The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking a Director, Research Policy for its affiliate Humane Society International (HSI) in the Research & Toxicology department. You will lead the HSI Research & Toxicology Department’s multinational efforts to shift the paradigm in biological and biomedical research toward non-animal approaches. Serves as a leading expert and HSI spokesperson on biomedical research.

The Department of Computer Science is a vibrant and growing academic department, which has a research profile across the entire spectrum of contemporary computing. You will be expected to engage in independent and original research, to secure funding and engage in the management of research projects and disseminate research of the highest international standard through publications, conferences and seminars.  You will also contribute to teaching on the Department’s highly successful undergraduate and graduate programmes.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the Research team within the HSI Research & Toxicology department with the goal of ending the use of animals in biological and biomedical research. Including development and establishment of global HSI policy positions, strategies, and tactics, and supporting regional adaptation and implementation of public policy, corporate engagement, and outreach and engagement initiatives in close cooperation with HSI country and HQ support teams. Overseeing and supporting program staff and consultants working in the biomedical research area;
• Coordinating the Biomedical Research for the 21^st Century (BioMed21) Collaboration;
• Developing and managing high-value relationships with scientists, research funding bodies, foundations, corporations, governmental and other stakeholders;
• Overseeing the creation and reviewing of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, briefings, public comments and other official correspondence, press releases, blogs, web and social media content. Providing quality assurance for public-facing communications in the biomedical research area;
• Representing the organization and department at various forums, including professional meetings, conferences, and workshops. Serving as a spokesperson/presenter, as needed, delivering expert testimony to policy makers, participating in media interviews and debates, networking with government officials and colleagues, and communicating with the public via articles, social media, and other venues;
• Directing and leading the work of members of the HSI Research and Toxicology team.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in biology, medicine or related field, or equivalent work experience, required;
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in an academic research and educational environment or equivalent experience with the scientific method and science communication required;
• Management/supervisory experience is required;
• Working knowledge of the scientific method, research design, and contemporary non-animal approaches (microphysiological models, systems/computational biology, etc.);
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive;
• Superior organizational and project management skills, able to multitask and be flexible with regard to workload and assignments;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff management practices and processes and the ability to establish accountabilities and expectations and manage performance to achieve results;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Diplomatic and interpersonal skills to engage with international partners;
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes;
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook);
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member in a team environment;
• Strong interest in animal protection issues preferred
• Willing and able to travel.

We would particularly welcome applications from female and Black and minority ethnic applicants who are currently under-represented within the Computer Science Department.

Our staff and students come from all over the world and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diversity groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example maternity leave. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive interview process and will reimburse up to £250 towards any additional care costs (for a dependent child or adult) incurred as a result of attending an interview for this position.

This position is located in North America or Europe.

For further details and to apply please visit: https://my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.jobspec?p_id=143526