Research Director / Research Directress

Research Director

Location: Oxford, UK | Sector: Biotechnology | Focus: RNA Technologies | Scientific Leadership

Salary: £120,000 - £150,000 + Bonus + Equity

Are You Ready to Drive Scientific Innovation?

Proclinical is partnering with an exciting and well-funded biotechnology organization that is advancing next-generation RNA-based technologies. As part of its growth, the company is seeking a Research Director to lead laboratory research operations, develop scientific talent, and drive ambitious research programs 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 rigor, and team development are equally valued.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), the Research Director will oversee a multidisciplinary group of scientists and laboratory professionals, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of research objectives to the highest scientific standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary research team.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory research activities and operational planning.
• Drive delivery of scientific programs 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 optimize 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 program 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 programs within commercially focused organizations.
• 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 prioritization.
• A passion for building high-performing teams and research organizations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Desirable Experience

Experience in 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 organizational 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 organization while leading talented scientists working on technologies with the potential to transform the future of medicine. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply online using the form below.

Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

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.