Senior Research Director

Senior Research Director

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Albion Rye Associates

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead healthcare market research projects and drive business growth with global pharma clients.
  • Company: Specialist healthcare research consultancy known for strategic insights and commercial strategy.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid or remote work options, and clear progression into executive leadership.
  • Other info: Enjoy autonomy in a dynamic environment with opportunities for mentorship and team leadership.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by shaping high-value research programmes.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in healthcare market research and strong business development skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are supporting a leading healthcare insights and research consultancy operating at the intersection of pharma strategy, market access, and evidence generation. They are seeking a Senior Research Director to join their UK team in a senior “seller/doer” capacity. This is a high-impact role for an experienced research leader who enjoys both winning business and delivering complex, high-value healthcare insight work.

The Role

  • As Senior Research Director, you will take ownership of both commercial growth and project delivery, leading strategic engagements across global pharmaceutical and biotech clients.
  • You will be responsible for shaping research approaches, building senior client relationships, and driving revenue through proactive business development, alongside overseeing delivery of high-quality insight programmes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as a senior “seller/doer” across healthcare market research accounts.
  • Lead business development: proposals, pitches, and client acquisition.
  • Build and grow relationships with pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech clients.
  • Oversee end-to-end delivery of complex qualitative and quantitative studies.
  • Provide strategic input into study design and insight frameworks.
  • Lead and mentor senior and junior research teams.
  • Translate research findings into commercially impactful recommendations.
  • Contribute to the growth strategy of the wider insights function.

About You

  • Extensive experience in healthcare market research / pharma insights / life sciences consultancy.
  • Strong track record in both business development and project delivery.
  • Comfortable operating at senior stakeholder level with global pharma clients.
  • Proven ability to win work and grow accounts (“seller/doer” profile).
  • Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking ability.
  • Experience leading complex qualitative and/or quantitative research programmes.
  • Confident communicator with excellent storytelling and presentation skills.

What’s on Offer

  • £95,000 – £125,000 base salary (DOE).
  • Hybrid or fully remote working (UK-based only).
  • Senior leadership role with real influence over growth strategy.
  • Opportunity to shape high-value global healthcare research programmes.
  • Strong autonomy and entrepreneurial environment.
  • Clear progression into executive leadership for the right candidate.

About the Company

This role sits within a specialist healthcare research and consulting organization focused on delivering strategic insight to pharmaceutical and life sciences clients globally. The business is known for combining rigorous market research with commercial strategy consulting, supporting clients across brand, pipeline, and access decisions.

Senior Research Director employer: Albion Rye Associates

Join a leading healthcare insights consultancy that values innovation and strategic thinking, offering a hybrid or fully remote working environment tailored for UK-based professionals. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape high-value global research programmes while enjoying a culture that promotes autonomy and entrepreneurial spirit. This senior leadership role not only allows you to influence the growth strategy but also provides clear pathways to executive leadership for those who excel.

Albion Rye Associates

Contact Details:

Albion Rye Associates Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Research Director

Get Involved in Research Communities

Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!

Show Off Your Research Projects

Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Albion Rye Associates, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.

Utilise Professional Networks

Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.

Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly

Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Albion Rye Associates. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Director

Healthcare Market Research
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Strategic Thinking
Project Delivery

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Albion Rye Associates. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.

Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.

Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Albion Rye Associates. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at Albion Rye Associates

Showcase Your Research Skills

In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Albion Rye Associates. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.

Know Your Publications

If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.

Exhibit Your Team Spirit

In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Albion Rye Associates to drive research projects forward.