Head of Science Portfolio

When you join the UK DRI, you'll be working with a vibrant and challenge led team of researchers, technical specialists and professional support.

Interviews: There will be a two-stage process comprising of an online interview and an in-person.

Online interview: w/c 22nd June 2026

In-person interview: 2nd July 2026

Closing date for applications: 14th June 2026

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute with a community of c. 1000 researchers investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative conditions causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.

Based at our office in London, we are looking for an experienced Head of Science Portfolio to advance UK DRI's scientific mission towards impact for people living with, and those at risk of neurodegenerative conditions.

The role holder will have an excellent understanding of the research ecosystem, identifying opportunities for growth and innovation, and facilitating strategic partnerships both within the UK and internationally. They will line manage the science team and will act as a key interface between researchers, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and external stakeholders.

About You

We are looking for someone who'll have:

• The ability to develop and implement long-term research strategies, whilst managing the short and medium term.

• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills

• Excellent relationship skills including the ability to build strong collaborative working relationships

• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage priorities

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to understand and communicate complex terminology to lay audiences and drafting clear and concise documents

• Discretion and ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information professionally

• A high degree of attention to detail to ensure accuracy of information.

• A solution focused mindset and ability to implement effective strategies, systems and procedures to drive continuous improvement.

• Ability to evaluate information quickly to identify key issues and opportunities

• Ability to thrive in a changeable environment whilst meeting deadlines.

• Good knowledge of peer review funding processes

• Good knowledge of the research ecosystem and stakeholders.

  You'll also have relevant experience in:

• Scientific discipline (e.g., biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or related fields), or other relevant experience

• Research strategy, management and scientific leadership

• Positively and proactively managing multiple projects and key relationships

• Line management

• Working with cross-functional teams.

• Representing an organisation at external committees, conferences, or working groups.

• Experience in respecting the research undertaken and the sensitivities/confidentiality required when working with external partners

What we offer

We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a competitive base salary and an

opportunity to make a difference. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Salary

£70,000 - £80,000 : Depending on skills and experience.

Work-Life Balance

Generous holiday allowance: 27 days of annual leave (plus UK Bank Holidays) to recharge and explore

Flexible holiday scheme: Buy or sell up to 5 days of annual leave to suit your lifestyle

Business closure days: Enjoy up to 6 additional days off each year. Health & Wellbeing

Private medical cover: Single medical insurance to support your health and peace of mind

Group Life Assurance: Protection for your loved ones with coverage up to 4x your base salary

Income Protection & Critical Illness Cover: Financial security when you need it most

Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support for your mental and emotional wellbeing

Family-Friendly Support

Enhanced maternity, paternity, neonatal and adoption pay: Because family matters.

Financial Perks

Season Ticket Loan: Save on your commute with an interest-free loan.

Generous pension scheme: Contribute 6.1% as an employee, with an employer contribution of 15.9% helping you build a secure future.

Voluntary benefits programme: Access a wide range of discounts and perks tailored to your lifestyle.

Hybrid working: We embrace a hybrid working model, with the majority of your time spent in our collaborative modern office environment in London. We offer the flexibility to work remotely for up to 1-2 days per week.

About the UK DRI

Today, over 1M people in the UK are living with dementia and related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and motor neuron disease (MND). The impact of these incurable and progressive conditions on individuals and their families is devastating. Societal costs are staggering and growing as the population ages.

Due to major advances in our understanding of the biology of these disorders the field is at an inflection point with the next decade promising to deliver transformative breakthroughs in therapies and a new era of predictive, preventative, and precision medicine. The UK is well placed to play a leading role in this revolution due to its strengths in science required for discovery and delivery, led by the UK DRI working with our world-class university-based centres. To find out more about the UK's leading biomedical research institute dedicated to neurodegenerative diseases, visit. UK Dementia Research Institute.

To apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter telling us why you wish to join the UK DRI, availability and your experience for this role.

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

No agencies please.

By applying to this role, you understand and agree that your information will be shared within the UK DRI People & Culture team and/or any team members who will be part of the hiring process.

UK DRI is committed to equal opportunities.

The UK DRI embraces diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all of our people. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do. This means ensuring our recruitment processes are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible to everyone. We will make adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.

Department

Science

Locations

UK DRI Research Operations Division, London

Remote status

Hybrid

Employment type

Full-time

About UK DRI

The UK’s leading research institute transforming the lives of people affected by neurodegenerative conditions.