63 Chief Scientific Officer jobs in the United Kingdom

Head of Science Strategy and Research Group Leader

The Pirbright Institute

Location: Woking, Surrey UK

Professorial-equivalent appointment (Band G); salary negotiable.

Application closing date: Round 1, 5th November 2025

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional research-active leader to become Head of Science Strategy at The Pirbright Institute. This is a unique opportunity to combine your own world-class research programme with a senior strategic leadership role at one of the UK’s most important bioscience institutes.

The successful candidate will be an internationally recognised scientist with a strong and consistent track record of:

• Leading an independent, internationally competitive research group .
• Securing and sustaining substantial external research funding .
• Delivering high-quality, high-impact outputs in their field.
• Providing strategic and institutional leadership , aligning cutting-edge scientific ambition with the Institute’s mission, priorities, and long-term impact.

As Head of Science Strategy, you will act as Deputy to the Director of Research, helping to shape and deliver Pirbright’s science strategy, while also advancing your own research.

This dual role requires a rare combination of scientific excellence, strategic foresight, and leadership acumen .

This is an opportunity for a scientist who can inspire, influence, and innovate — a leader who is equally comfortable at the bench, in the boardroom, and representing Pirbright to global stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Act as Deputy to the Director of Research.
• Serve on the Science Committee, setting, reviewing, and monitoring the Institute’s science strategy.
• Be a named Project Lead on one of Pirbright’s National Bioscience Research Infrastructures (NBRIs).
• Provide strategic oversight to our Science Technology Platforms (STPs).
• Line-manage selected Group Leaders, Fellows, and STP Leads.
• Champion a positive, collaborative, and impactful research culture.
• Represent Pirbright externally to strategic stakeholders, shaping agendas nationally and internationally.

Research Group Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing research group in a strategically relevant area of science for Pirbright (e.g., virology, immunology, zoonoses, host–virus interactions, or systems biology approaches).
• Consistently secure significant external grant funding through innovative, competitive applications.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop research staff and students, fostering the next generation of science leaders.
• Deliver high-impact research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, knowledge exchange, and societal/economic benefit.
• Maintain the highest standards of health, safety, biosafety, and research integrity.

About The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre for research and surveillance of viral diseases in farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Strategically funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), we work at the forefront of fundamental and applied bioscience to understand, control, and eliminate diseases that threaten both animal and human health.

Our research spans viruses that are endemic and exotic to the UK, combining advanced tools and technologies to study host–pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. With internationally recognised strengths in virology and immunology, Pirbright plays a critical role in tackling current diseases and preparing for emerging threats.

Based in Surrey, southwest of London, the Institute employs around 370 staff and hosts 50 PhD students and visiting scientists from across the globe. Over £300M has been invested in our state-of-the-art laboratories, high- and low-containment facilities, and in vivo animal facilities for studies using natural hosts such as poultry and livestock. Researchers benefit from access to advanced Science Technology Platforms including microscopy, flow cytometry, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics.

Our culture is defined by openness, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence, where people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines come together with a common purpose: advancing science to improve the world in which we live.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

1. CV and cover letter.
2. A two-page research concept note outlining the proposed area of research and how it aligns with Pirbright’s strategy and facilities.

Person Specification

Essential

• PhD in a relevant field and substantial experience as an independent research leader.
• Proven success in building and sustaining a research group with a consistent track record of productivity and impact.
• Strong record of securing, managing, and delivering competitive research funding.
• International reputation for scientific excellence (publications, invited talks, awards, citations).
• Demonstrated strategic and financial acumen, balancing scientific ambition with organisational priorities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience influencing stakeholders at senior levels.
• Proven leadership and management of diverse teams across career stages.

Desirable

• Experience working in high biocontainment.
• Research experience on high consequence livestock or zoonotic viruses in their natural hosts.

What We Offer

• Professorial-equivalent appointment (Band G); salary negotiable.
• Permanent position with senior leadership responsibilities.
• Annual consumables budget, access to internal PhD studentships, internships, and seed funding.
• Eligibility for strategic funding for a postdoctoral researcher.
• Generous pension, annual leave, and staff benefits (gym, restaurant, social club, childcare allowance, cycle to work scheme, and more).
• A unique opportunity to shape both your research programme and the scientific direction of a world-leading institute.

We strongly encourage candidates to arrange an informal discussion with Professor John Hammond, Director of Research (contact: ).

Head of Science Strategy and Research Group Leader

The Pirbright Institute

Location: Woking, Surrey UK

Professorial-equivalent appointment (Band G); salary negotiable.

Application closing date: Round 1, 5th November 2025

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional research-active leader to become Head of Science Strategy at The Pirbright Institute. This is a unique opportunity to combine your own world-class research programme with a senior strategic leadership role at one of the UK’s most important bioscience institutes.

The successful candidate will be an internationally recognised scientist with a strong and consistent track record of:

• Leading an independent, internationally competitive research group .
• Securing and sustaining substantial external research funding .
• Delivering high-quality, high-impact outputs in their field.
• Providing strategic and institutional leadership , aligning cutting-edge scientific ambition with the Institute’s mission, priorities, and long-term impact.

As Head of Science Strategy, you will act as Deputy to the Director of Research, helping to shape and deliver Pirbright’s science strategy, while also advancing your own research.

This dual role requires a rare combination of scientific excellence, strategic foresight, and leadership acumen .

This is an opportunity for a scientist who can inspire, influence, and innovate — a leader who is equally comfortable at the bench, in the boardroom, and representing Pirbright to global stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Act as Deputy to the Director of Research.
• Serve on the Science Committee, setting, reviewing, and monitoring the Institute’s science strategy.
• Be a named Project Lead on one of Pirbright’s National Bioscience Research Infrastructures (NBRIs).
• Provide strategic oversight to our Science Technology Platforms (STPs).
• Line-manage selected Group Leaders, Fellows, and STP Leads.
• Champion a positive, collaborative, and impactful research culture.
• Represent Pirbright externally to strategic stakeholders, shaping agendas nationally and internationally.

Research Group Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing research group in a strategically relevant area of science for Pirbright (e.g., virology, immunology, zoonoses, host–virus interactions, or systems biology approaches).
• Consistently secure significant external grant funding through innovative, competitive applications.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop research staff and students, fostering the next generation of science leaders.
• Deliver high-impact research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, knowledge exchange, and societal/economic benefit.
• Maintain the highest standards of health, safety, biosafety, and research integrity.

About The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre for research and surveillance of viral diseases in farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Strategically funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), we work at the forefront of fundamental and applied bioscience to understand, control, and eliminate diseases that threaten both animal and human health.

Our research spans viruses that are endemic and exotic to the UK, combining advanced tools and technologies to study host–pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. With internationally recognised strengths in virology and immunology, Pirbright plays a critical role in tackling current diseases and preparing for emerging threats.

Based in Surrey, southwest of London, the Institute employs around 370 staff and hosts 50 PhD students and visiting scientists from across the globe. Over £300M has been invested in our state-of-the-art laboratories, high- and low-containment facilities, and in vivo animal facilities for studies using natural hosts such as poultry and livestock. Researchers benefit from access to advanced Science Technology Platforms including microscopy, flow cytometry, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics.

Our culture is defined by openness, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence, where people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines come together with a common purpose: advancing science to improve the world in which we live.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

1. CV and cover letter.
2. A two-page research concept note outlining the proposed area of research and how it aligns with Pirbright’s strategy and facilities.

Person Specification

Essential

• PhD in a relevant field and substantial experience as an independent research leader.
• Proven success in building and sustaining a research group with a consistent track record of productivity and impact.
• Strong record of securing, managing, and delivering competitive research funding.
• International reputation for scientific excellence (publications, invited talks, awards, citations).
• Demonstrated strategic and financial acumen, balancing scientific ambition with organisational priorities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience influencing stakeholders at senior levels.
• Proven leadership and management of diverse teams across career stages.

Desirable

• Experience working in high biocontainment.
• Research experience on high consequence livestock or zoonotic viruses in their natural hosts.

What We Offer

• Professorial-equivalent appointment (Band G); salary negotiable.
• Permanent position with senior leadership responsibilities.
• Annual consumables budget, access to internal PhD studentships, internships, and seed funding.
• Eligibility for strategic funding for a postdoctoral researcher.
• Generous pension, annual leave, and staff benefits (gym, restaurant, social club, childcare allowance, cycle to work scheme, and more).
• A unique opportunity to shape both your research programme and the scientific direction of a world-leading institute.

We strongly encourage candidates to arrange an informal discussion with Professor John Hammond, Director of Research (contact: ).

The Resolution Foundation is looking for an exceptional candidate to help lead our research team. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Foundation’s senior leadership as we seek to turn around the stagnant living standards of the last twenty years, through influencing both the policies that can boost economic growth, and those that affect families’ living standards directly.

What does the role involve?

Working as part of the Foundation’s Senior Management Team, the post-holder will plan, manage and communicate major strands of our research and policy output. In particular, they will develop and lead our ongoing work on growth and productivity, building on the legacy of the Economy 2030 Inquiry. The research team works flexibly and there is scope to adapt other responsibilities to the experience of the successful candidate.

This is a permanent role based at our Westminster office. Applications for full-time or part-time hours are welcome, with a minimum of three days a week required.

What kind of person are we looking for?

This is a high-profile role, and successful applicants will need experience of both leading major research or policy programmes, and line managing a team of high-performing individuals in a research or policy-making environment. The post holder must also demonstrate a first-rate understanding of quantitative analytical techniques, excellent written and communication skills, and the capacity to direct research that results in practical policy change. Post-graduate level economics (or equivalent work experience) is essential, and candidates will be expected to contribute unique insights and policies on UK growth policy.

We are a fast-paced organisation, focused on responding to the current economic challenges as well as contributing to crucial longer-term public policy debates. The ability to work at pace on several different projects concurrently and a strong desire to have an impact on government policy are essential.

We are keen to hear from individuals with skills obtained from experience working in government, think tanks, applied academic research, or the private sector.

What is the organisational culture?

The Foundation prides itself on analytical rigour and we strive to achieve standards of excellence in all our work. This commitment is matched by dedication to our core purpose, working to improve living standards. These twin pillars of rigour and purpose inform our culture and underpin everything we do.

All members of our research team are given opportunities to interact with senior stakeholders in government, media and the wider policy-making world. We hold a regular programme of external events, and we regularly engage with politicians from across the political spectrum. We also hold internal masterclasses and roundtables with leading experts who engage with our work in detail. The research team have backgrounds in economics, social sciences and a range of other disciplines, and carry out quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, using a wide range of micro-datasets and macroeconomic data sources.

Investing in our team is a priority for us and we work hard to ensure each employee feels valued, respected and able to give their best. We use formal training, on-the-job learning and mentoring from colleagues to actively develop the skills and reputations of all our team.

Diversity at the Resolution Foundation

The Foundation recognises the lack of diversity in economics and the policy-making sector, and works to address this through implementing and promoting best practice in internal policies and procedures, and through devising and supporting sector wide initiatives promoting careers in economics and think tanks to underrepresented groups.

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy encompasses all areas of our work and also our contribution to wider efforts in the sector. Many of our positive action initiatives are focused on helping to feed the pipeline of future policy makers. For more information about our work in this area, please see our recruitment brochure.

As part of our commitment in this area, we offer job specific pre-application discussions to Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic candidates and all candidates with disabilities who would like to speak to someone about the role in advance. We are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to assist candidates to navigate the application process or the demands of the role itself. Please contact    if you would like to arrange a pre-application discussion, or speak to someone in confidence about your needs.

We also offer the option to opt into guaranteed interview schemes for both Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic candidates, and all candidates with disabilities if they meet the essential requirements for the role. Please tick the box during the application process if you are interested in participating in this scheme.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the Foundation’s research and policy programme across growth and productivity, working closely with the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and other senior staff.
• Design, commission, manage and deliver projects within the research programme, which will deliver innovative insights and policy proposals.
• Establish a personal research programme and reputation as a leading expert on economic growth and productivity, including its link to living standards.
• Engage with key stakeholders at the highest level in government, media, the private sector and the voluntary sector.
• Forge close working relationships with leading experts in other research institutions and academia.
• Line manage parts of the Foundation’s research team.
• Represent the Foundation in the media and at seminars, conferences and other public events (including speaking at events).
• Produce, and oversee, high quality written outputs ranging from major research reports to regular short articles (e.g. for newspapers).
• Manage the research budget, ensuring programmes are taken forward cost-effectively and within budget.
• Any other duties as deemed reasonable by the Chief Executive.

The Foundation is a small team and staff members support each other, work flexibly, and share cross-organisational work in addition to fulfilling individual responsibilities.

For more information about the role, including how to apply, please visit our website via the button below.

Closing date: 08:59am on Monday 17 November 2025.

First Interviews: w/c 1 December 2025 | Second Interviews: w/c 8 December.

Research Director (Mat Cover)

Up to £70,000

London

THE COMPANY

An award-winning specialist
research & marketing agency
with an unrivalled understanding of kids and youth audiences. They combine research & insights, strategy, creative execution, and paid media for some of the world's biggest and most recognisable brands.

This is a collaborative and ambitious environment where you'll have the freedom to shape how brands engage with the next generation.

THE ROLE

As
Research Director
, you'll lead and deliver bespoke research projects across
quant and qual
— from survey design and online communities to focus groups and in-depth interviews.

You'll:

• Oversee full project lifecycles, from design to analysis, reporting and presenting insights.
• Manage GDPR compliance and ethical research considerations with youth/family audiences.
• Grow and strengthen client relationships while spotting new opportunities.
• Mentor and develop the research team as it expands.

YOUR BACKGROUND

• Solid experience in a market research agency (5 years+).
• Familiarity with youth/family research.
• Strong quant skills with solid qual knowledge.
• Commercially minded and hands-on, with a track record of growing client accounts.
• Knowledge of GDPR and ethical practices in youth/family research.

WHY APPLY?

• Lead and grow a team at a respected specialist agency.
• Autonomy, impact, and access to high-profile clients.
• Up to
  £70,000
  with a
  high chance of going permanent
  after maternity cover.

Quant Director – Strategic Tracking & Brand Growth

London | Independent Consultancy | £80k–£100k salary

We’re working with a brilliant independent consultancy that blends strategic thinking with deep research expertise to help leading brands make smarter decisions. They work across consumer and B2B markets – from tech and retail to finance and media – and are known for asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and delivering work that genuinely drives growth.

They’re now looking for a Quant Director to lead strategic tracking and brand growth programmes within their London team.

The Role

This isn’t a production-line tracking role.

It’s a senior position for someone who wants to shape how quant tracking evolves – combining commercial rigour, strategic thinking, and methodological excellence.

You’ll lead complex, multi-market studies that inform brand, innovation, and customer strategy for some of the world’s most ambitious organisations. You’ll partner closely with qualitative, cultural, and behavioural experts to deliver joined-up, high-impact insight stories that drive action.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and leading major strategic tracking programmes
• Connecting data with brand, innovation, and growth strategies
• Collaborating across disciplines to deliver integrated insight and advice
• Developing and coaching quant talent across the business
• Playing a visible role in evolving quant and tracking thinking company-wide

What They’re Looking For

• A proven quant leader – strong technical grounding, but also strategic influence
• Deep experience running complex tracking or brand measurement programmes
• A track record of turning data into commercial clarity for senior stakeholders
• A collaborative mindset and the confidence to challenge thinking constructively
• Experience working in a specialist research agency (vital)

Why This One’s Different

This is a London-based consultancy built on organic, sustainable growth – not one backed by VC money or owned by a global group.

Profits are reinvested in people, not shareholders, meaning industry-leading packages, clear career progression, and a genuinely supportive environment.

Next Steps

If this feels like it could align with your experience and ambitions, please apply.

If it’s a potential fit, we’ll bring the role to life in more detail and explore whether it could be the right next move for you.

Quant Director – Strategic Tracking & Brand Growth

London | Independent Consultancy | £80k–£100k salary

We’re working with a brilliant independent consultancy that blends strategic thinking with deep research expertise to help leading brands make smarter decisions. They work across consumer and B2B markets – from tech and retail to finance and media – and are known for asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and delivering work that genuinely drives growth.

They’re now looking for a Quant Director to lead strategic tracking and brand growth programmes within their London team.

The Role

This isn’t a production-line tracking role.

It’s a senior position for someone who wants to shape how quant tracking evolves – combining commercial rigour, strategic thinking, and methodological excellence.

You’ll lead complex, multi-market studies that inform brand, innovation, and customer strategy for some of the world’s most ambitious organisations. You’ll partner closely with qualitative, cultural, and behavioural experts to deliver joined-up, high-impact insight stories that drive action.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and leading major strategic tracking programmes
• Connecting data with brand, innovation, and growth strategies
• Collaborating across disciplines to deliver integrated insight and advice
• Developing and coaching quant talent across the business
• Playing a visible role in evolving quant and tracking thinking company-wide

What They’re Looking For

• A proven quant leader – strong technical grounding, but also strategic influence
• Deep experience running complex tracking or brand measurement programmes
• A track record of turning data into commercial clarity for senior stakeholders
• A collaborative mindset and the confidence to challenge thinking constructively
• Experience working in a specialist research agency (vital)

Why This One’s Different

This is a London-based consultancy built on organic, sustainable growth – not one backed by VC money or owned by a global group.

Profits are reinvested in people, not shareholders, meaning industry-leading packages, clear career progression, and a genuinely supportive environment.

Next Steps

If this feels like it could align with your experience and ambitions, please apply.

If it’s a potential fit, we’ll bring the role to life in more detail and explore whether it could be the right next move for you.

Research Director

Newcastle (Hybrid)

£75,000-£5,000

Are you passionate about helping major media brands measure and improve the impact of their advertising? This leading independent research agency is seeking a Research Director to head up its Ad Effectiveness & Media Measurement practice; shaping strategy, leading a talented team, and driving innovation across audience insight, brand tracking, and advertising evaluation!

The Company

This award-winning insights consultancy blends behavioural science, analytics, and creative storytelling to help clients understand people, culture, and communication. They work with some of the UK’s biggest names in media and entertainment, including major broadcasters and radio networks

The Role

As Research Director, you’ll:

• Lead end-to-end ad effectiveness and media measurement projects, from design to delivery
• Evolve the agency’s strategic offering across cross-media attribution, emotional and behavioural measurement, and advanced analytics
• Partner closely with senior leadership to shape research strategy and business growth
• Manage a team of 6–8 researchers, fostering best-in-class delivery and storytelling
• Work with key clients across TV, audio, and digital channels to translate data into compelling, strategic insights

Your Skills & Experience

• Proven expertise in Ad Effectiveness and Media Measurement across TV/AV, digital, and social platforms
• Strong track record of line management
• Ability to balance hands-on project delivery with leadership and commercial responsibilities

The Benefits

• £75,000- 5,000

How to Apply

Please register your interest by sending your CV to Adam Osborne at Harnham via the Apply link on this page