At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic health data initiatives to improve patient outcomes in rare diseases.
- Company: LifeArc, a not-for-profit life science organisation focused on impactful health solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, private health insurance, and 31 days annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture prioritising growth and wellbeing, with opportunities for diverse candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by translating data into life-changing solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in health data programmes and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 65962 - 80620 £ per year.
Location: London
Job Type: Permanent with hybrid working (3 days in the office required)
Closing date: 2 October 2026
Are you passionate about making life science life changing and delivering impact for patients? We want to hear from you.
About the Role
As Associate Director, Clinical Data Translation you will be in a key strategic delivery role that will lead on the delivery of LifeArc's new Health Data Strategy towards tangible patient benefit for those affected by a rare disease and resistant infections. This is an exciting opportunity to join the evolving health data function at LifeArc as a senior leader to provide senior health professionals and scientific leadership to connect our Health Data Strategy with the UK NHS and wider international health data ecosystem, ensuring that large-scale data assets are translated into high-impact translational programmes.
In this role, you will shape and deliver data-enabled programmes, partnerships and roadmaps, using the deep understanding of healthcare systems and health data to enable clinical trials, evidence generation, and progression of diagnostics, therapeutics and digital health tools. The role operates at the interface between clinical insight, data science and strategy, translating complex technical considerations into executable programmes and senior-level decisions.
Through clinical credibility and external influence, you will build trusted relationships across national health data initiatives, secure access to priority data assets, and ensure data-enabled programmes are clinically robust, patient-centred, and deliver impact.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Lead strategic engagement across the health data ecosystem, building senior-level partnerships and influencing data infrastructure priorities to ensure opportunities in rare diseases and resistant infections are visible, investable, and actionable.
- Drive the strategic development and mobilisation of health data programmes, translating opportunities into prioritised business cases, delivery roadmaps, and partnership initiatives that align with organisational priorities and are ready for implementation.
- Identify and shape strategic opportunities to leverage routinely collected health data and real-world evidence, informing the development and evaluation of interventions, diagnostics, therapeutics and digital health solutions.
- Work with LifeArc science and clinical teams, Translational Centres and strategic programmes to unlock secure data access, strengthen evidence generation and accelerate translation.
- Partner closely with Health Data Science teams on moving practical opportunities into project delivery.
- Provide matrix leadership and strategic oversight across complex health data initiatives, integrating technical, clinical, governance and delivery considerations to inform organisational decision-making and due diligence.
- Provide programme leadership through development and mobilisation, defining delivery models, governance, risks and dependencies, while monitoring programme progress, impact and performance against strategic objectives.
Essential Experience Required
- Deep understanding of health data programmes, including SDEs, governance frameworks, interoperability standards, clinical coding, and national initiatives.
- Demonstrable experience operating independently in complex environments, providing senior level advice and recommendations within an agreed strategic framework.
- Established credibility and professional network within the health data ecosystems, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and influencing roadmaps.
- Experience shaping multi-party programmes and partnerships, aligning opportunities to organisational strategy.
- Familiarity with the development and deployment of AI and digital health tools in healthcare settings sufficient to engage credibly with technical and regulatory colleagues.
- Significant understanding of clinical workflows (e.g., Trusts, ICBs, national bodies).
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification or formal training in a relevant field such as clinical research, population health, digital health, health informatics, epidemiology, or translational science.
- Formal training or certification relevant to clinical research, health data governance, or digital health regulation (e.g. clinical safety, health informatics, or research governance).
Education
- Qualification and experience as a registered healthcare professional (e.g. a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist).
Skills & Abilities
- Enterprise leadership and matrix management.
- Strategic delivery of complex opportunities into deliverable programmes with clear routes to patient impact.
- Sound judgement across scientific, clinical, technical, governance, operational and commercial considerations.
About Us
LifeArc is a not-for-profit life science organisation, leading the way for change in rare diseases in the UK and supporting promising initiatives in global health. We seek out research in areas of unmet need that has great potential, providing support to help it become breakthroughs that change lives.
What We Can Offer You
Focused on finding life changing solutions for underserved patients, our people thrive in an inclusive, and supportive environment that prioritises their health and wellbeing. Our multidisciplinary approach guarantees our people growth opportunities, while our culture of innovation and collaboration drives the impact we make delivering on our purpose of ‘putting patients at the centre of everything we do’.
LifeArc is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to candidates with a disability or long-term health condition who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Please note that in certain situations, such as high volumes of applications, it may not be practical to interview all eligible candidates. In these cases, we may need to select those who best meet the essential criteria. (At LifeArc, the Disability Confident Scheme’s ‘minimum criteria’ is referred to as ‘essential criteria’).
Salary will be determined by qualifications and experience along with other exceptional benefits. Our pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days PLUS bank holidays.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds, for example, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At LifeArc we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so whatever your background or lived experience, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Our top priority is finding the best candidate, and you may be just right for this or other roles.
We all have potential. At LifeArc, you’ll discover what you can really do with it.
Associate Director, Clinical Data Translation employer: LifeArc
LifeArc is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits including a pension scheme with up to 12% contributions, private health insurance, and 31 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. Our culture encourages professional growth through collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about making a difference in life sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Clinical Data Translation
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like LifeArc.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at LifeArc.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like LifeArc, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Clinical Data Translation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at LifeArc.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at LifeArc.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to LifeArc. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at LifeArc. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at LifeArc
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research LifeArc’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
