University of Cambridge
Director of the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute and Research Professor
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Lead the next chapter of heart and lung research at Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is seeking an exceptional and collaborative research leader to become the next Director of the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute. This is a distinctive opportunity to shape the next phase of a major interdisciplinary research institute working across discovery science, experimental medicine, clinical translation, implementation and policy.
The Institute brings together more than 450 research staff from seven University and NHS departments, working in partnership with Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Its facilities include wet and dry laboratory research space and an NIHR-accredited Clinical Research Facility supporting experimental medicine and early-phase clinical trials. The Institute also hosts major research infrastructure and initiatives, including the UK Cystic Fibrosis Innovation Hub, the Wolfson Lung Injury Unit, a British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence and the British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit.
Collectively, its constituent groups hold more than £250 million in research funding.
The Institute is united by a clear mission: to improve cardiovascular and lung health for everyone, no matter where they live.
The opportunity
The VPD-HLRI operates as a distributed network of University departments, NHS partners, research groups and infrastructure platforms.
The Director will provide strategic and intellectual leadership across this complex environment, leading principally through influence, convening power, shared purpose and effective governance rather than through direct line authority over all constituent groups.
Working with the HLRI Strategic Board, the Operations Committee and senior partners across the University and NHS, the Director will set a compelling vision for the Institute's future, bring people and disciplines together around major research challenges and create the conditions for ambitious collaboration to flourish.
The Director Will
- define and articulate a clear strategic vision for the Institute and its next phase of development;
- identify major research questions and future capability needs in cardiovascular and lung health;
- strengthen collaboration across research groups, University departments, NHS partners and external organisations;
- convene interdisciplinary teams to develop ambitious programmes, secure funding and deliver internationally recognised research;
- support strategic fundraising and the development of major research funding opportunities;
- promote research spanning discovery, translation, clinical impact and implementation;
- champion an inclusive, positive and collaborative research culture that recognises the contribution of all colleagues;
- mentor and support emerging research leaders; and
- represent the Institute nationally and internationally, enhancing its profile and influence.
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The Director will chair the HLRI Operations Committee and will report to the Head of the Department of Medicine, with strategic accountability to the HLRI Strategic Board. Alongside the Directorship, the successful candidate will be appointed to a Research Professorship and will lead an internationally excellent research programme aligned with the Institute's mission.
They will have leadership and operational responsibility for their own research group and will be expected to secure external funding, hold research grants and contribute to collaborative programmes within and beyond the Institute. They will also contribute to the wider academic life of an appropriate University department and the School of Clinical Medicine.
About You
Applications are welcomed from clinically and non-clinically qualified candidates.
You will be an internationally recognised research leader with the intellectual standing, credibility and collaborative approach needed to lead across organisational and disciplinary boundaries.
You Will Bring
- an outstanding record of research leadership and achievement in a field relevant to heart or lung health;
- substantial experience as a principal investigator;
- evidence of securing and managing significant research funding;
- experience of shaping research strategy and leading complex collaborative programmes;
- the ability to inspire, convene and influence senior colleagues and external partners;
- excellent communication, negotiation and ambassadorial skills;
- experience of mentoring and developing researchers and research teams; and
- a demonstrable commitment to inclusive leadership, equality, diversity and a positive research culture.
Experience of leading a substantial research programme, centre, institute or major interdisciplinary collaboration would be desirable.
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Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant subject or demonstrate equivalent professional or research standing.
Clinically qualified applicants must hold GMC registration and a licence to practise, specialist registration in a relevant field, or equivalent registration in another country, as appropriate to the role.
Further information about the responsibilities of the role and the full selection criteria is available in the further particulars.
Terms of appointment
The Directorship will be offered for an initial period of five years, with the potential for extension for a further five years. An extension beyond ten years may be possible, subject to review, funding and institutional requirements.
The terms of the underlying Research Professor appointment will be confirmed separately.
The role will be based principally at the VPD-HLRI, with an expectation of regular on-site presence.
Key dates
- Closing date: Sunday 2nd August
- Selection Committee: Provisionally scheduled for 29 September 2026, with 9 October and 27 October held as reserve dates. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the confirmed date as early as possible.
Candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted following the closing date. Applicants are asked to keep the Selection Committee date available.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted online through the University of Cambridge recruitment system, click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already), and should include:
- a covering letter explaining your motivation for applying and how you meet the selection criteria;
- a statement setting out your current and future research plans and academic vision for the HLRI;
- a curriculum vitae; and
- a list of publications.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Informal Enquiries Are Welcomed And Should Be Directed To
Professor Duncan Richards, Head of the Department of Medicine, dbr27@cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference RC50262 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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