Deputy Director, Research and Development - 86,000 p.a. + benefits

We are currently looking for a Deputy Director, Research and Development to join our Research and Development Function within the Science and Research Group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

Security Clearance may be a requirement for this position and requires 5 years UK residency.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The Science & Research Group delivers public health impact, world-leading regulatory research innovation, biological standards and medicines control testing.It is divided into 4 Functions, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety.

The Research & Development function delivers statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing and areas of international and national priority for future biological medicines. The Research & Development function develops the scientific knowledge that supports the current excellence in research into biological reference materials, biological activity measurements, product quality testing and standardisation. This is a statutory activity and includes international centres of excellence such as those working on polio, influenza, and the UK Stem Cell Bank.

• Strategic leadership of function and within the Science and Research Group.

Leadership of the Research & Development function ensuring it continues to deliver the science of each of its component teams in addition to the statutory support of the work of the Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing Teams. Delivery will require the development of key strategic partnerships and the winning of external research contract and grant funding where appropriate.

Member of Science and Research senior leadership team responsible for ensuring cohesive and collaborative working across the group and the wider Agency, supporting the Executive Director of Science and Research and the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer. Lead and implement scientific priorities and change programmes to improve offerings to patients, staff and stakeholders.

• Team Leadership.

Develop and lead the teams that deliver the functions objectives: Vaccines, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies, Diagnostics, Analytical and Biological Sciences. Act decisively and make bold, unbiased strategic decisions. Remain visible and approachable to all colleagues and stakeholders. Embed a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity.

• Regulatory Science Strategy and leadership.

Accountable for applying their expertise to the Agency Strategic Science plan, laboratory science and standards strategy, aligned with the Agency Strategy. Ensure that research into biological medicines and diagnostics is designed to support across the product lifecycle, new technologies are considered where appropriate, and business targets are delivered.

• International leadership

Enhance the international recognition of the work of the R&D Function and in the context of the wider Group and Agency. Be an advocate for the work of the Function, Group and Agency nationally and internationally.

• Delivery of Team Goals.

Responsibility for ensuring that the Research & Development processes fully integrate with the other teams to deliver statutory functions. Overview of the workloads and allocations to ensure the operational efficiency of the team in maintaining adherence to high level targets and assessment deadlines, through working with the team leads. Responsibility for budget management for the function and for commercial and income generating functions (including, but not limited to, grants and contract activities). Ensuring scientific outputs are communicated effectively.

• Cross-Agency delivery.

Accountable for the scientific outputs of the component teams, ensuring they receive and provide technical expertise and contacts to drive not only R&D targets but also to support the work of the Standards Lifecycle and Control Testing Teams, implementation of the outcomes to optimise operations and deliverables and ensure that the Agency grows its reputation for scientific excellence and public health impact in biological medicines and diagnostics. Working with key teams across the Agency to provide scientific support and ensure the Agency delivers its scientific goals.

Create a sense of purpose for colleagues through highlighting connections between our work and the impact on patients and the public. Inspire colleagues to engage fully with the agencys vision and strategic goals. Actively promote the reputation of the agency internally and externally.

• Leadership of shared laboratory research infrastructure.

Accountable for the efficient use of shared resources such as the animal facility, biocontainment suites and unique scientific capability so that the needs of the science are balanced with the capabilities of the shared infrastructure to ensure efficient delivery within capacity and controlling surge demands when they occur.

• Minimum degree and Ph.D. in a Scientific subject and deep experience relevant to biological standardisation, biologicals, the evaluation of biological materials and medicines

• Practical understanding of the Agencys biological research with deep knowledge in at least one area of the function, as evidenced by a strong publication record, and an understanding of the system and its processes. An understanding of technologies required for the future of regulatory science R&D.

• Knowledge of the Quality Systems, Health and Safety requirements, and standards under HTA and ASRU relevant to the Research & Development function

• Experience of successfully influencing on behalf of and representing the UK and Agency at national and international levels through building networks and other mechanisms