Talisman Therapeutics Ltd is a neuroscience drug discovery company based in Cambridge, UK. Talisman’s key expertise is in developing fully human cellular models that robustly capture the complex biology of neurological disease and implementing them for preclinical drug development, from target ID to IND-enabling studies. This is an exciting time to join the company as we continue to develop and expand our platform and portfolio of internal and external projects.
We are currently recruiting for a Head of Research to join our well-established team. Reporting to the CEO, this is an opportunity for an experienced and skilled preclinical drug development professional to join Talisman. The ideal candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to all aspects of preclinical neuroscience drug discovery research, combined with excellent organisational skills. Day-to-day tasks include oversight of the project portfolio, design and delivery of projects, liaising with external collaborators and contributing to business development. We are looking for a collaborative team member who wants to make a difference as part of the leadership of an experienced team.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Research project management/delivery: oversight of Talisman’s portfolio of research projects, ensuring efficient project delivery and data analysis
- Research team management: providing day-to-day direction to the project teams, including participating in project team meetings
- Research project design: in discussion with external collaborators, design and planning of research projects to address collaborator requirements, with the support and input of the CEO
- Liaising with external collaborators: relationship management with existing and prospective collaborators
- Business development: Contribute to business development, join introductory and discussion meetings as required
Essential knowledge, experience and qualifications:
- Deep knowledge of neuroscience drug discovery, including the cell and molecular biology of neurological disease (neurodegenerative, neuromuscular, neuropsychiatric and/or neurodevelopmental diseases)
- Significant and demonstrated experience leading research teams in biotech/pharma at research director / group head or above AND/OR established experience as an independent research group leader, gained within a university, research institute or non-profit
- Postdoctoral research experience in academia or industry
- Experience of implementing robust research governance, quality control and data management practices
- PhD in biomedical sciences, chemistry or physical sciences
Essential skills:
- Recognised credibility in the field, with the ability to represent the organisation in external collaborations and partnerships
- Strong understanding of data analysis, interpretation and experimental design, ensuring scientific rigour and reproducibility
- Delivering strategic objectives to deadlines, able to balance long-term strategy and focused delivery
- Track record of managing a high-performing research team
- Implementing projects from concept through to successful delivery, including resource allocation
- Proven project oversight skills, demonstrating effective collaboration across teams, ensuring milestones and scientific objectives are achieved
- Prioritisation and organisational skills
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, both internally and externally
Desirable
- Experience in contributing to business development
Employee benefits:
This in-person role will be based at the Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge. We offer excellent compensation and benefits that reflect the strong company commitment to employee wellbeing. Our benefits include a 4.5-day week for all staff to enable work-life-balance, an Employee Share Option Scheme, a non-contributory Life Assurance scheme, non-contributory BUPA Private Medical Insurance and access to a cycle-purchase scheme. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Should you wish to be considered for this position, please send a CV via LinkedIn by Friday 24th April 2026 at 12:00 noon.