Key Responsibilities

You are an accomplished scientific leader with a proven record of driving translational research and forging lasting, high-impact partnerships. You bring strategic insight, intellectual curiosity and a collaborative spirit to every challenge.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting difference and become a key figure in the future of an organisation that continues to bring genuine hope and life-changing progress to those living with paralysis.

  • This role requires a senior leader who can move confidently between cutting-edge science, strategic decision-making and high-level partnership building. You will bring strong technical abilities alongside the capacity to shape direction, navigate the wider life sciences ecosystem and guide complex, multi-part programmes from concept through to delivery.

    Comfort moving between scientific depth and practical application is essential, ensuring that investments are always focused where they can make the greatest difference.

    Experience and knowledge required:

    • Ideally holding a PhD, MD or equivalent experience in a relevant medical, healthcare or neuroscience discipline

    • A strong understanding of translational or clinical research, ideally within neuroscience, neurorehabilitation or regenerative medicine

    • Proven experience developing complex research programmes, strategic partnerships and managing related finances or contracts

    • The ability to critically appraise scientific data and translate it into compelling narratives that engage researchers, clinicians, industry partners and major donors alike

    • A collaborative leadership style with a track record of developing high-performing teams, paired with the flexibility to travel occasionally within the UK and internationally

    Click here to view our full candidate pack.

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  • Working alongside the CEO to evolve, refine and deliver Spinal Research’s established research and innovation strategy, the Director will identify emerging scientific, clinical and technological opportunities that have the potential to transform spinal cord injury outcomes. This includes leading the development, delivery and rigorous evaluation of a diverse portfolio spanning pre-clinical, translational, clinical and rehabilitation research to ensure all funded programmes align with organisational priorities. Ultimately, the role provides the vital scientific leadership needed to guide investment decisions, programme prioritisation and robust go/no-go assessments.

  • The Director will cultivate and maintain high-level partnerships across universities, research institutes, clinicians and NHS organisations, while building strong relationships with biotech and medtech innovators in neurotechnology, AI, digital health and regenerative medicine. By engaging extensively with funders, charities and sector partners, the role will strengthen collaborations that accelerate the translation of research into direct patient benefit. Additionally, the Director will represent Spinal Research at major conferences and external forums, while providing the essential scientific input needed to support funding applications, donor engagement and impact reporting.

  • The Director will lead the development of Spinal Research’s new Scientific Advisory function, establishing clear advisory structures, ways of working, and reporting methods. This includes recruiting and managing relationships with top-tier scientific and clinical advisers, while designing and embedding robust governance frameworks for all research and innovation activity, including rigorous review and evaluation processes. Crucially, the role will involve translating complex scientific input into clear, actionable recommendations for the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board.

  • As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director will contribute directly to the charity's overall strategic direction, driving a high-performance culture that maintains clear pace and focus. They will foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement while modelling the values of Spinal Research in every interaction. Collaborating across teams, the role will champion cross-functional working, particularly with fundraising and communications, to ensure the scientific portfolio effectively inspires supporters, shifts perceptions, and maximises the organisation's real-world impact.