Academic Lead and Strategic Champion for the HDR UK Black Internship Programme

Please note, this role is a secondment opportunity only.

Purpose of the Post

Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is seeking an influential and values-driven academic to serve as the Academic Lead for its Black Internship Programme (BIP), a national initiative focused on widening participation and creating career pathways for Black talent in health data research.

Working with HDR UK’s Talent and Training team, interns, alumni, host organisations and partners, you will provide strategic leadership, external advocacy and sector influence. You will help strengthen partnerships, secure funding and promote progression opportunities that support the programme’s growth, sustainability and long-term impact.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Advocacy

• Act as the senior academic champion for the Black Internship Programme, raising its profile and influence across the health data research sector.
• Promote the importance of diversity, inclusion and representation in research and workforce development.
• Provide thought leadership on barriers to entry and progression for Black talent.
• Represent HDR UK and the programme at conferences, stakeholder meetings and sector events.
• Build relationships with academic leaders, funders, policymakers and industry partners to drive positive change.

Growth, Funding and Sustainability

• Support the development and delivery of the programme’s growth and sustainability strategy.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorship and strategic partnerships.
• Develop compelling cases for investment and demonstrate programme impact to funders.
• Build long-term partnerships with universities, research institutes, NHS organisations and employers.
• Explore opportunities to expand the programme through mentoring, alumni initiatives and progression pathways.

Strategic Partnerships and Sector Engagement

• Develop and maintain high-value partnerships that support programme growth and impact.
• Engage senior leaders across academia, industry, healthcare and government to secure support for internships, mentoring and career development opportunities.
• Expand the programme’s host network and increase opportunities across the health data research ecosystem.
• Encourage organisations to embed inclusive talent development within their workforce strategies.
• Promote collaboration and sharing of good practice across partner organisations.

Inclusive Research Careers and Systemic Change

• Champion initiatives that address barriers to research careers for Black students and graduates.
• Advocate for accessible and sustainable career pathways across academia, healthcare and industry.
• Use evidence, evaluation and participant experiences to inform recommendations and improve practice.
• Support the development of a strong community of interns, alumni, mentors and employers.
• Promote a more representative health data research workforce and inclusive research culture.

Programme Development and Impact

• Provide strategic advice on programme priorities, development and future opportunities.
• Work with the delivery team to translate strategic ambitions into measurable outcomes.
• Support impact reporting, publications, case studies and communications that demonstrate programme value.
• Champion intern and alumni achievements and ensure participant voices shape programme development.
• Contribute to governance, partnership development and the identification of new initiatives that strengthen the programme’s long-term impact and sustainability.

For the full job description, please click this link.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.

Closing date: 20 November 2026– 5:00PM

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