Salary for this Role:
competitive plus benefits subject to skills and experience
Job Title:
Director of Policy Partnerships and International RelationsReports to:
Edith HeardClosing Date:
20/Feb/2026 23.59 GMTJob Description:
Director of Policy Partnerships and International Relations
About us
The Francis Crick Institute is Europes largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer heart disease infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Crick is a place for collaboration innovation and exploration across many disciplines: a space where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and generate discoveries that deliver real human and societal benefit.
About the role
We are seeking a Director of Policy Partnerships and International Relations to provide senior leadership of the Cricks external governmental and international engagement.
Reporting directly to the CEO this pivotal role is responsible for shaping and sustaining the Institutes most strategically significant relationships across the UK Europe and internationally. You will operate at the highest levels with governments policy-makers intergovernmental bodies research institutions and strategic partners across science innovation and public policy.
As the Cricks senior adviser on external affairs policy and international relations you will ensure the CEO and Executive team are well briefed on political policy and diplomatic contexts risks and opportunities. You will lead the development and delivery of the Cricks external governmental and international relations strategy building and coordinating relationships that directly support the Institutes strategic objectives.
This role is distinct from communications teams but will work in close partnership with the Director of Communications and other senior colleagues providing the policy political and stakeholder insight that shapes how and where the Crick engages externally.
This is a rare opportunity for a politically astute internationally experienced leader with a strong track record across science policy and diplomacy able to represent the Crick in complex high profile environments.
About you
You will be a senior external or international relations professional with strong political judgement and credibility comfortable operating at the intersection of science policy and diplomacy. You will bring the confidence to advise institutional leadership and represent the Crick in complex high-stakes environments.
You will bring
Significant senior leadership experience in policy international relations government affairs external relations or strategic partnerships
Experience within scientific research organisations academia major charities government or intergovernmental bodies
Proven experience engaging at the highest levels with governments policy-makers intergovernmental organisations or international institutions
Strong understanding of science policy research ecosystems and the political contexts shaping them
Demonstrated ability to translate complex political or regulatory issues into clear strategic advice
Exceptional judgement diplomacy and discretion
Experience leading work in international and multicultural environments
Strong leadership influencing and negotiation skills
Ideally you will also have
Knowledge of EU institutions and European research regulatory or policy environments
Knowledge of additional European languages
About Working at the Crick
Our values
Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Cricks mission and shaping our culture!
At the Francis Crick Institute we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued respected and empowered to succeed regardless of their background identity or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders ethnicities abilities and experiences.
Weare aDisability Confident: Committedemployer andwant to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and sowellmake reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you needassistancewith applying (i.e. would like to apply by phone or post)please email:
Find out more about life at the Crick.
What will you receive
At the Francis Crick Institute we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile to have your application reviewed.
We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.
Required Experience:
Director
We are a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the biology underlying health and disease.