Deputy Director of Research & Innovation (x2 Posts)

We have an exciting opportunity available and are welcoming applications from both medical and non-medical candidates for the position of Deputy Director within the Research, Innovation & Academic Partnership Service. This is a leadership role that presents a unique, exciting opportunity to shape the future of healthcare research and innovation (R&I) in NHS Lanarkshire.

The post is a part-time role (envisaged as 3 PAs/12 hours per week) with flexibility to work these sessions across the working week. The remainder of the role will be dependent on the candidate’s own background and commitments, but may include clinical duties, research or other academic work. With that in mind, the Board will be keen to discuss with candidates, options that they may wish to explore on an individual basis.

NHS Lanarkshire is the third largest health board in Scotland. It serves a population of 655,000 across rural and urban communities in Lanarkshire and employs around 12,000 staff working in communities, health centres, clinics and offices, and at its three University Hospitals – University Hospital Hairmyres, University Hospital Monklands and University Hospital Wishaw.

NHS Lanarkshire has progressed over recent years to be one of Scotland’s most research-active boards, with around 200 high-quality research studies taking place in any given year; this includes externally funded academic research, commercial clinical trials of investigational medicines and medical device trials. The Board’s involvement in local, regional and national innovation activities is evolving, and growth in this area a key focus.

The Deputy Director of Research & Innovation will be an accomplished researcher with a proven ability to lead the implementation of Lanarkshire’s research strategy. The appointee will work within both academic and clinical environments to enhance and further the opportunities for innovative research to improve the quality of care and outcomes for NHS Lanarkshire patients in line with the Board’s Healthcare strategy, ‘Our Health Together – Living Our Best Lives in Lanarkshire’.

The Deputy Director of Research & Innovation will report directly to the Director or Research, Innovation & Academic Partnerships. They will foster relationships through engagement with key internal and external stakeholders, to build and engage multidisciplinary research programs of scale and focus that are both excellent and impactful for our Lanarkshire population.

We recognise that this post may be of interest to appropriately skilled and experienced individuals from a medical and non-medical background. We would not wish to preclude suitable applicants and would welcome further discussion with NHS Lanarkshire’s Director or Research, Innovation & Academic Partnerships.

If you wish an informal discussion about the role, this can be arranged via Kirsten Lammie, Exec PA by email kirsten.lammie@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

Please follow the link below should you wish any further information on NHS Lanarkshire Recruitment | NHS Lanarkshire (scot.nhs.uk)

Click here to view: NHS Lanarkshire Recruitment Pack - Deputy Director of Research/Innovation

Closing date: 25 September 2026.

Interview Date: 6 - 8 October 2026.

Non-medical applicants: When completing the Professional Body section of the application form, please select an option from the drop-down list. Further on in the application form, enter a 7-digit number in the GMC field. This will enable you to proceed with and submit your application.