NIHR - Life Sciences Industry Director

NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
London
1 week ago
Create job alert

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) seeks an accomplished and visionary leader for the role ofLife Sciences Industry Director. Reporting directly to the NIHR Scientific Director of Innovation and the DHSC Deputy Director of Clinical Trials, this senior-level position is pivotal in shaping the future of life sciences innovation in partnership with industry. This role will be hosted by the LGC Group.


As a strategic leader, the Life Sciences Industry Director will drive NIHR's commercial activities, delivering excellence across critical domains:

  • Expanding life sciences partnerships and fostering sustainable growth
  • Accelerating delivery and success of commercial clinical trials
  • Engaging and supporting SMEs to realise their potential in the healthcare ecosystem


This role entails direct leadership and matrix management of high-performing teams and senior stakeholders, including:

  • Head of Business Development, NIHRCC
  • Director of External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships
  • Head of Business Development and Marketing, RDN
  • Head of the Vaccine Innovation Pathway


TheLife Sciences Industry Directorwill be at the forefront of NIHR’s mission to connect groundbreaking research with meaningful healthcare solutions, advancing health and prosperity for all. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a dynamic individual to make a lasting impact in the life sciences sector.


Job Description

NIHR has reviewed its industry engagement approach. The final report (accepted 13/2/25) outlines several recommendations, including recruiting a Life Sciences Industry Director to report to the Scientific Director of Innovation at NIHR and join the NIHR national leadership team. This role will direct and manage existing business development, external affairs, and key account teams within Commissioning Centres (e.g., RDN) and delivery units—overseeing all industry-facing functions.


Working with other directors, the postholder will help drive a transformative organisational culture, ensuring NIHR operates as a single, integrated body with shared purpose. They will lead the NIHR offer to industry, overseeing its development and strategy.


This role is pivotal to strengthening NIHR’s engagement with the life sciences sector. It will embed a strategic, coordinated approach to industry engagement, fostering a ‘One NIHR’ culture that boosts the UK’s profile as a global hub for commercial research. The role will lead implementation of review recommendations, such as unifying NIHR-wide Key Account Management (KAM) principles, supporting SME engagement, and creating consistent industry delivery metrics.


As NIHR’s lead representative to commercial companies and stakeholders, the postholder will leverage their credibility and relationships to reshape industry perception. They’ll develop and deliver strategies promoting NIHR infrastructure and the UK health and care system as a globally competitive location for health, public health, and social care research. Their leadership will ensure

NIHR meets industry research needs, builds life sciences partnerships, and fosters a seamless research ecosystem that optimises delivery.


This role requires exceptional strategic and operational knowledge of health research delivery, along with significant life sciences industry and non-commercial sector experience. As NIHR is a complex organisation, strong leadership across boundaries and in dynamic regulatory environments is essential.


The role involves working closely with health and care organisations, industry, and research funders, showing presence and inspirational leadership in high-profile settings. They will also engage with other Government departments (e.g., DBT and DIT) to ensure smooth onboarding for strategic partners and promote more UK-based research.


With a strategic mindset and strong political and policy awareness, the postholder will understand health and care research practice deeply. They will identify opportunities, navigate challenges, and maximise health research’s impact for patients, the public, and the UK economy.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide visible, dynamic, and effective leadership of NIHR’s industry touchpoints to offer high-quality, customer-focused services meeting strategic commitments.


As a senior NIHR leader, contribute to national decision-making, support development of cross-NIHR strategies and policies, and lead national programmes aligned to NIHR’s vision and objectives. Work with DHSC and NIHR leaders on complex industry-focused challenges, requiring innovative solutions.


Build influence internally and externally, acting as a credible ambassador. Command respect of senior life sciences stakeholders.


Coordinate organisational resources, manage staff performance, support professional development across NIHR, and ensure operational excellence in all industry-facing activities.


Specific duties include:

  • Ensuring NIHR meets life sciences research delivery needs
  • Leading strategic engagement development to attract new research, build collaborations, and enhance the UK’s research environment
  • Driving capability and capacity development for life sciences research, optimising existing services, and expanding to meet evolving needs
  • Leading business development and marketing to ensure national and global visibility
  • Developing and implementing NIHR’s industry engagement strategy with key partners (e.g. DHSC, NHS England)
  • Leading alignment of commercial research activity across NIHR to create a unified, efficient research environment


Knowledge, Skills and Experience

This role requires a strategic, proactive leader to unify NIHR’s industry engagement, align it with organisational goals, and advance review recommendations. The successful candidate will foster infrastructure collaboration and help cement the UK as a leading research destination.


Essential:

  • Extensive life sciences industry engagement experience, including national partnerships, clinical research delivery, and regulatory knowledge
  • Deep understanding of UK health research landscape (NIHR infrastructure, NHS priorities, government policy)
  • Proven leadership in large-scale transformation, strategic realignment, and multi-stakeholder settings
  • Strong record of senior engagement across government, academia, industry, and NHS, including national/international representation


Desirable:

  • Significant business development, marketing, and KAM experience
  • Strong understanding of life sciences sector needs (pharma, biotech, diagnostics, med tech, digital health)


Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary reflective of the role’s seniority and impact

Performance bonuses tied to organisational and personal outcomes

25 days annual leave plus UK public holidays

Enhanced pension scheme

Executive-level life insurance

Comprehensive private healthcare


NB: Office-based hybrid role. Minimum of 4 office days per month (usually 1 per week), subject to change. This national role involves extensive UK travel and some international travel.


Application

If you're excited to join us and meet the criteria, apply with your CV and a ‘Statement of Suitability’ highlighting your relevant experience and essential skills.

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Business Development Lead

Principal Clinical Scientist Lead (Diagnostic Radiology Physics)

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Portfolio Projects That Get You Hired for Biotech Jobs (With Real GitHub Examples)

Biotechnology is at the forefront of numerous scientific breakthroughs—from vaccine development to CRISPR-based gene editing—and data-driven methods now power much of the innovation in this space. If you’re aspiring to land a role in biotech—be it in drug discovery, genomics, immunology, or computational biology—an impressive portfolio can help you stand out in a fiercely competitive market. But what makes a biotech portfolio compelling? How can you prove your worth to a hiring manager who wants practical, hands-on skills in computational biology, wet-lab data analysis, or next-generation sequencing (NGS)? In this guide, we’ll explore: Why a biotech portfolio is essential for showcasing relevant skills. How to choose portfolio projects that align with emerging biotech roles. Real GitHub examples of projects that demonstrate an end-to-end approach. Tangible project ideas specific to biotechnology. Best practices for organising and presenting your work so that potential employers see your talents at a glance. By the end, you’ll have concrete steps to create a portfolio that highlights your value to recruiters and biotech companies. And, when you’re ready to take the next step, remember to upload your CV on BiotechnologyJobs.co.uk for direct exposure to employers who need your expertise.

Biotech Job Interview Warm‑Up: 30 Real R&D & Project‑Design Questions

The biotechnology sector is at the forefront of scientific innovation—encompassing everything from drug discovery and gene editing to agricultural improvements and environmental sustainability. It’s a field that combines cutting-edge research, regulated processes, and commercial acumen. As such, biotech job interviews can be both exciting and rigorous, often spanning technical, operational, and strategic discussions. If you’re gearing up for a biotech interview, be prepared for questions that dive into cell and molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical trials, manufacturing regulations, and even data analysis. Beyond scientific expertise, recruiters are keen to see how you handle project planning, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration—especially if the position involves leadership or project management elements. Whether you’re seeking a lab-based R&D role, a regulatory affairs position, or a biotech project management opportunity, thorough preparation is essential. In this article, we’ll explore 30 real interview questions commonly asked in the biotech sector. By reviewing these questions and thinking through your responses, you’ll develop the confidence and clarity you need to showcase your talents effectively. For those looking for the latest biotech opportunities, head to www.biotechnologyjobs.co.uk. It’s a centralised place to discover exciting roles within the UK biotech landscape—covering everything from start-ups to large pharmaceutical companies. Let’s dive in and get you interview-ready.

Negotiating Your Biotech Job Offer: Equity, Bonuses & Perks Explained

How to Secure a Compensation Package That Reflects Your True Value in the UK’s Thriving Life Sciences Sector Introduction Biotechnology is one of the most dynamic and impactful sectors in today’s global economy—particularly in the UK, which boasts a thriving research ecosystem and a burgeoning community of innovative start-ups. From cutting-edge work on gene editing and CAR-T therapy to breakthroughs in diagnostics and personalised medicine, the biotech field promises vast opportunities for mid‑senior professionals to make a meaningful difference. However, with these opportunities comes the need for careful negotiation when evaluating a new role. Biotech companies—whether they’re large pharmaceutical giants or lean start-ups—often structure compensation packages that go far beyond simple salaries. These may include equity grants, performance-based bonuses, and a range of perks designed to attract top talent in a competitive market. Focusing solely on your base salary could mean missing out on substantial long-term rewards or lifestyle benefits. In biotech, your contributions might directly influence life-changing products, high-stakes clinical trials, or novel therapeutic approaches. Hence, your compensation should reflect both the immediate and future value you bring. This article aims to be your comprehensive guide to negotiating a biotech job offer in the UK. We’ll delve into why negotiation goes beyond salary, how equity functions in the biotech context, and how performance bonuses and other perks can amplify the overall value of your compensation. Geared for mid‑senior professionals, this guide offers actionable insights to help you secure a holistic compensation package that aligns with your expertise, future goals, and the impact you will have on advancing life sciences.