Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme Director in Leeds

We are looking for a Programme Director for our Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme, to succeed Professor Mike Lewis who reaches the end of their tenure on 31 March 2026. The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme focuses on medical devices, in vitro diagnostic devices and digital health technologies, providing funding and support to accelerate development of products relevant to the NHS and social care system. The i4i programme funds independent research and development through researcher-led and commissioned work streams, spanning the full translational pathway – from demonstrated proof-of-concept to real world evaluation – helping to de-risk new innovations through public investment. Its portfolio includes technology development, clinical studies, pilot and feasibility studies, and implementation research.

The programme engages a wide range of stakeholders, including academic, clinical and industry researchers, NHS professionals, policymakers such as NICE and the public. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are central to UK diagnostics and medtech innovation. This role is an honorary post and does not confer any employment status or any employment rights. You should have an agreement in writing of support from your employing organisation when applying.

If you have a strong track record in the UK health innovation ecosystem, are committed to accelerating high-quality, patient-focused innovation and believe strongly in the value of evidence-based technologies that can transform health and care, then this role offers a unique platform. Leading this influential programme, as part of a wider group of NIHR Programme Directors, will allow you to work across the UK health, public health and social care research and innovation ecosystem alongside key influencers in government.

As Programme Director, you will have the opportunity to guide the strategic focus and evolution of the i4i programme. You will have strategic accountability for the programme’s research budget, working in co-leadership with the NIHR Coordinating Centre (NIHR CC) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to maximise the value of the investment through the commissioned portfolio. You will be responsible for the overall scientific quality of the i4i programme portfolio, and for probity of decision-making. You will have oversight of the programme’s portfolio of funded studies. Alongside other Programme Directors you will be part of the NIHR research programmes senior leadership team. You will work collaboratively across programmes, and with other parts of NIHR and the DHSC, to maximise the strategic impact of not only the i4i programme but NIHR’s investment across the research programme portfolio in the delivery of key priorities.

The right candidate will have proven experience of translational health and care research and bring extensive knowledge of the UK health innovation ecosystem, including the development and commercialisation of medical technologies. A track record of strategic leadership within the medtech or life sciences sector is desirable. For this role, we are also particularly interested in candidates with experience of working in primary care. They will have a good understanding of research methods relevant to the programme, excellent communication and negotiating skills, and proven ability to chair committees effectively.

This role is accountable to the Deputy Director for Research Commissioning in the Science, Research and Evidence (SRE) directorate at the Department of Health and Social Care (DSHC).

Tenure and time commitment

The tenure for this role is 3 years in the first instance, to be reviewed at 2 years. In the context of ongoing programme development, this role may evolve as Programme Director roles are reorganised or consolidated. Depending on these changes, there may be potential to extend by up to 2 years to a total of 5 years by mutual agreement. You cannot hold any other NIHR honorary role for the duration of the tenure, other than in exceptional circumstances. The overall time commitment includes attending meetings, providing specific advice and undertaking background and planning work.

Key responsibilities

• As part of the wider NIHR Programme Director group, working with the Scientific Director for Research Programmes and the DHSC Science Research and Evidence Directorate senior management team to drive the strategic evolution and profile of both the i4i programme and the wider programme portfolio.
• Working collaboratively with other parts of the NIHR considering not only the i4i programme budget but also the overall NIHR programmes’ budgetary limits as well as the wider policy framework setting the scientific direction of the i4i programme, including the balance of its content, relevance and responsiveness to the needs and priorities of the wider health, public health and social care system and DHSC.
• Promoting the i4i programme, and the NIHR more generally, within the wider research and practitioner communities, with a particular view to maximising the impact of i4i projects on health and care policy and practice, in turn driving positive impacts on individuals and populations.
• Supporting the commissioning of research to address strategic priorities.
• Advising the NIHR on all matters related to the programme and associated areas of interest.
• Playing a key role in developing the profile of NIHR research programmes and the wider NIHR through significant external liaison and ambassadorial activities.
• Maintaining relationships with i4i contract holders and related stakeholders.
• Providing strategic oversight, through the NIHR CC and in conjunction with DHSC, to ensure the quality and transparency of the procedures adopted for commissioning and managing projects are maintained, to drive maximum impact and value for money.

You will be expected to:

• Play a role in developing the profile of the research programmes through DHSC and/or NIHR strategy groups and significant external liaison.
• Represent the i4i programme on the NIHR Strategy and Engagement Board and other key NIHR fora.
• Maintain a watching brief on the i4i portfolio; making recommendations to the DHSC on variations to contract requests, meeting research teams to review progress and making decisions on project closures where applicable.
• Attend activity update meetings with the NIHRCC on a regular basis, to provide advice and receive information to support your role.
• Respond to and implement new NIHR and DHSC policies, ensuring compliance in the delivery of your responsibilities as a Programme Director.
• Have a strong commitment and drive to promote equitable and inclusive practices.

What you will bring to the role

We are looking for a skilled professional with a background in translational health and care research or the life sciences industry, or both. You should have strong communication and leadership skills, and experience or an understanding of research commissioning.

• Knowledge of the NIHR and a good understanding of the health and care landscape and social care delivery.
• Demonstrable leadership experience relevant to the programme.
• Willingness to be flexible, as your portfolio may change over time in the context of the ongoing development of NIHR Research Programmes.
• A strong commitment to promoting research inclusion in all aspects of programme activity.
• The ability to communicate efficiently and effectively.
• Discretion in the handling of confidential information.
• A proven track record of research leadership or familiarity with processes for securing and delivering high quality research.
• A strong commitment to supporting patient and public involvement (PPI) as a core value throughout the programme.
• Experience of maintaining and creating new, complex relationships.
• Proven experience of chairing committees.
• The ability to interpret budget information effectively.

General requirements

• The capacity to dedicate time to the i4i programme, including attending meetings (for example, 2x 3 day funding committees, 4x NIHR Strategy and Engagement Board) and preparation work, and post-award activity.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to Leeds, London and other locations across the UK to attend in-person meetings and engagements as required.
• The capacity to work within the wider NIHR including, if required, representing NIHR at national and international level.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The NIHR is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, as outlined in our Research Inclusion Strategy 2022–2027. We want everyone to realise their full potential and make a positive contribution. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities. We are committed to having leadership and teams that are made up of diverse skills and experiences. To find out more, visit our Research Inclusion page. To enable this, we are committed to removing barriers to participation and ensuring our processes are inclusive. We encourage applications from groups who are underrepresented and from individuals with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. We will provide reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or appointment process. If you require an adjustment, please contact ruth.nebauer@nihr.ac.uk.

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