Head of Science Strategy & Research Group Leader

Applications and Expressions of Interest

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

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit:

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

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.

About 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.

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 Pirbright offers you

• A unique opportunity to shape both your research programme and the scientific direction of a world-leading institute.
• Beautiful campus in a semi-rural location with free on-site parking and good transport links.
• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life assurance (subject to age and earnings).
• 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.
• 25 days annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with long service
• Enhanced Maternity package.
• Option to buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks' annual leave.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Childcare allowance.
• Electric car charging facilities.
• Access to on-site subsidised facilities including staff restaurant, gym, and social club with subsidised membership.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month of the vacancy closing date, please contact us at jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.