Head of Research & Development
Head of Research & Development

Head of Research & Development

Full-Time 90000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead drug discovery initiatives and mentor multidisciplinary teams in a pioneering biotech company.
  • Company: Join a cutting-edge biotech firm dedicated to transforming scientific insights into life-changing therapies.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, pension scheme, and performance bonuses.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of therapeutic innovation in a vibrant scientific community.
  • Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field and 10 years of drug discovery experience required.
  • Other info: This is a permanent, on-site role located in the biotech hub of Cambridgeshire.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.

Location: Cambridgeshire, UK

Salary: £90,000 - £120,000 plus multiple benefits

Contract Type: Permanent, On-site.

About the Company

Executive Recruitment are proud to be partnered with a pioneering biotech company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. Situated in the vibrant biotech hub of Cambridgeshire, the company is dedicated to accelerating drug discovery through cutting-edge research and collaborative efforts. We are committed to helping them attract the brightest minds who will transform scientific insights into life-changing treatments.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Research & Development to lead the drug discovery initiatives. This strategic role involves steering R&D programs from early discovery through to preclinical development, fostering innovation, and ensuring alignment with the mission to deliver impactful therapies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute the R&D strategy in alignment with company objectives.
  • Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams across biology, chemistry, and pharmacology.
  • Oversee the design and implementation of drug discovery programs.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate R&D efforts with clinical and commercial strategies.
  • Stay abreast of scientific advancements to inform research directions.
  • Manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for R&D projects.

Qualifications and Experience

  • PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry).
  • Minimum of 10 years experience in drug discovery, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven track record of advancing compounds from discovery to preclinical stages.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £90,000 - £120,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including pension scheme, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.

Location: Based in Cambridgeshire, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative scientific community.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and cover letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role.

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Contact Detail:

Executive Recruit Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the biotech industry, especially those who have experience in drug discovery. Attend relevant conferences and seminars in Cambridgeshire to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in R&D.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully led multidisciplinary teams. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you fostered innovation and collaboration in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest advancements in molecular biology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to driving impactful therapies.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for R&D in the context of the company's objectives. Think about how you can align your experience with their mission to accelerate drug discovery and be ready to articulate this during discussions.

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

Strategic Planning
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Drug Discovery Expertise
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Project Management
Budget Management
Scientific Research Acumen
Pharmacology Knowledge
Molecular Biology Understanding
Medicinal Chemistry Proficiency
Communication Skills
Innovation and Creativity
Regulatory Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in drug discovery and leadership roles. Emphasise your PhD and any specific projects that align with the company's focus on therapeutic innovation.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your vision for R&D and how it aligns with the company's mission. Mention specific achievements in your career that demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive drug discovery initiatives.

Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role requires strong leadership skills, provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring and fostering innovation within your teams.

Showcase Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in this role. Include instances where you've collaborated with cross-functional teams or communicated complex scientific concepts to non-scientific stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to integrate R&D efforts with clinical and commercial strategies.

How to prepare for a job interview at Executive Recruit

✨Showcase Your Vision

As a Head of Research & Development, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic vision for R&D. Be prepared to discuss how you would align the R&D strategy with the company's objectives and share examples of past successes in steering drug discovery initiatives.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

With at least 5 years in a leadership role required, make sure to emphasise your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Share specific instances where you mentored team members or successfully managed diverse groups to achieve project goals.

✨Discuss Collaboration Skills

Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to talk about how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Provide examples of how you integrated R&D efforts with clinical and commercial strategies to drive successful outcomes.

✨Stay Current with Scientific Advancements

Demonstrating your knowledge of recent scientific advancements can set you apart. Prepare to discuss how you stay informed about the latest research trends and how this knowledge has influenced your previous work in drug discovery.

Head of Research & Development
Executive Recruit
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  • Head of Research & Development

    Full-Time
    90000 - 120000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-12

  • E

    Executive Recruit

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