Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships in life sciences, driving innovative clinical research.
- Company: Join NIHR, the UK's largest health and social care research funder, advancing national health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, generous leave, and comprehensive healthcare benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health research while collaborating with top industry players.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in biomedical science or equivalent experience; proven life sciences industry background required.
- Other info: Apply by 5pm on 13th June; interviews start from 23rd June.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 71000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about bridging the gap between life science innovation and government collaboration? Do you thrive on shaping strategic partnerships that drive groundbreaking clinical research? Join the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as a key member of our External Affairs team. We are seeking a dynamic, highly experienced professional to lead the development and delivery of strategic partnerships with leading life science companies, propelling the UK’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge clinical research.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to advance the health and wealth of the nation through pioneering research. As the UK’s largest funder of health and social care research, NIHR collaborates closely with the NHS, universities, local governments, other research funders, patients, and the public.
As part of the External Affairs team you will focus on building strong relationships with companies, working as part of a cross-Government approach to building enduring partnerships with the life sciences industry. You will work closely with the NIHR Director of External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships to support and coordinate the NIHR’s involvement in the cross-Government approach to developing and managing strategic partnerships with a number of high value life science companies.
Key Responsibilities- Serve as the main contact within NIHR for strategic partner companies, managing planning, monitoring, and reviewing efforts to achieve partnership goals.
- Brief senior NIHR and DHSC staff on partnership activities, ensuring they are well-prepared for high-level meetings.
- Coordinate prompt, accurate responses to inquiries from strategic partners, engaging the right experts across NIHR and UK government.
- Collaborate with NIHR Business Development and Key Account Managers, promoting NIHR services to strategic partners.
- Partner with the Head of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway PMO to keep partners informed about improvements in UK vaccine clinical trials, especially in infectious diseases and cancer.
- Facilitate seamless collaboration with other government bodies, including the Office for Life Sciences, Department for International Trade, UK Health Security Agency, and MHRA, to enhance strategic partnership delivery.
To be successful in this role you will have broad experience of working with, or within the life sciences industry, particularly in roles liaising between companies and Government agencies. You will need to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the UK health research system and the role that NIHR plays in funding and delivering research that improves the health and wealth of the nation.
Expertise, Skills, and Knowledge- Required Criteria
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in biomedical science or equivalent professional experience gained through relevant employment.
- Industry Experience: Proven experience working with the life sciences industry, including roles in business development, government affairs, or similar functions.
- Research Environment Experience: Demonstrated experience within the UK research sector, including positions at research funding organisations, government bodies, universities, NHS Trusts, or charities.
- Sector Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s health and care research landscape, including familiarity with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the processes for conducting clinical research within the NHS.
- Programme Management: Proven ability to manage, coordinate, and ensure the successful delivery of complex work programmes involving multiple partners and stakeholders.
- Advanced Educational Qualification: A postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as biomedical science, healthcare management, or a closely related field.
- Specialised Experience: Proven experience working in a research funding organisation, policy body, or other relevant research-focused environments.
- Proactive and Adaptable
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Organisational Skills
- Effective Communication
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities
- Proficient in using Google Apps and other standard IT tools
- Annual Salary: £62,900+ per year
- Bonus: Performance-based, subject to company results
- Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays
- Pension Scheme: Enhanced contributory scheme
- Life Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
- Healthcare: Benenden Healthcare membership
- Commuting Support: Season Ticket Loan
This is a hybrid, office-based role requiring employees to work a minimum of one day each week at our central London office. Additionally, there may be a requirement to attend ad hoc meetings as needed.
Application ProcessIf you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Required Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with NIHR.
NB: Closing date for applications is 5pm 13th June, interviews to be scheduled from the 23rd June.
For more information or an informal discussion about the role please contact external.affairs@nihr.ac.uk
Assistant Director - Strategic Industry Partnerships employer: NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
Contact Detail:
NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Strategic Industry Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the life sciences sector. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet potential partners and stakeholders. Building relationships in person can significantly enhance your chances of being noticed for this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and developments in the UK health research landscape. Familiarise yourself with recent NIHR initiatives and government policies that impact the life sciences industry, as this knowledge will be crucial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex partnerships. Think of specific examples where you successfully coordinated efforts between multiple stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the role's key responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current employees or alumni from NIHR to gain insights into the organisational culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can help tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Strategic Industry Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the job description for the Assistant Director - Strategic Industry Partnerships. Pay attention to the key responsibilities and required criteria to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: Your 'Statement of Suitability' is crucial. Clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the required criteria. Use specific examples from your past roles in the life sciences industry or government affairs to illustrate your capabilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience working with the life sciences industry and any roles that involved liaising between companies and government agencies. Make sure to include any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to manage complex work programmes.
Show Enthusiasm for NIHR: In both your CV and Statement of Suitability, express your enthusiasm for working with the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Mention why you are passionate about bridging the gap between life science innovation and government collaboration.
How to prepare for a job interview at NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Assistant Director role. Familiarise yourself with how NIHR collaborates with life science companies and government bodies, as this will help you articulate your fit for the position.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in the life sciences industry, particularly any roles that involved liaising between companies and government agencies. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed partnerships or projects that align with NIHR's mission.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since the role involves building strong relationships with various stakeholders, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively engaged with partners in the past. Discuss your approach to communication and collaboration, especially in complex environments.
✨Express Enthusiasm for NIHR's Mission
During the interview, convey your passion for advancing health and care research. Share why you are excited about the opportunity to work with NIHR and how you can contribute to its goals, particularly in enhancing the UK's position in clinical research.
