Invention Innovation; i4i Programme Director

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. To view our current funded projects, please visit the NIHR funding and awards website.

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).

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…