VP of Research & Development - #1720300

An innovative biotechnology company at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological integration is seeking a dynamic Vice President of R&D Services. Specialising in vector-borne disease control, odour-based biomarker detection, and smart environmental sensing, the organisation is redefining how applied research powers real-world solutions in public health and pest management. The company combines deep scientific expertise with cutting-edge data platforms to drive commercial product development globally.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for a commercially focused scientific leader to shape and lead a strategic research function that fuels innovation and business growth. As VP of R&D Services, you will oversee applied research that supports product development, secure external funding, and ensure that scientific output contributes directly to commercial success and competitive differentiation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic R&D Leadership: Lead and deliver applied research programmes that translate directly into commercially viable products in pest and disease detection, ensuring alignment with long-term product and innovation goals.
• Operational & Team Management: Manage multidisciplinary teams including scientists and project managers, overseeing the delivery of complex R&D projects on time and to budget, while developing KPIs focused on performance, IP generation, and translational impact.
• External Partnerships & Funding Acquisition: Work closely with business development and external stakeholders to secure strategic partnerships and externally funded projects, ensuring research remains a value-generating investment.
• Data-Driven Innovation & Compliance: Integrate AI-powered analytics platforms into research pipelines to enhance data insight and product potential. Ensure regulatory compliance (GLP/GCP) and lead the company’s IP and patent strategy.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD or equivalent in applied sciences (e.g. chemical ecology, microbiology, entomology, or related fields).
• Strong track record in leading commercial R&D teams and successfully delivering product-aligned research strategies.
• Proven success in securing external funding for large-scale research projects (£250k+).
• Experience integrating research with data science and IoT-based technologies.