Proclinical Staffing
Research Director
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Research Director
Oxford, UK | Biotechnology | RNA Technologies | Scientific Leadership
Salary: £120,000 - £150,000 + Bonus + Equity
Are you an experienced research leader looking to drive scientific innovation and build high-performing teams within a fast-growing biotechnology company?
Proclinical is partnering with an exciting and well-funded biotechnology organisation developing next-generation RNA-based technologies. As part of its continued growth, the company is seeking a Research Director to lead laboratory research operations, develop scientific talent, and deliver ambitious research programmes at the forefront of biotechnology innovation.
This is a rare opportunity to play a central leadership role within a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where scientific excellence, operational rigour, and team development are equally valued.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CSO, the Research Director will oversee a multidisciplinary group of scientists and laboratory professionals, ensuring that research objectives are delivered effectively, efficiently, and to the highest scientific standards.
The successful candidate will combine strong scientific expertise with exceptional leadership skills, bringing experience of managing research teams, building laboratory capabilities, and driving programme delivery within industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary research team
- Oversee day-to-day laboratory research activities and operational planning
- Drive delivery of scientific programmes against defined objectives and milestones
- Create a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and innovation
- Manage research resources, budgets, equipment, and external partnerships
- Build and optimise laboratory processes, workflows, and operating procedures
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of scientific talent
- Ensure compliance with laboratory quality, safety, and documentation standards
- Collaborate with senior leadership to translate strategic priorities into executable research plans
- Identify risks, remove barriers, and enable efficient programme execution
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About You:
- Significant experience leading scientific or research teams within biotechnology, life sciences, or related sectors
- A strong track record of people leadership, coaching, and team development
- Experience delivering complex research programmes within commercially focused organisations
- Scientific expertise in areas such as molecular biology, RNA biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, microbiology, or related disciplines
- Experience managing laboratory operations, resource allocation, and project prioritisation
- A passion for building high-performing teams and research organisations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
Desirable Experience
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:
- mRNA therapeutics
- RNA technologies
- Cell and gene therapy
- Synthetic biology
- Bioprocess development
- High-throughput biology platforms
- Laboratory automation
- GxP environments and quality systems
- Venture-backed biotechnology companies
- Research scale-up environments
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What's on Offer?
- Opportunity to lead a growing research function within an innovative biotechnology company
- Direct influence on scientific strategy, research delivery, and team growth
- Highly visible leadership role with significant organisational impact
- Exposure to cutting-edge RNA and biotechnology innovation
- Excellent career development opportunities
- Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package
Why Apply?
This role offers the chance to shape the future direction of a rapidly growing biotechnology organisation while leading talented scientists working on technologies with the potential to transform the future of medicine.
If you are having difficulty in applying or if you have any questions, please contact Neil Walton at n.walton@proclinical.com.
If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, then please click 'Apply' or to speak to one of our specialists please request a call back at the top of this page.
Proclinical is a leading life sciences recruiter focused on finding exceptional people and matching them with the finest positions across the globe. Proclinical is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
By submitting this application, you confirm that you've read and understood our privacy policy, which informs you how we process and safeguard your data - https://www.proclinical.com/privacy-policy
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