The Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU) is an independent unit internationally respected for its work in Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacoepidemiology, Risk Management and Risk Minimisation for over 40 years.

The Unit conducts a broad range of pharmacoepidemiological studies using a variety of study methods and data sources. The DSRU conducts safety and drug utilisation studies and studies to support risk management and risk minimisation. In addition, the DSRU conducts studies and systematic reviews to understand the safety, use and risk-benefit balance of medicines and vaccines using real world data. The DSRU is active in conducting methodological research.

The DSRU is also a leading provider of education and training in pharmacovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology, aiming to understand adverse effects of medicines and protect patients from undesirable adverse effects in clinical use.

The Unit wishes to appoint a new Director to lead the ongoing work of the Unit, seeking someone to provide operational and strategic leadership across the Unit’s range of activities.

For further information on the work of DSRU, see www.dsru.org – a full Job Description is available on-line from: https://www.dsru.org/vacancies/director/

Applicants are invited to submit a full curriculum vitae and a statement of up to 500 words highlighting relevant experience and outlining what they would bring to the role. Applicants should state whether they currently have the right to work in the UK.  

Applications will be accepted up to 31 October 2024.  The Director post will become vacant on 1 June 2025 though a period of overlap with the outgoing Director before 1 June would be helpful.

Applications should be sent electronically to Rachel Green, Secretary to the Trustees: recruitment@dsru.org

For an informal, no-obligation discussion of the post, contact the Chair of Trustees (Prof Ken Paterson): ken.paterson@dsl.pipex.com

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential

• Possess a good undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline OR medical degree (MBBS or equivalent).
• Possess a PhD or equivalent professional qualification and experience in health-related discipline or pharmacoepidemiology.
• Has a proven ability to build alliances, develop capacity and capability, and work with other stakeholders.
• Has evidence of senior leadership skills and experience of working with and managing others.
• Possess specialist experience with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in pharmacovigilance and/or pharmacoepidemiology.
• Has excellent communication and presentational skills.
• Has networking skills and shows willingness to interact constructively with pharmaceutical companies, medicines regulators and similar bodies.

 Desirable

• Has a well-established national and/or international reputation in pharmacovigilance and/or pharmacoepidemiological research and/or practice.
• Has evidence of research success in high quality publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Has experience of planning and delivering teaching at Higher Educational Institutes or equivalent.
• Possess proven ability to mentor, manage, motivate and coordinate teams.

About Drug Safety Research Unit

The DSRU is an independent unit internationally respected for its work in Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacoepidemiology, Risk Management, Risk Minimisation for over 40 years. The Unit conducts a broad range of pharmacoepidemiological studies using a variety of study methods and data sources. The DSRU conducts safety and drug utilisation studies and studies to support risk management and risk minimisation. In addition, the DSRU conducts studies and systematic reviews to understand the safety, use and risk-benefit balance of medicines and vaccines using real world data.

Connections working at Drug Safety Research Unit