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We anticipate a further NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) competition in 2027. In preparation, we are inviting expressions of interest for an EDI lead who will develop and implement a cohesive EDI strategy across the bid, working closely with Prof Philip Newsome, who will lead the bid. We expect to appoint a single EDI lead to oversee this work during bid preparation and, subject to success, to support the delivery of the EDI strategy in the future BRC. This BRC bid will run alongside the BRC hosted by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
About NIHR BRCs
NIHR BRCs are substantial, competitive, infrastructure awards to leading NHS Trust and University Partnerships in England to accelerate the translation of innovative scientific discoveries into patient benefit through experimental medicine research and early phase clinical trials. BRC awards are typically awarded based on research themes which typically span a range of disorders and therapeutic areas and used to fund interdisciplinary teams of clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals and professional services staff to leverage external funding and collaborations to facilitate the delivery of the BRC scientific strategy. We are currently expecting the process for next round of funding for BRCs to be announced towards the end of 2026.
The USP for this BRC bid will be Personalised Health and Care with and for communities. The BRC will be challenge-based with an overt focus on the key healthcare problems facing us locally and nationally. Themes will be framed against longer-term targets whilst also containing conventional BRC stage targets and outputs
Role scope
1. Governance and influence
Sit as a core member of the BRC bid steering group and, subject to success, the BRC executive, ensuring EDI perspectives are represented in all key governance and decision making forums, including theme boards and selection panels.
2. Overall EDI strategy for the bid
Lead the development and delivery of the EDI strategy for the anticipated BRC bid, working with the Director, Deputy Directors and Theme Leads to embed EDI throughout the bid and ensure alignment with other KHP infrastructures partner institutions and NIHR research inclusion strategies.
3. Alignment with KHP wide principles and NIHR requirements
Work with the deputy directors and relevant KHP groups to ensure the BRC EDI approach is in line with KHP wide EDI principles and NIHR expectations for inclusive research and host based EDI strategies in infrastructure calls.
4. Evidence of inclusive involvement in bid development
Work with the Deputy Directors, PPIE Lead and theme teams to ensure robust tracking and evidence of involvement of patients, the public and local communities in the development of the BRC bid, with a specific focus on inclusion of under-represented groups.
5. Workforce diversity and inclusive practices
Monitor workforce diversity and inclusivity across the BRC bid team and, subject to success, the BRC, and lead implementation of initiatives that support recruitment, retention and progression of a diverse and inclusive workforce.
6. Resourcing and support for EDI
Lead planning for appropriate resourcing of EDI within the bid, including budgeting for EDI activity and ensuring alignment with organisational HR and talent strategies so that EDI work is sustainable rather than ad hoc.
7. Race equality and EDI frameworks
Work with the PPIE lead on the NIHR Race Equality Framework assessment and oversee the development and initiation of work arising from the resulting action plan, ensuring that actions are embedded into both bid development and the future BRC.
8. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
Develop and oversee a framework for monitoring, evaluating and reporting EDI activity and impact across the bid and, if successful, the BRC, including agreed metrics and qualitative feedback from staff and participants.
9. Inclusive culture and engagement
Promote a culture of inclusion across BRC bid development and, subject to success, the BRC programme of work to ensure access to research is inclusive for both researchers and participants, and identify, promote and where appropriate lead the organisation of diversity and inclusion events and initiatives.
Application process
Applications are invited from senior staff employed by a King’s Health Partner organisation typically at the level of Reader or Professor (substantive, honorary or adjunct), working in translational medicine across health disciplines.
The candidate would need to be/have:
- Substantively employed by one of Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust or King’s College London;
- A sustained record of excellence in research activities as indicated through original research articles with evidence of the impact of their research for patient benefit;
- An ability to think strategically and champion innovative approaches to building partnerships, driving impact, and accelerating research translation into clinical practice;
- Experience of, and commitment to, diversity and inclusion and to patient and public involvement and engagement in translational medicine;
- Evidence of being a team player and an ability to work with a range of stakeholders across KHP.
These are fixed-term roles starting in late 2025 and running for the first two years of a successful BRC (around end March 2030). The posts may be extended by mutual agreement for the remainder of the BRC award. For the period of the successful BRC award the post will be allocated a 0.2 nominated FTE
We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and diversity and inclusion in accordance with KHP strategic principles. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from groups underrepresented in senior research posts.
Please submit your completed application comprised:
- A cv, which is a maximum of three pages long including one page for publications;
- A cover letter stating your interest in the role, your vision to embed EDI throughout the BRC bid and the value you would bring to the role.
Please email your application to translationalmedicine
For an informal chat about the role, please arrange an appointment to speak with Prof Phil Newsome, translationalmedicine
Deadline:
6 January 2026, 5:00pm
