Research Director - Bioanalysis

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Coventry; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment is seeking an Associate Director to lead Biology & DNA Services within a highly regulated environment. The role involves strategic oversight across operations, quality, R&D and continuous improvement, with responsibility for teams, budgets and stakeholder relationships.

The candidate should have extensive biology, DNA analysis and life sciences leadership experience, plus a track record delivering technical projects and driving organisational change.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a highly regulated scientific environment.
• Senior leadership responsibility including people, budgets, and strategy.
• Strong expertise in biological sciences, molecular biology, DNA analysis, or related field.
• Proven track record leading technical projects and organisational change initiatives.
• Excellent commercial awareness with ability to balance science and business needs.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing scientific and operational teams.
• Define and deliver strategic objectives aligned to growth plans.
• Drive innovation through emerging technologies, automation and data-led solutions.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, quality standards and accreditation.
• Manage departmental budgets and contribute to investment and planning decisions.
• Deliver operational improvements to enhance efficiency and outcomes for customers.
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, regulators and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Biology

DNA analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Biology degree

Job description

Associate Director - Biology & DNA Services

Location: East Midlands or East of England

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced scientific leader to join a highly respected organisation operating within a technically complex, regulated environment. This senior leadership position offers the chance to influence strategic direction, lead multidisciplinary scientific teams, and drive operational excellence across biological and DNA services.

We are seeking an accomplished leader with a strong background in biological sciences and DNA analysis, combined with proven experience managing large teams, delivering business objectives, and developing operational strategy.

The Opportunity

Reporting into the executive leadership team, you will take ownership of multiple biological and DNA functions, providing strategic oversight across operations, quality, research and development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

You will play a pivotal role in:

• Leading and developing high-performing scientific and operational teams.
• Defining and delivering strategic objectives aligned to organisational growth plans.
• Driving innovation through the adoption of emerging technologies, automation, and data-led solutions.
• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations, quality standards, and accreditation requirements.
• Managing departmental budgets and contributing to investment and business planning decisions.
• Delivering operational improvements that enhance efficiency, capability, and customer outcomes.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders, partners, regulators, and customers.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience within a highly regulated scientific, laboratory, forensic, life sciences, biotechnology, or similar technical environment.
• Demonstrable experience operating in a senior leadership position with responsibility for people, performance, budgets, and strategy.
• Strong expertise in biological sciences, molecular biology, DNA analysis, or closely related disciplines.
• A proven track record of leading technical projects and organisational change initiatives.
• Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to balance scientific excellence with business objectives.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in Biology, DNA Science, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related scientific field.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation at the forefront of scientific service delivery, where you will have genuine influence over strategic direction, operational performance, and future innovation. The successful candidate will combine scientific credibility with exceptional leadership capability and a passion for developing teams and delivering excellence.

If you are an established scientific leader with extensive DNA and biological analysis expertise and are looking for a role where you can make a significant strategic impact, we would be delighted to hear from you