Chief Scientific Officer UKDRI

Vacancy Reference Number

B02-06492

Closing Date

13 Mar 2024

Salary

£73,000+

Address

UK DRI at UCL, Queen Square On site Hybrid (20% - 80% on site)

Duration

The role is available immediately and funded by the UK DRI until 31 March 2028 in the first instance, with likely extension beyond then dependent on successful quinquennial review.

About the job

Dementia is the biggest health challenge of our century – currently affecting fifty million people worldwide, projected to triple by 2050, with huge financial, emotional, and social impact on people directly affected, their carers, families, and the community.

Dementia is a symptom of several neurodegenerative disorders, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for about 60% of cases. To date there is no way to prevent or even slow the rate of progression of neurodegeneration – there is still a major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill this gap.

We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 700 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia. The UK DRI Central Team works across all our UK DRI centres driving a single Institute culture of collaborative and inter-disciplinary research, common policies on hiring, communications, capital investments, finances, and a single tech transfer programme.

About the role

We have an excellent opportunity for an expert science administrator and strategist who relishes the prospect to be part of the continuous development and growth of a world leading Institute.

The Chief Scientific Officer is a key senior executive level appointment with strategic oversight of all UK DRI science and line management of six postdoctoral science managers. You will work closely with the UK DRI Director in the development and delivery of the Institute science strategy, scoping and building external partnerships, internal funding programmes and activities across a broad range of scientific areas, including coordination of scientific platforms, cross-centre themes and training initiatives, and leading on periodic reporting activities to the UK DRI Board.

Essential Criteria

You will hold an PhD or equivalent experience in life sciences research and experience in establishing and managing research programmes, and promoting and coordinating scientific collaborations.

The ability to understand and effectively present complex scientific concepts for a variety of audiences, to produce high standard, clear and comprehensive progress reports, and compelling cases for support is also required for this role as is ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects from inception to completion

In addition, you will need to possess effective leadership qualities with outstanding communication, project management, and networking skills.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

Contact information

To apply visit here.

For informal enquiries about the role please contact UK DRI Director, Professor Siddharthan Chandran (siddharthan.chandran@ukdri.ucl.ac.uk).