Job Description and Person Specification: Chief Scientific Officer

Job title:

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

Responsible to:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Hours:

Equivalent to 1/2 days per week

Contract Type:

Fixed term 2 years

Salary:

Negotiable

Working pattern: Primarily within core business hours but with flexibility to attend events outside
normal office hours as necessary.

Location: Hybrid working, estimated 50% of time spent in Institute’s office in London.

Working relationships: Close working relationship with the CEO, Chair of Trustees and Directors, Theme
Leads and members of Scientific Advisory Committee.

BACKGROUND

The Epilepsy Research Institute serves as the central hub for the epilepsy research community. Our
mission is to radically advance research into the causes, prevention and treatment of epilepsy and
associated conditions. The Institute aims to strengthen the epilepsy research ecosystem by driving
strategic investment and developing partnerships and collaborations between academia, the NHS,
industry, funders, patient groups and people affected by epilepsy.   Central to everything we do is a
culture of advocating and actioning research priorities. Our ambition is to accelerate innovations for the
one in 100 people living with epilepsy through increased strategic research investment, capacity
building and research translation.

Underpinning our strategy are six themed research themes, with three Theme Leads and a Task Force
group comprising leading scientists and clinicians.  These research themes are driving a programme to
secure large-scale research investment which will assist the delivery of our strategic ambition.

The Institute aims to attract the best researchers, foster an ambitious and inclusive culture of
collaboration and enable research into epilepsy to flourish.  By embedding our research programme,
the Institute will use its influence to drive strategic investment in epilepsy research, creating a vibrant
and well-funded epilepsy research ecosystem.

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JOB PURPOSE

The Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) is responsible to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely
with them and relevant Directors to deliver the Institute’s long-term vision and strategy to support and
promote our research programme and secure large-scale investment for the Institute.

This is a key appointment taking responsibility, and a lead role, in seeking and securing a wide range of
strategic partnerships with relevant bodies to accelerate the implementation and growth of the
Institute’s research programme and wider impact through strategic investment.

As well as acting as an ambassador for the Institute’s research programme, the postholder will provide
objective and timely advice to the Chief Executive Officer and the wider Trustee Board on science,
analysis and all matters pertaining to epilepsy research.  They will be a team player and be used to
forging successful partnerships to aid the implementation of the Institute’s ambitious strategic vision as
described in its 5-year Strategic Plan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  To develop and implement the scientific strategy for the growth impact, and scope of the

Institute’s research programme both in the UK and internationally.

2.  To work closely with the CEO to secure strategic investment for the Institute and to ensure a

cohesive, collaborative approach in furthering the charity’s reputation and reach through all
aspects of its work.

3.  To be an ambassador for the Institute, seeking and securing appropriate introductions.
4.  To provide leadership and advice on science, analysis and research to inform, shape and

enhance the Institute’s reach and impact.

5.  To pursue and secure strategic partnerships and/or collaborations with academia, the NHS, and
industry in order to leverage major funding from research councils, charities, philanthropic
funds and venture capital etc.

6.  To participate and/or contribute to press and media content providing expert commentary as

required.

7.  To chair key events, represent the Institute at functions and make presentations as agreed with

the CEO.

8.  To fulfil an advocacy role through publicly and privately supporting and endorsing the work of

the Institute.

9.  To write and present occasional reports and make presentations at conferences etc where

appropriate.

10. To play a leading role in the ongoing development of research priorities, resourcing and
scientific outcomes to ensure the Institute’s strategic goals and objectives are achieved.

11. To maintain a strict code of confidentiality at all times in relation to your work.
12.  To comply with all aspects of health and safety responsibilities.
13. To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested as part of the role.

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This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and will be
reviewed and updated as the needs of the Institute evolve.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential (E) or
desirable (D)

Qualifications:
•  PhD or equivalent experience in epilepsy research or similar field
•  Membership of relevant professional bodies
Experience:
•  Credibility as a scientific/clinical  leader of UK/international

renown in epilepsy research (or similar field)

•  Strategic leader with a proven track record of establishing and

managing research programmes

•  Minimum of 10 years’ experience at a senior level in epilepsy

research (or related field)

•  Proven track record of seeking out opportunities and innovative

solutions

•  Significant track record of securing funding

partnerships/collaborations to support research

•  Experience of securing positive media coverage to support

research programmes

Skills and knowledge:
•  Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships

with diverse stakeholders

•  Ability to effectively present complex scientific concepts for a

variety of audiences

•  Excellent written and oral communication, including ability to
produce clear and comprehensive reports/cases for support etc
•  Knowledge of national and/or international research protocols

and mechanisms

•  Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions
•  Strong knowledge of securing research funding through grants,

partnerships and collaborations

Personal competencies:
•  Strong leader and effective team player
•  Self-motivated, with ability to work independently
•  Ability to meet tight deadlines
•  Able to focus specialist expertise to deliver the Institute’s

objectives

E
E

E

E

E

E

E

D

E

E
E

E

E
E

E
E
E
E

July 2025

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