Chief Scientific Officer

About us 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 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. 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. This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 50-60% of time on site. If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team. For informal enquiries about the role please contact UK DRI Director, Professor Siddharthan Chandran. For a full job description and to apply for this role please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal and search using vacancy reference B02-06492. About you 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. What we offer As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.