead and contribute to high-quality research outputs, knowledge mobilisation and dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and policy-facing outputs delivering societal impact The Person (Essential) Knowledge, Skills and Experience Experience of educational leadership across undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development (CPD) provision, including curriculum innovation, digital and blended learning, student supervision, and evidence synthesis capacity building Proven expertise in the development and application of evidence synthesis methods (e.g. systematic reviews, HTA, and/or mixed-methods synthesis) Strong track record of high-quality research outputs and securing external research funding Experience of developing and leading research programmes, including delivery to time, budget, and agreed milestones Experience of applied or policy-relevant evidence synthesis (e.g. HTA, rapid reviews, decision-support work) Experience of working collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and/or large-scale research programmes or infrastructure (e.g. NIHR or equivalent) Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage academic, policy, and non-academic audiences Attributes and Behaviour Commitment to developing the next generation of evidence synthesis researchers and practitioners through teaching, supervision and mentorship Demonstrates academic integrity and professionalism consistent with University values Collaborative and collegiate, with the ability to build effective relationships across disciplines and organisations Able to influence, lead, and contribute within a shared leadership model Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to take initiative and drive activity Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive working environment Qualifications A PhD in a relevant discipline or methodological area, or equivalent experience