Vice President, Scientific Strategy & Research Enablement in Cambridge

Vice President, Scientific Strategy & Research Enablement in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Mirai Bio

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead scientific strategy and research enablement to drive innovative genetic medicine solutions.
  • Company: Join Mirai Bio, a pioneering biotech company transforming genetic medicine delivery.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, and an annual incentive program.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to solving humanity's biggest challenges.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of genetic medicines and make a real impact in biotechnology.
  • Qualifications: PhD in life sciences with 10+ years in biotech R&D and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Mirai Bio is a privately-held, Flagship-founded biotechnology company that is delivering genetic medicines from promise to performance. Mirai was built to solve one of the field’s central challenges: achieving precise, scalable delivery of diverse nucleic acid payloads to specific cells and tissues, particularly beyond the liver. By combining a large and growing proprietary in vivo biodistribution dataset, machine learning-guided lipid nanoparticle optimization, modular targeted particle design, and integrated translation and manufacturing capabilities, Mirai helps partners accelerate development, reduce technical risk, and pursue high-value programs making delivery a strategic advantage. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for defining the future of genetic medicines together.

We are seeking a Senior Director / Vice President of Scientific Strategy & Research Enablement to help architect and scale the research engine that powers this platform. Reporting to the SVP/Head of Platform, this role will operate at the intersection of scientific strategy, platform development, and execution, ensuring that our research organization has the infrastructure, partnerships, and operational frameworks necessary to move rapidly from invention to discovery. This individual will play a key role in shaping how our science is executed—designing the systems, workflows, and external collaborations that enable scientists to focus on innovation while accelerating the generation of high-quality data and platform insights. The ideal candidate will combine a strong understanding of modern research environments with the ability to build scalable systems that increase scientific productivity and translate platform capabilities into impactful programs. This is an individual contributor role that is part of extended Executive Leadership team, and with opportunities for growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Partner closely with the SVP/Head of Platform and scientific leaders to translate research strategy into an integrated framework for execution across internal teams and external collaborators.
  • Design and implement the infrastructure that supports discovery, including research workflows, collaboration frameworks, and data systems that enable efficient experimentation and decision-making.
  • Identify opportunities to increase research velocity and rigor by optimizing experimental pipelines, data generation, and knowledge flow across the organization.
  • Lead initiatives that remove barriers to scientific progress and improve how the organization generates, integrates, and interprets experimental data.
  • Help ensure the organization’s scientific output is communicated clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with research, finance, and leadership teams to align resources with the highest-impact scientific opportunities.
  • Establish mechanisms for tracking research progress, milestones, and data generation across internal and partnered programs.
  • Contribute to building a culture of scientific rigor, transparency, and operational excellence within the research organization.

Platform Development and External Scientific Partnerships

  • Develop and manage a network of external collaborators and technology providers that extend the capabilities of the platform.
  • Continuously evaluate emerging technologies, experimental capabilities, and vendors that can expand the company’s research toolkit.
  • Structure and oversee scientific collaborations and SOWs to ensure alignment on experimental design, data quality and deliverables.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biotechnology, or related field; PhD required.
  • 10+ years of experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical R&D, with exposure to discovery-stage research environments.
  • Demonstrated experience enabling or managing complex research programs, scientific collaborations, or research infrastructure.
  • Strong understanding of laboratory research workflows and modern approaches to data generation and management.
  • Exceptional communication skills and the ability to synthesize complex scientific concepts into clear strategic narratives.

Preferred

  • Experience in early-stage or venture-backed biotechnology companies.
  • Familiarity with in vivo delivery technologies, genetic medicines, or nucleic acid therapeutics.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

Vice President, Scientific Strategy & Research Enablement in Cambridge employer: Mirai Bio

Mirai Bio is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives and collaboration is at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in genetic medicine. Our inclusive culture fosters diversity and encourages unique perspectives, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in biotechnology.

Mirai Bio

Contact Details:

Mirai Bio Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Vice President, Scientific Strategy & Research Enablement in Cambridge

Get Involved in Local Research Communities

Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!

Leverage University Alumni Networks

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Show Off Your Projects

Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Mirai Bio!

We think you need these skills to ace Vice President, Scientific Strategy & Research Enablement in Cambridge

Scientific Strategy Development
Research Enablement
Collaboration Frameworks
Data Management
Experimental Design
Communication Skills
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Mirai Bio that you have the hands-on skills they need.

Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Mirai Bio.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Mirai Bio does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.

Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Mirai Bio

Brush Up on Lab Techniques

Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Mirai Bio. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.

Know Your Bioinformatics Tools

Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.

Show Your Teamwork Skills

Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Mirai Bio's culture.

Research Recent Biotech Innovations

Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Mirai Bio. This shows your passion for the industry!