Head of Research And Development
Head of Research And Development

Head of Research And Development

Portsmouth Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead R&D for renal disease, from target identification to clinical studies.
  • Company: Join an innovative early-stage biotech focused on transforming kidney health.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of nephrology while building a high-performance team in a growing company.
  • Qualifications: PhD in relevant science with extensive nephrology drug discovery experience required.
  • Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers eager to make a real impact in biotech.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Job Role

Head of R&D will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the scientific strategy for renal disease at an early-stage biotech. The successful candidate will lead efforts from target identification through to preclinical development and into first-in-human clinical studies. This role requires deep expertise in nephrology, with a strong grounding in biologics or novel therapeutic modalities. The position will involve building and mentoring a team, establishing strategic academic and commercial collaborations, and playing a hands-on role in guiding the company’s first molecule towards the clinic.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific and Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute the nephrology research strategy, with a focus on identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets.
  • Oversee all aspects of drug discovery and translational research from concept through to IND/CTA submission.
  • Apply scientific and strategic insight to shape a focused portfolio in renal indications.

Team Leadership and Development

  • Recruit, mentor and manage a team of discovery scientists, fostering a high-performance culture within a lean biotech environment.
  • Provide scientific direction across in vitro and in vivo models, omics-driven target ID, and biomarker discovery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with internal stakeholders in clinical development, translational medicine, and programme management to ensure seamless progression from discovery to early clinical development.
  • Support alliance management with CROs and external collaborators to access essential expertise, platforms, and preclinical models.

External Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with key academic and clinical opinion leaders in nephrology to support scientific direction and build company visibility.
  • Represent the company at scientific and investor meetings, presenting programme progress and strategic vision.

Business Development and Strategy

  • Contribute scientific leadership to diligence efforts on external opportunities that complement the internal pipeline.
  • Support investor interactions and grant applications by articulating the scientific rationale and translational potential of programmes.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell/Molecular Biology, Renal Physiology, Pharmacology) with significant experience in nephrology drug discovery and translational science.
  • Extensive experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, ideally with exposure to biologics or modality-agnostic discovery strategies.
  • Proven track record of leading drug discovery programmes from target validation through to IND/CTA-enabling studies.
  • Strong understanding of kidney disease biology, particularly mechanisms underlying proteinuria, fibrosis, and/or tubular dysfunction.
  • Demonstrated success in building and leading research teams, particularly within high-growth or early-stage environments.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex biological data and make informed, data-driven decisions in an entrepreneurial setting.
  • Experience working with preclinical development, translational biomarker strategy, and early clinical input.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills; able to represent the company to investors, partners, and the scientific community.
  • Familiarity with regulatory standards and translational requirements for progression of biologics or other novel therapies into the clinic.

Head of Research And Development employer: Nexia

As an early-stage biotech focused on renal disease, we offer a dynamic and innovative work environment where your expertise in nephrology can directly impact patient outcomes. Our culture fosters collaboration and mentorship, providing ample opportunities for professional growth while working alongside leading scientists and industry experts. Located in a vibrant area, we not only prioritise scientific excellence but also support a healthy work-life balance, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful contributions in the field of biotechnology.
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Contact Detail:

Nexia Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Research And Development

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the nephrology field. Attend relevant conferences and seminars to meet key opinion leaders and potential collaborators. Building these relationships can provide insights into the latest research trends and may lead to opportunities within our company.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on the latest advancements in renal disease therapies and biologics. Subscribe to scientific journals and follow industry news to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions, showcasing your passion for the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully built and mentored teams in a biotech environment, as this will be crucial for the Head of R&D role at StudySmarter.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with our company's current projects and pipeline. Understanding our strategic direction will allow you to align your vision with ours, making you a more compelling candidate when you apply through our website.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research And Development

Nephrology Expertise
Biologics Knowledge
Drug Discovery Experience
Translational Research Skills
Team Leadership and Mentoring
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Scientific Strategy Development
Target Identification and Validation
Clinical Development Understanding
Stakeholder Engagement
Data Interpretation and Analysis
Regulatory Knowledge
Communication Skills
Business Development Acumen
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in nephrology and drug discovery. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held, particularly in biotech or pharmaceutical settings, and detail your contributions to successful projects.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your vision for the role and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead research teams and develop innovative therapeutic strategies.

Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements in drug discovery and team leadership. Use metrics to showcase your impact, such as successful IND submissions or advancements in research programmes.

Showcase Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves cross-functional collaboration, provide examples of how you've successfully partnered with other departments or external stakeholders. Highlight any experience you have in building relationships with academic and clinical leaders.

How to prepare for a job interview at Nexia

✨Showcase Your Expertise

Make sure to highlight your deep knowledge in nephrology and drug discovery during the interview. Prepare specific examples of your past work, especially any successful projects that involved target identification or preclinical development.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As this role involves building and mentoring a team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share how you've successfully managed teams in high-growth environments and fostered a high-performance culture.

✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions

Expect questions about your experience working with various stakeholders, such as clinical development and programme management teams. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure seamless collaboration and progression from discovery to early clinical development.

✨Engage with External Engagement Strategies

Since building relationships with academic and clinical opinion leaders is crucial, think about how you would approach this. Prepare to discuss your strategies for representing the company at scientific meetings and how you would articulate the company's vision to investors.

Head of Research And Development
Nexia
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  • Head of Research And Development

    Portsmouth
    Full-Time
    72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-27

  • N

    Nexia

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