Director & Chief Executive Officer

The Pirbright Institute; Woking; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pirbright Institute in Surrey seeks an outstanding scientist and strategic leader as its next Director and CEO to provide scientific, strategic and organisational leadership. Reporting to the Board, the Director will shape Pirbright's global standing, secure sustainable funding, and develop strategic partnerships while promoting an inclusive high-performing culture.

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, engage with governments and funders, and steer the Institute

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific, strategic and organisational leadership.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and engage with governments, funders, regulators and international collaborators.
• Strengthen Pirbright's global standing, secure sustainable funding and develop strategic partnerships.
• Inspire a high-performing, inclusive culture.

Job description

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre of excellence in the research and surveillance of viral diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Strategically funded by UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Pirbright plays a critical role in protecting animal and human health, strengthening national disease preparedness, and advancing global scientific progress.

Operating from its internationally renowned high-containment facilities in Surrey, Pirbright delivers pioneering research, surveillance and diagnostics that help predict, detect and respond to some of the world's most significant animal and zoonotic disease threats. Its science underpins disease control, vaccine development and outbreak preparedness, supporting governments, industry and scientific partners across the globe. As a national capability, the Institute is central to protecting UK agriculture, food security and economic resilience.

The Institute now seeks to appoint an outstanding scientist and strategic leader as its next Director. Reporting to the Board of Trustee Directors, the Director & CEO provides overall scientific, strategic and organisational leadership, ensuring Pirbright remains at the forefront of international research and innovation while continuing to deliver its unique national capability responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be an internationally recognised research leader with an internationally distinguished scientific reputation and the requisite experience of leading complex, research-intensive organisations. You will combine research credibility with executive leadership, bringing the vision, judgement and influence required to strengthen Pirbright's global standing, secure sustainable funding, develop strategic partnerships and inspire a high-performing and inclusive culture.

You will have a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging effectively with governments, research funders, regulators, industry and international collaborators. Experience of operating within complex scientific, regulatory or high-hazard environments will be highly advantageous.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the world's foremost animal health research institutes, shaping its future scientific direction while delivering lasting impact on animal health, public health, food security and global disease preparedness.

Downloadable Content

• The Pirbright Institute_Director and CEO_Candidate Brief.pdf