ELIXIR is a pan-European distributed research infrastructure for life science data, built on people, trust, and collaboration. We are seeking an exceptional leader to guide ELIXIR through its next phase of development, bringing together diverse stakeholders across countries, institutions, and scientific communities to shape the future of life science data infrastructure in Europe.
Reporting to the ELIXIR Board, composed of representatives of the Member States, the ELIXIR Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the organisation, leads the ELIXIR Hub and is responsible for the delivery of ELIXIR's mission, strategy, and objectives in partnership with ELIXIR's governance bodies, Nodes, and broader stakeholder community.
The Director is accountable for the development and execution of ELIXIR's strategic direction, ensuring that ELIXIR delivers maximum scientific, societal, and economic impact for its members and the wider life science community. As the public face of ELIXIR, the Director must articulate a clear and compelling vision for the organisation and inspire staff, Member States, national Nodes, researchers, service providers, funders, industry partners, and users across Europe to work collectively towards shared goals.
Operating within a federated and distributed governance model, the Director must build trust, foster collaboration, and drive alignment across organisations that retain significant autonomy. Success in the role depends on the ability to lead through influence, partnership, and consensus-building, rather than through direct managerial authority alone.
The Director will be a life sciences specialist with experience of the practical applications of bioinformatics and will bring awareness of the needs of bioscience data users in both academia and industry. The appointee will have the ability to set out a long-term vision and the means for its achievement, alongside the ability to convincingly convey the excitement and impact of a complex scientific project to a wide range of stakeholders. The future Director will bring experience of operating at a multinational level, including engagement with international institutions and funding agencies, and a strong awareness of the sensitivities of operating across countries and disciplines.
The Director will be an employee of EMBL (European Molecular Biology Laboratory) and their place of employment will be the ELIXIR Hub, located at the Wellcome Genome Campus, near Cambridge, UK.
An international ELIXIR Director Search Committee has been established that will advise the ELIXIR Board in the assessment and selection of potential candidates with the support of Perrett Laver. Further information, including a detailed role description and person specification, and details on how to apply can be downloaded at https://PLusPortal.PerrettLaver.com quoting reference 8515.
The deadline for applications is Monday 10th August.
The applications will be considered by the Director Search Committee in August. First round virtual interviews will take place in late-September. Leadership assessments and final interviews will take place in October for the final shortlist of candidates.
For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact ELIXIR.Director@perrettlaver.com.
Do something meaningful
ELIXIR unites Europe’s leading life science organisations in managing and safeguarding the increasing volume of data being generated by publicly funded research. It coordinates, integrates and sustains bioinformatics resources across its member states and enables users in academia and industry to access services that are vital for their research.
Our values
The ELIXIR Hub has a strong organisational culture which is defined by our core values. To ensure a good fit with our team, we look to recruit candidates who share our five values:
1. We work to benefit everyone
2. We are trusted
3. We work with a spirit of openness
4. We strive for excellence
5. We work in an environment of respect
Financial incentives: Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns
Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to eight bank holidays
Relocation package including installation grant (if required)
Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
Benefits for non-UK residents: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.
What else you need to know
International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.
Diversity and inclusion: At ELIXIR, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.
How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing date
10/08/2026