Director of Research & Innovation

Location: Hybrid, one day a week in the London office (Borough)

Salary: £75,000-80,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, full-time role - Spinal Research operate a 4-day/32 hour week

Spinal Research is seeking an exceptional Director of Research & Innovation to help shape the future of spinal cord injury research. The organisation exists to fund the research that will cure paralysis. This appointment comes at a pivotal stage as scientific advances in spinal stimulation, neurotechnology and rehabilitation move closer to real-world application, bringing renewed hope to people living with paralysis.

For over 40 years, Spinal Research has been the UK's leading charity dedicated to funding medical research into spinal cord injury, moving the global conversation from "if" paralysis can be treated to "when". With the first function-restoring therapies designed and licensed for spinal cord injuries now becoming available in the UK, this position will directly drive the next chapter of the charity's mission.

Reporting to the CEO and joining the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Research & Innovation will play a central role in reviewing, influencing and driving forward our established scientific and innovation strategy. The successful candidate will lead a diverse portfolio spanning discovery science, translational research, clinical development and neurotechnology, ensuring investment decisions are guided by strong scientific insight and a clear view of patient impact.

Crucially, the role involves building meaningful collaborations across academia, healthcare, industry and philanthropy to accelerate the delivery of treatments. The Director will also lead the establishment of a new Scientific Advisory function, recruiting world-class experts to guide the portfolio, while collaborating with fundraising and communications teams to bring scientific insights to life for major donors.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing complex research programmes and navigating the wider life sciences ecosystem. This position demands the ability to critically appraise scientific data, translate it into compelling narratives for non-specialist audiences, and collaboratively drive promising ideas into tangible patient outcomes.

For a leader with the strategic ambition and the drive to play a central role in turning scientific progress into life-changing reality, this role offers an extraordinary platform to help cure paralysis.

Please click through for the full Candidate Pack and details of how to apply.

Closing date: 9am, Friday 10 July