Research Director Infectious Diseases

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  • Expert position for agile start-up.
  • Director level role overseeing research team.
  • Infectious disease and immunology expertise.
  • Hybrid working offered.

Zest Scientific is partnered with an exciting biotechnology company in the immunology and infectious disease space, and we are looking to identify the Head of Biology to help spearhead their expansion. This new position will play a leading role in the day-to-day management of the laboratories, staff and internal and external science, while supporting anti microbial/immunotherapy drug discovery and development projects. This is an opportunity to join a growing team and we are looking for someone who wants to play a pivotal role at the start of something new.

Please read all of the requirements before applying.

My client can potentially offer sponsorship for this role if ALL of the criteria on the role is met.

This role can offer a hybrid working working arrangement with 2 days working from home.

The candidate:

  • The successful candidate will have significant experience in infectious disease discovery and development, gained within an industry environment
  • Broad knowledge of the in vitro assays and in vivo translatable models.
  • Demonstrable scientific project leadership, line management and lab management experience
  • PhD in a microbiology/ virology/ immunology or relevant discipline
  • Significant experience in microbiology and/or immunology (with a focus on antibody driven immunity)
  • An in-depth knowledge of drug discovery, ideally gained within an industry/biotech setting

The role:

  • The primary function of this role is to lead the organisation’s research laboratory including managing the laboratory and the scientific staff, providing scientific and operational insight, delivering high quality data to support anti-microbial/immunotherapy drug discovery and development projects.
  • This is a rewarding and challenging research and development role within a biotech setting and the role holder must be able to perform under pressure and be prepared to deliver against tight deadlines.
  • Responsible for the purchase, installation and maintenance of lab equipment
  • Scientific leadership of company’s internal and external biology
  • Designing, validating, and performing microbiology and immunology assays
  • Designing and performing proof of mechanism studies and translational PK/PD studies
  • Working with the technical experts within the project team, support the design and execution of project activities within the plan
  • Working with external consultants and contractors: design, resource and execute the pharmacology studies for discovery and development programs against the agreed plan and budget
  • Working with the VP of R&D, oversee the progress of all funded project activities
  • Proactively maintain and nurture key scientific collaborations and prepare documentation for science advisory board meetings
  • Represent the company at relevant immunology/infectious disease conferences through attendance and presentations to promote the company’s programmes
  • Build an internal and external scientific reputation by authoring /contribute to scientific publications and presenting results at external scientific meetings