His research interests include the development of microneedle-based approaches for the delivery of contraceptives, therapeutics, immunotherapeutics and vaccines into the skin and pulmonary drug delivery. He was a co-founder and Chair of the International Conference on Microneedles series and previously published with, and contributed to, global policy making organisations including the CDC and WHO (acting as a Temporary Advisor). He acts as an Advisory Board member for companies developing microneedle and other minimally-invasive drug and vaccine products and pharmaceutical capsules and sits on an Expert Advisory Group for the British Pharmacopeia.

James is Principal Investigator of two current Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded projects developing microneedle products to improve patient outcomes in low resource countries.