At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific strategy and communications in microbiome and probiotic science.
- Company: Globally recognised organisation in the probiotic and functional food sector.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence scientific strategy and build meaningful relationships.
- Other info: Flexibility to travel across the UK, Europe, and internationally.
- Why this job: Shape the scientific reputation of a leading organisation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in scientific affairs, nutrition, or microbiome science; PhD preferred.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: UK
Travel: UK, Europe & International travel required
Function: Scientific Affairs / Nutrition / Healthcare
Are you a senior scientific professional with a passion for microbiome science, probiotics and nutrition? We are looking for an experienced Head of Scientific Affairs to lead scientific strategy, thought leadership and science communications for a well-established international organisation operating at the forefront of probiotic and functional food science. This is a high-profile role for someone who can combine scientific credibility with commercial awareness, translating complex evidence into compelling, accurate and responsible communications for healthcare professionals, academics, policymakers, media, consumers and internal stakeholders.
The Role
- Act as the organisation's senior scientific authority, shaping the UK scientific affairs strategy while working closely with European and global science teams.
- Build and strengthen relationships with key opinion leaders across academia, healthcare, medical associations, research institutions and the food industry.
- Develop and execute the UK scientific affairs strategy in alignment with European and global priorities.
- Lead the scientific content strategy for healthcare professionals and provide expert scientific input into communications, PR and commercial initiatives.
- Identify emerging scientific, regulatory and societal trends across microbiome science, nutrition and gut health.
- Coordinate scientific data collection, research and human studies relating to probiotic strains, products and new functional foods.
- Ensure scientific claims and communications are supported by robust evidence and comply with relevant regulatory requirements.
- Oversee UK and Ireland-based research, ensuring studies are appropriately established and conducted to recognised standards.
- Represent the organisation at national and international conferences and scientific meetings.
- Develop educational and scientific communications for healthcare professionals, scientific audiences and consumers.
- Work collaboratively with Communications, PR, Regulatory and Commercial teams to translate scientific insights into credible stakeholder engagement programmes.
- Provide scientific counsel to senior management on opportunities, risks and reputation-related issues.
- Review and approve scientifically focused materials produced by other departments.
- Manage, motivate and develop members of the scientific affairs team.
- Manage scientific projects and contribute to departmental budget planning and control.
- Work closely with European Science colleagues to ensure consistency of scientific policies, materials and priorities.
- Report on departmental projects and scientific developments to UK and European leadership.
About You
- 5+ years' relevant experience in scientific affairs, nutrition, healthcare, academia, microbiome science or a related discipline.
- A postgraduate scientific qualification; a PhD would be highly desirable.
- Experience developing and delivering scientific or medical affairs strategies.
- Experience organising and/or overseeing human studies and research projects.
- Strong knowledge of food, nutrition and health claim regulations and experience working within a regulated environment.
- Proven ability to critically evaluate scientific studies and translate complex evidence for different audiences.
- Experience communicating with scientific experts, healthcare professionals and the general public.
- Strong team and project management experience, including budget management.
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with senior external stakeholders and key opinion leaders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The confidence and credibility to represent an organisation externally at conferences and scientific forums.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to apply biological and health information within a business environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to scientific accuracy and integrity.
A full UK driving licence would be advantageous, and the role requires the flexibility to travel across the UK, Europe and internationally, including overnight stays.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the scientific reputation of a globally recognised organisation within the probiotic, microbiome and functional food sector. You will have the opportunity to influence scientific strategy at a senior level, build meaningful relationships across the healthcare and academic communities, lead a specialist team and help translate cutting-edge science into responsible, impactful communications.
Head of Scientific Affairs in London employer: Antal International Network
As a leading UK-regulated banking institution, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in regulatory reporting not only enhances our operational efficiency but also empowers our employees to take on meaningful challenges and advance their careers. With competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, we offer an exceptional environment for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the banking sector.
Contact Details:
Antal International Network Recruitment Team
