Research Director

Research Director

Oxford, UK | Biotechnology | RNA Technologies | Scientific Leadership

Salary: £120,000 - £150,000 + Bonus + Equity

Are you an experienced research leader looking to drive scientific innovation and build high-performing teams within a fast-growing biotechnology company?

Proclinical is partnering with an exciting and well-funded biotechnology organisation developing next-generation RNA-based technologies. As part of its continued growth, the company is seeking a Research Director to lead laboratory research operations, develop scientific talent, and deliver ambitious research programmes at the forefront of biotechnology innovation.

This is a rare opportunity to play a central leadership role within a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where scientific excellence, operational rigour and team development are equally valued.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CSO, the Research Director will oversee a multidisciplinary group of scientists and laboratory professionals, ensuring that research objectives are delivered effectively, efficiently and to the highest scientific standards.

The successful candidate will combine strong scientific expertise with exceptional leadership skills, bringing experience of managing research teams, building laboratory capabilities and driving programme delivery within industry.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary research team

Oversee day-to-day laboratory research activities and operational planning

Drive delivery of scientific programmes against defined objectives and milestones

Create a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability and innovation

Manage research resources, budgets, equipment and external partnerships

Build and optimise laboratory processes, workflows and operating procedures

Support recruitment, onboarding and development of scientific talent

Ensure compliance with laboratory quality, safety and documentation standards

Collaborate with senior leadership to translate strategic priorities into executable research plans

Identify risks, remove barriers and enable efficient programme executionAbout You:

Significant experience leading scientific or research teams within biotechnology, life sciences or related sectors

A strong track record of people leadership, coaching and team development

Experience delivering complex research programmes within commercially focused organisations

Scientific expertise in areas such as molecular biology, RNA biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, microbiology or related disciplines

Experience managing laboratory operations, resource allocation and project prioritisation

A passion for building high-performing teams and research organisations

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment

Desirable Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

mRNA therapeutics

RNA technologies

Cell and gene therapy

Synthetic biology

Bioprocess development

High-throughput biology platforms

Laboratory automation

GxP environments and quality systems

Venture-backed biotechnology companies

Research scale-up environments

What's on Offer?

Opportunity to lead a growing research function within an innovative biotechnology company

Direct influence on scientific strategy, research delivery and team growth

Highly visible leadership role with significant organisational impact

Exposure to cutting-edge RNA and biotechnology innovation

Excellent career development opportunities

Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to shape the future direction of a rapidly growing biotechnology organisation while leading talented scientists working on technologies with the potential to transform the future of medicine.

If you are having difficulty in applying or if you have any questions, please contact Neil Walton at (url removed).

If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, then please click 'Apply' or to speak to one of our specialists please request a call back at the top of this page.

Proclinical is a leading life sciences recruiter focused on finding exceptional people and matching them with the finest positions across the globe. Proclinical is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

By submitting this application, you confirm that you've read and understood our privacy policy, which informs you how we process and safeguard your data