At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific strategy and communications in microbiome and probiotic science.
- Company: Globally recognised organisation in the probiotic and functional food sector.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence scientific strategy and build meaningful relationships.
- Other info: Flexibility to travel across the UK, Europe, and internationally.
- Why this job: Shape the scientific reputation of a leading organisation and make an impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in scientific affairs, nutrition, or microbiome science; PhD preferred.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
Head of Scientific Affairs – Microbiome & Probiotic Science
Location
Travel
UK, Europe & International travel required
Function
Scientific Affairs / Nutrition / Healthcare
Are you a senior scientific professional with a passion for microbiome science, probiotics and nutrition.
We are looking for an experienced
Head of Scientific Affairs to lead scientific strategy, thought leadership and science communications for a well-established international organisation operating at the forefront of probiotic and functional food science.
This is a high-profile role for someone who can combine scientific credibility with commercial awareness , translating complex evidence into compelling, accurate and responsible communications for healthcare professionals, academics, policymakers, media, consumers and internal stakeholders.
The Role
As Head of Scientific Affairs, you will act as the organisation's senior scientific authority , shaping the UK scientific affairs strategy while working closely with European and global science teams.
You will build and strengthen relationships with key opinion leaders across academia, healthcare, medical associations, research institutions and the food industry, while helping to establish the organisation as a trusted voice in microbiome and probiotic science.
Key responsibilities will include
- Developing and executing the UK scientific affairs strategy in alignment with European and global priorities.
- Leading the scientific content strategy for healthcare professionals and providing expert scientific input into communications, PR and commercial initiatives.
- Building strong relationships with academics, healthcare professionals, scientific organisations and other key opinion formers.
- Identifying emerging scientific, regulatory and societal trends across microbiome science, nutrition and gut health.
- Coordinating scientific data collection, research and human studies relating to probiotic strains, products and new functional foods.
- Ensuring scientific claims and communications are supported by robust evidence and comply with relevant regulatory requirements.
- Overseeing UK and Ireland-based research, ensuring studies are appropriately established and conducted to recognised standards.
- Representing the organisation at national and international conferences and scientific meetings.
- Developing educational and scientific communications for healthcare professionals, scientific audiences and consumers.
- Working collaboratively with Communications, PR, Regulatory and Commercial teams to translate scientific insights into credible stakeholder engagement programmes.
- Providing scientific counsel to senior management on opportunities, risks and reputation-related issues.
- Reviewing and approving scientifically focused materials produced by other departments.
- Managing, motivating and developing members of the scientific affairs team.
- Managing scientific projects and contributing to departmental budget planning and control.
- Working closely with European Science colleagues to ensure consistency of scientific policies, materials and priorities.
- Reporting on departmental projects and scientific developments to UK and European leadership.
About You
You will be an accomplished scientific professional with
5+ years' relevant experience in scientific affairs, nutrition, healthcare, academia, microbiome science or a related discipline.
You will ideally bring
- A postgraduate scientific qualification ; a Ph D would be highly desirable.
- Experience developing and delivering scientific or medical affairs strategies.
- Experience organising and/or overseeing human studies and research projects.
- Strong knowledge of food, nutrition and health claim regulations and experience working within a regulated environment.
- Proven ability to critically evaluate scientific studies and translate complex evidence for different audiences.
- Experience communicating with scientific experts, healthcare professionals and the general public.
- Strong team and project management experience, including budget management.
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with senior external stakeholders and key opinion leaders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The confidence and credibility to represent an organisation externally at conferences and scientific forums.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to apply biological and health information within a business environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to scientific accuracy and integrity.
A full UK driving licence would be advantageous, and the role requires the flexibility to travel across the UK, Europe and internationally, including overnight stays.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the scientific reputation of a globally recognised organisation within the probiotic, microbiome and functional food sector .
You will have the opportunity to influence scientific strategy at a senior level, build meaningful relationships across the healthcare and academic communities, lead a specialist team and help translate cutting-edge science into responsible, impactful communications.
Head of Scientific Affairs in Slough employer: Parkside Recruitment
Parkside Recruitment is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture in Ruislip. With opportunities for professional growth and development, the company encourages a proactive approach to work, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. The unique blend of a fast-paced environment and a focus on employee well-being makes it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Scientific Affairs in Slough
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Parkside Recruitment, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Scientific Affairs in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Parkside Recruitment. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Parkside Recruitment. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkside Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Parkside Recruitment. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Parkside Recruitment to drive research projects forward.
