Research Director

Proclinical; Oxford; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Job summary

Proclinical partners with a growth‑stage biotechnology organisation to appoint a Research Director in Oxford, UK. The role leads laboratory research operations, builds high‑performing teams and delivers ambitious RNA‑focused programmes with scientific and operational rigour.

The successful candidate will report to the CSO, shape strategy, manage budgets and external partnerships, and drive excellence across projects while fostering a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading scientific or research teams in biotech or life sciences.
• Experience delivering complex research programmes within industry.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary research team and mentor staff.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory activities and operational planning.
• Drive delivery of scientific programmes against defined milestones.
• Create a high-performance culture with collaboration and accountability.
• Manage resources, budgets, equipment and external partnerships.
• Develop laboratory processes, workflows and standard operating procedures.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and development of scientific talent.
• Ensure compliance with lab quality, safety and documentation standards.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to translate strategy into executable plans.
• Identify risks and remove barriers to programme execution.

Skills

People leadership

Scientific leadership

RNA biology

Job description

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

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

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