At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships to boost the Life Sciences ecosystem in London.
- Company: Join Camden and Islington Councils in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Life Sciences while making a positive community impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in public-private partnerships and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70422 - 84394 £ per year.
Salary: £70,422–£84,394
Contract type: 2 year fixed term
Hours: 37
Location: Knowledge Quarter, London
Employer: Joint role – Camden Council & Islington Council
Work Style: Hybrid (regular presence in KQ; occasional UK/international travel)
Closing Date: Tuesday 16th June 2026 at 23:55
About the Opportunity
The Knowledge Quarter (King’s Cross & Euston) is one of Europe’s leading Life Sciences and innovation districts, bringing together globally recognised research institutions, industry leaders, investors and a fast‑growing innovation community. As the district enters its next phase, there is a significant opportunity to accelerate its growth to deliver benefits for London’s and the UK’s economy, while creating inclusive outcomes for local communities.
The Role
You will provide strategic leadership for cross‑borough partnerships that support the growth of the Life Sciences ecosystem in meeting its commercial, research and growth potential. Working closely with senior partners across academia, industry and government, you will champion the Knowledge Quarter internationally and help shape its long‑term vision. Your work will also create inclusive economic outcomes for residents Camden and Islington and London.
Key Responsibilities
- Convene, co-ordinate and provide programming for the diverse range of stakeholders across the life sciences sector in the Knowledge Quarter across Camden and Islington.
- Build and manage senior relationships across the Life Sciences sector to build high‑value partnerships and support private co‑investment.
- Design and deliver strategic initiatives that strengthen commercialisation and innovation capacity.
- Act as lead for inward investment, ensuring outcomes align with inclusive economic priorities and linking to London and regional inward investment activity.
- Provide expert advice to senior officers and elected members on partnerships, investment and collaboration.
- Support delivery of the vision for Life Sciences growth and position the district as a world‑leading Life Sciences hub.
- Contribute to sector‑focused marketing and communications aimed at commercial audiences.
- Lead and develop a high‑performing, collaborative team.
About You
You will bring strong strategic judgement, sector insight and influence, with a track record of delivering results in complex environments. You will have:
- Proven experience building senior‑level public–private partnerships.
- Deep knowledge of the Life Sciences sector and innovation policy landscape.
- Experience delivering complex programmes, bids or business cases.
- Strong leadership capability with a focus on economic and community impact.
- Ability to operate confidently in political settings and advise senior decision‑makers.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders.
Who You’ll Work With
You will report jointly to the Director for Economy Regeneration and Investment (Camden) and the Director of Inclusive Economy (Islington), working closely with senior leaders across Camden and Islington, universities, research institutes, investors, developers and specialist Life Sciences organisations.
Inclusion and Belonging
At Camden, we want every colleague to feel they belong and can thrive. We welcome applications from all parts of our community, and particularly encourage people from Black, Asian and Other Ethnic Heritage communities, LGBTQ+ people, disabled and neurodiverse people, survivors of domestic abuse, and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds or with care experience. We know that different voices and perspectives make us stronger, and we are committed to providing the support, adjustments and flexibility people need to succeed.
Asking for Adjustments
At Camden, we are committed to making our recruitment process barrier‑free and accessible for everyone. If you need us to do something differently during the application, interview or assessment process, just let us know and we will support you. This could include providing information in an alternative format, extra time in assessments, or adjustments for disabled, neurodiverse or long‑term health conditions.
Strategic Lead, Knowledge Quarter Life Sciences in London employer: LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN
As a strategic lead within the Knowledge Quarter, you will join a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in one of Europe's premier Life Sciences districts. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Camden and Islington Councils offer unique opportunities for professional development while fostering an environment where diverse voices are valued and supported. The hybrid work style allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance as you contribute to impactful initiatives that benefit both the local community and the broader economy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead, Knowledge Quarter Life Sciences in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops related to Life Sciences. This is your chance to meet key players in the field and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and engage with thought leaders in the Life Sciences sector. Share relevant articles and insights to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisations you’re applying to. Understand their goals, challenges, and how you can contribute to their vision. Tailor your pitch to show how you can help them grow.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream role! We want to see your application and help you shine in the competitive Life Sciences landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Lead, Knowledge Quarter Life Sciences in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on what you've achieved in previous roles. Quantify your successes where possible, as this helps us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of the matter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people and gives you a chance to explore more about us!
How to prepare for a job interview at LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN
✨Know Your Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and developments in the Life Sciences sector. Familiarise yourself with key players, recent innovations, and any relevant policies. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Build Your Network
Before the interview, try to connect with professionals in the Life Sciences field, especially those linked to Camden and Islington. Having insights from current or former employees can give you a unique perspective and help you tailor your responses to align with the organisation's goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic judgement and ability to build partnerships. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led initiatives or collaborations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a high-performing team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration. Share specific instances where you've motivated a team or navigated complex environments to achieve results, highlighting your focus on community impact.
