At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative biological research and mentor multidisciplinary teams to drive impactful scientific outcomes.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge, science-led research organisation tackling global challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for creativity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of scientific research and make a real difference in the world.
- Qualifications: PhD in Biological Sciences and experience leading scientific teams.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Join an innovative, science-led research organisation focused on solving complex global challenges. Provide senior scientific leadership across discovery research, platform development and cross-functional programmes. Play a key role in shaping scientific strategy, capability development and the delivery of high-impact research outcomes.
We are seeking an accomplished scientific leader to provide strategic and technical leadership across a discovery biology function. This role will combine scientific expertise, people leadership and cross-functional collaboration to ensure biological insight is embedded within research strategy, portfolio decisions and programme delivery. Reporting into senior leadership, this position is suited to an experienced scientist who enjoys guiding teams, driving innovation and translating complex science into practical outcomes.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing senior scientific leadership across biological research programmes and discovery platforms
- Shaping and delivering biology strategy aligned to organisational goals and portfolio priorities
- Leading, mentoring and developing scientific teams and acting as a trusted technical expert
- Driving the adoption of new scientific methods, technologies and ways of working
- Supporting the design, execution and interpretation of complex research programmes
- Overseeing scientific quality, data integrity, reproducibility and laboratory best practices
- Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to support programme progression and decision-making
- Contributing to governance forums and strategic discussions relating to research priorities and candidate progression
- Building productive relationships with external collaborators, research partners and service providers
- Supporting scientific communications, technical reports, presentations and strategic materials
- Championing a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements, scientific standards and organisational policies
What experience you will need to apply:
- PhD in Biological Sciences, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related scientific discipline
- Significant experience leading and influencing multidisciplinary scientific teams within a research and development environment
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality scientific programmes, projects or research outputs
- Experience developing scientific capabilities, platforms, processes or operational improvements
- Strong understanding of commercial research and development environments and external collaborations
- Experience mentoring scientists and providing scientific leadership beyond direct line-management responsibilities
- Ability to solve complex scientific challenges and guide teams through ambiguous research questions
- Experience presenting scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desirable experience:
- Experience in agricultural biotechnology, crop protection, plant science, weed science or related fields
- Experience working with contract research organisations, academic institutions or industry partners
- Knowledge of target identification, mode-of-action research, screening technologies or discovery biology platforms
- Familiarity with bioinformatics, data science or computational biology approaches
- Experience supporting intellectual property activities, publications or external scientific communications
- Understanding of how AI-enabled tools can support scientific research and analysis
What you’ll get in return for your experience:
This role offers the opportunity to influence scientific strategy and contribute to the development of innovative research programmes within a collaborative and growing organisation. You will work alongside highly skilled scientific and operational teams in an environment that encourages creativity, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Senior scientific leadership position with significant organisational impact. Opportunity to shape future research direction and capability development. Collaborative, science-driven culture. Professional development and career growth opportunities. Competitive salary and benefits package.
Senior Biology Leader in Oxford employer: Adlib
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact business decisions. With competitive benefits and ample opportunities for professional growth, this role in data management not only allows you to hone your technical skills but also empowers you to lead initiatives that drive meaningful change. Located in a vibrant area, you'll enjoy a supportive environment that fosters creativity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Biology Leader in Oxford
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like Adlib, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like Adlib, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at Adlib.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Biology Leader in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at Adlib.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Senior Biology Leader at Adlib.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at Adlib.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adlib
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at Adlib.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at Adlib are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
