Senior Biology Leader NEW

Oxford, Oxfordshire
ADLIB
Senior Biology Leader

• Join an innovative, science-led research organisation focused on solving complex global challenges
• Provide senior scientific leadership across discovery research, platform development and cross-functional programmes
• Play a key role in shaping scientific strategy, capability development and the delivery of high-impact research outcomes

We are seeking an accomplished scientific leader to provide strategic and technical leadership across a discovery biology function. This role will combine scientific expertise, people leadership and cross-functional collaboration to ensure biological insight is embedded within research strategy, portfolio decisions and programme delivery.
Reporting into senior leadership, this position is suited to an experienced scientist who enjoys guiding teams, driving innovation and translating complex science into practical outcomes.

What you’ll be doing:

• Providing senior scientific leadership across biological research programmes and discovery platforms
• Shaping and delivering biology strategy aligned to organisational goals and portfolio priorities
• Leading, mentoring and developing scientific teams and acting as a trusted technical expert
• Driving the adoption of new scientific methods, technologies and ways of working
• Supporting the design, execution and interpretation of complex research programmes
• Overseeing scientific quality, data integrity, reproducibility and laboratory best practices
• Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to support programme progression and decision-making
• Contributing to governance forums and strategic discussions relating to research priorities and candidate progression
• Building productive relationships with external collaborators, research partners and service providers
• Supporting scientific communications, technical reports, presentations and strategic materials
• Championing a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements, scientific standards and organisational policies

What experience you will need to apply:

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related scientific discipline
• Significant experience leading and influencing multidisciplinary scientific teams within a research and development environment
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality scientific programmes, projects or research outputs
• Experience developing scientific capabilities, platforms, processes or operational improvements
• Strong understanding of commercial research and development environments and external collaborations
• Experience mentoring scientists and providing scientific leadership beyond direct line-management responsibilities
• Ability to solve complex scientific challenges and guide teams through ambiguous research questions
• Experience presenting scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable experience:

• Experience in agricultural biotechnology, crop protection, plant science, weed science or related fields
• Experience working with contract research organisations, academic institutions or industry partners
• Knowledge of target identification, mode-of-action research, screening technologies or discovery biology platforms
• Familiarity with bioinformatics, data science or computational biology approaches
• Experience supporting intellectual property activities, publications or external scientific communications
• Understanding of how AI-enabled tools can support scientific research and analysis

What you’ll get in return for your experience:

This role offers the opportunity to influence scientific strategy and contribute to the development of innovative research programmes within a collaborative and growing organisation. You will work alongside highly skilled scientific and operational teams in an environment that encourages creativity, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

• Senior scientific leadership position with significant organisational impact
• Opportunity to shape future research direction and capability development
• Collaborative, science-driven culture
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits package