Innovate UK is seeking individuals with applied and professional expertise in cancer diagnostic technologies and devices to become Assessors for the ‘Advancing innovation in accelerated cancer diagnosis’ competition as part of the Office for Life Sciences’ Cancer Healthcare Goals Programme.

The Cancer Healthcare Goals Programme, delivered as part of the wider Office for Life Sciences Healthcare Goals initiative, aims to maximise and direct global industrial investment for the development and acceleration of new cancer diagnostic and therapeutic technologies and devices in the UK.

Who we are looking for

We welcome assessors with experience relating to early cancer diagnosis and detection across the following areas:

• clinical validation
• evaluation studies, particularly health economic studies
• early phase clinical trials
• safety and efficacy testing
• technology demonstration in relevant and operational environments
• regulatory planning and product development activities

We value diverse perspectives and particularly encourage applications from those who are from academia, or clinical practitioners who are active in this field. We also welcome applications from those who have strong commercial expertise in this area.

The three thematic areas of this competition are:

• next-generation diagnostic technologies and devices
• novel technologies and devices which can improve patient access to diagnostic surgery
• harnessing multi-modal approaches to determine risk

Who can apply

Applications are welcome from applied and professional experts, including those working in cancer research and innovation. No previous assessor experience is required. Full onboarding and guidance will be provided.

What the role involves

Assessors help evaluate funding applications by:

• reviewing written submissions
• providing constructive comments and scores against clear criteria
• potentially participating in interview panels (where relevant)

Your contribution supports fair, transparent decision-making and helps identify projects with the greatest potential to reduce harm, improve health outcomes and deliver the greatest societal and economic impact.

Full training and accessible guidance will be provided to ensure assessors feel confident and supported throughout the process.

Should you be successful in joining the Innovate UK assessor pool you may not be assigned applications for the ‘Advancing innovation in accelerated cancer diagnosis’ competition. This will be dependent on the number of applications received to the competition and the skills required. If you are assigned applications, you will be renumerated. Further details on requirements and dates when you will be needed can be found here.

You will not be able to assess on the ‘Advancing innovation in accelerated cancer diagnosis’ competition if you have a conflict of interest with applications.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the online application form, prior to midday on 9 September 2026. When you get to the ‘how did you find out about the recruitment campaign’ question please select ‘referral’ from the drop-down menu and and then quote the reference ECDRF in the free text box so we can align your application to the right competition.

Find out more

Further information about the assessor role and the application process is available in the FAQ guide and in the introductory video.