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- Tasks: Lead innovation in life sciences by developing and launching new assays and services.
- Company: Axis Bioservices, a dynamic CRO based in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission on revenue, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of scientific services while making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in life sciences with experience in assay development and business development.
- Other info: Join a progressive company with a focus on staff wellbeing and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Axis Bioservices is a Northern Ireland-based contract research organisation (CRO) delivering high-quality life sciences research and development services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies worldwide. We specialise in assay development, preclinical testing, and advanced scientific support – helping clients bring innovative products to market.
We are seeking a dynamic Head of Innovation to drive Axis Bioservices’ growth through the creation, validation, and launch of new assays and services. This senior-level role blends hands-on scientific expertise with commercial acumen and strategic vision.
You will develop commercially viable scientific offerings, manage select client projects, and actively build new business through client outreach, networking, and representation at conferences. This is a rare opportunity for a scientist with a passion for innovation to take a central role in shaping the company’s future capabilities and services.
Key Responsibilities- Identify market gaps and client needs, developing novel assays and services for commercial launch.
- Lead internal R&D projects from concept to validated service.
- Oversee select client projects, ensuring scientific delivery to agreed timelines and quality standards.
- Build new customer relationships and deliver technical sales presentations.
- Represent Axis Bioservices at conferences, industry events, and client meetings.
- Achieve agreed revenue targets, with commission incentives for successful project acquisition.
- Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic innovation priorities.
- PhD or MSc in a life science discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology).
- Demonstrated experience in assay/method development within a CRO, biotech, or pharma context.
- Strong understanding of commercialisation of scientific services.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and networking skills.
- Proven ability to identify and act on new market opportunities.
- Experience presenting at national/international scientific conferences.
- Existing network of industry contacts.
- Business development experience in a scientific organisation.
- Track record of launching a scientific service or product to market.
Full time, Permanent
Location and TravelOnsite (Limavady) with travel up to 20% (including, but not limited to, conferences, client visits and industry events)
Salary & Benefits- Commission: Percentage of new revenue generated via client acquisition.
- Professional development and conference attendance support.
- Travel expenses for client visits and events.
- Flexible working options where possible.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant scientific and commercial experience, and how you have contributed to service or product innovation in your career.
What we offerWe will help you build a career with a progressive and dynamically growing Company by providing full on-site training, 8% combined pension contribution scheme, flexible working hours, a healthcare package and service driven staff benefits including private medical cover. We support staff wellbeing and have initiatives to support your physical and mental health.
Head of Innovation in Limavady employer: HIRANI
Contact Detail:
HIRANI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovation in Limavady
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events. The more you mingle, the better your chances of landing that Head of Innovation role at Axis Bioservices.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to present, make it count! Use your scientific knowledge to impress potential employers. Tailor your presentations to highlight how your skills can drive innovation and growth for their company.
✨Follow Up After Meetings
Don’t let those valuable connections slip away! After meeting someone at an event, drop them a quick email to say thanks and keep the conversation going. This shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We want to see your application! Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. Highlight your experience in assay development and business development to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Innovation in Limavady
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant scientific and commercial experience. We want to see how your background aligns with the Head of Innovation role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in assay development and market launch.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you've contributed to service or product innovation in your career. We love seeing passion for innovation, so let that enthusiasm come through in your writing.
Showcase Your Networking Skills: Since building new customer relationships is key, mention any relevant networking experiences. If you’ve represented your previous company at conferences or industry events, share those stories with us to demonstrate your ability to connect with clients.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Axis Bioservices!
How to prepare for a job interview at HIRANI
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
As a candidate for the Head of Innovation, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of life sciences, particularly in assay development. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, showcasing your hands-on expertise.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
This role requires a blend of scientific knowledge and business savvy. Prepare examples of how you've identified market gaps or client needs in the past, and be ready to discuss how you turned those insights into successful services or products.
✨Prepare for Networking Questions
Since building new customer relationships is key, think about your existing network in the industry. Be prepared to talk about how you've leveraged these connections in previous roles and how you plan to expand your network at Axis Bioservices.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You'll likely need to deliver technical sales presentations and represent the company at conferences. Rehearse your presentation skills and prepare a short pitch about a scientific service or product you've launched, focusing on its impact and success.
