The Strategic Role of a Deputy Director of Research in the NHS
In today’s healthcare landscape, the Deputy Director of Research plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of clinical innovation and evidence-based practice. Positioned typically at Band 8c within the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, this senior leadership role commands a salary between £70,417 and £81,138 (subject to annual revisions), reflecting the strategic importance and responsibility it carries.
The Deputy Director of Research supports the Director of Research in developing, leading, and implementing research strategies aligned with NHS priorities. This includes managing complex research portfolios, fostering a culture of research excellence, securing external funding, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building partnerships with academic institutions and clinical teams. It’s a role that blends operational leadership with scientific insight, demanding not just administrative prowess but also vision, integrity, and the ability to influence across professional boundaries.
Whether you’re transitioning from a Band 8b role or stepping into executive research leadership for the first time, preparing for the interview is critical. Below are 20 high-impact questions and suggested responses to help you demonstrate both your technical expertise and your strategic mindset.
Top 20 NHS Band 8c Deputy Director of Research Interview Questions and Answers
Tell us about your experience managing large-scale research programmes in a healthcare setting.
Answer: “In my previous role, I led a £2.5M multi-centre clinical research programme focused on long-term management of chronic conditions. I was responsible for overseeing project timelines, budget compliance, research governance, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, which led to three peer-reviewed publications and improved patient outcomes in pilot sites.”
How do you align a research strategy with NHS Trust objectives?
Answer: “I begin by understanding the Trust’s strategic plan and clinical priorities, then identify where research can drive improvement. For example, aligning studies with QIPP initiatives or service transformation plans ensures clinical engagement and tangible value.”
Describe your experience securing external funding.
Answer: “I have successfully led bids to NIHR and the Wellcome Trust, securing over £4 million across five years. This involved identifying funding calls, coordinating cross-disciplinary teams, and ensuring all proposals met stringent evaluation criteria.”
How do you ensure compliance with research governance and regulatory frameworks?
Answer: “I embed GCP and HRA compliance into all projects by providing mandatory training, setting up audit mechanisms, and regularly reviewing SOPs in collaboration with legal and clinical governance teams.”
What is your approach to building academic partnerships?
Answer: “I take a strategic and relational approach—engaging early with universities, co-developing joint appointments, and securing MOUs to support sustainable collaboration in key research areas.”
How do you support capacity-building for research-active clinicians?
Answer: “I’ve developed mentorship schemes, created protected research time pathways, and led clinical academic development programmes that increased research participation by 30% over two years.”
Can you provide an example of how you translated research findings into practice?
Answer: “Following a study on antimicrobial stewardship, I worked with pharmacy and infection control teams to revise prescribing guidelines, resulting in a 15% reduction in inappropriate antibiotic use within a year.”
How do you manage competing priorities within a research portfolio?
Answer: “I use a risk-based prioritisation matrix and regularly review projects through governance boards to ensure alignment with Trust objectives and resource constraints.”
Describe a time when you had to influence senior stakeholders.
Answer: “I successfully lobbied the Executive Team to invest in a Research Informatics Officer post by presenting data on potential ROI and missed grant opportunities due to lack of digital integration.”
What experience do you have managing research budgets?
Answer: “I managed a £1.8M annual research budget, implemented quarterly forecasting, and improved cost recovery by introducing transparent activity-based costing models.”
How do you ensure diversity and inclusion in research?
Answer: “I led an initiative to improve minority recruitment in trials by co-designing outreach strategies with community leaders and translating study materials—diversity in participants rose by 40%.”
What metrics do you use to measure research impact?
Answer: “Beyond publications, I track knowledge mobilisation, policy influence, changes in clinical practice, and patient outcomes. I report these via Research Impact Dashboards to the Board.”
How do you foster innovation in research?
Answer: “By supporting early-stage investigator grants, encouraging collaboration with digital health startups, and hosting bi-annual research innovation challenges, I create an ecosystem of experimentation.”
How do you handle underperforming research teams or projects?
Answer: “I initiate supportive performance reviews, assess barriers, and co-create recovery plans. Where necessary, I reallocate resources or sunset projects not aligned with current strategy.”
Describe a situation where ethical considerations impacted a research decision.
Answer: “We paused a paediatric study after a data-sharing concern from parents. I led a transparent engagement process, consulted the ethics board, and revised consent protocols before re-commencing.”
What’s your leadership style?
Answer: “I practice transformational leadership—empowering staff, promoting shared vision, and encouraging innovation. I’m also not afraid to make tough decisions when needed.”
How do you keep up with emerging research trends?
Answer: “I attend national forums, subscribe to sector journals, and maintain networks with academic partners. I also support horizon scanning initiatives within my team.”
How would you embed a culture of continuous research improvement?
Answer: “By normalising reflection through post-project reviews, integrating research into clinical governance structures, and celebrating achievements across departments.”
What role does patient and public involvement (PPI) play in your work?
Answer: “PPI is embedded from project conception. I co-create research priorities with patient advisory groups and use their insights to improve design and dissemination.”
Why do you want this role?
Answer: “This role aligns perfectly with my vision of research as a driver for equitable, evidence-based care. I’m excited to bring my strategic leadership and clinical insights to an organisation committed to innovation and excellence.”
Interview Preparation Tips for NHS Leadership Roles
Securing a Band 8c role requires more than just experience—it demands confidence, clarity, and the ability to translate your achievements into strategic impact. Here are a few final tips:
Study the Trust’s Research & Development Strategy and Annual Report.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structuring answers.
Prepare a 5-minute opening statement highlighting your value proposition.
Anticipate follow-ups. Senior panel members will test your depth of understanding.
Don’t just answer questions—connect them back to the Trust’s mission and values.
Practice with a peer or coach familiar with NHS executive-level interviews.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing for a Deputy Director of Research role at NHS Band 8c is a significant milestone that reflects your dedication to advancing healthcare through research. With thorough preparation, clear articulation of your achievements, and a forward-looking mindset, you can confidently demonstrate that you’re ready to lead, innovate, and inspire.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
