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- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team in producing top-quality biological products.
- Company: Dynamic biotechnology facility focused on life sciences innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of virology and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific field and proven leadership experience in life sciences.
- Other info: Join a culture of continuous improvement and be part of transformative initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced leader ready to take the helm of a high-impact life sciences manufacturing site? We’re looking for a strategic and hands-on Chief Scientist to lead operations at a specialist biotechnology facility. In this key leadership role, you’ll oversee production, drive performance, and champion continuous improvement, ensuring products are delivered on time and to the highest standards of quality. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for developing teams and operational excellence, this could be your next move.
About the Role
As Chief Scientist, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership across the site, ensuring compliance, safety, and efficiency in all areas. You’ll work closely with manufacturing, R&D, and senior stakeholders to deliver high-quality biological products, meet KPIs, and foster a positive, high-performing team culture. This is a role for someone who’s comfortable balancing big-picture planning with day-to-day execution.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading, developing and motivating a high-performing manufacturing team
- Ensuring timely, high-quality production and delivery of biological products
- Driving site performance in line with budget and operational targets
- Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Managing site health and safety and regulatory compliance (e.g. COSHH, SAPO)
- Reporting on KPIs and performance metrics
- Maintaining and enhancing site facilities and infrastructure
- Supporting change management and business transformation initiatives
What We’re Looking For
- A degree or postgraduate qualification in a scientific discipline
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role in a life sciences or biotechnology environment
- Strong Virology background and understanding
- Strong understanding of antigen production, downstream processing, and troubleshooting
- Demonstrated experience managing operational functions and cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with site health and safety standards (IOSH or similar desirable)
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
- Proven leadership in delivering results through people, process, and performance improvement
Salary: £70,000 – £85,000 (depending on experience)
Location: On-site, Huntingdon
Regrettably, this company is unable to offer (or extend) sponsorship and only those with existing Right to Work in the UK will be considered.
Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability recruitment is operating as sole recruitment partner.
Chief Scientist - Virology employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh Scientific Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Scientist - Virology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and recent developments in virology and antigen production. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in leading their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed teams and driven performance improvements in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in fostering a high-performing culture will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that Chief Scientist role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Scientist - Virology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief Scientist role. Highlight your leadership experience in life sciences and any relevant achievements in virology or antigen production.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your approach to fostering a high-performing team culture.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Whether it's improving production efficiency or leading successful projects, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your virology and antigen production knowledge. Be ready to discuss recent advancements in the field and how they relate to the company's operations. This shows you’re not just a leader, but also a passionate scientist.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your approach to motivating staff and driving performance, as this role is all about fostering a high-performing culture.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety
Familiarise yourself with health and safety standards relevant to the role, such as COSHH and SAPO. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles, as this is crucial for maintaining operational excellence.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Think about how you would balance big-picture planning with day-to-day execution. Prepare to discuss your experience with change management and business transformation initiatives, as these will be key to driving site performance.
