Established over 75 years ago, the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM) represents an outstanding concentration of scientific expertise, internationally recognised research, and world-class career development opportunities in West Africa. The Unit's vision is to lead health research in West Africa to save lives and improve health across the world.

Today the Unit’s research covers infectious disease control, nutrition and planetary health, vaccines and immunity, and maternal and neonatal health. With its innovative lab-based research, exceptional research platforms, excellent clinical studies and field-oriented science, the Unit is uniquely placed to play a leading role in this continued evolution, while directly supporting the development and training of talented African researchers.

In advance of the current Director stepping down from the role, and ahead of the next quinquennial review process commencing in 2026, the Unit is now seeking to appoint a new Director to lead its strategic development. The new Director will provide the scientific vision, leadership and management of the Unit, playing an instrumental role in the development and delivery of its scientific strategy and objectives.

The Director will provide strong strategic leadership to inspire, motivate, develop and support staff at all levels and encourage them to achieve their full potential in research, education and delivering excellent professional services. While maintaining strong partnership working with LSHTM and with the MRC, the Unit is empowered to develop and deliver its own scientific strategy and a key focus of the incoming Director will be to continue moving towards greater autonomy and independence and building stronger links with strategic partners in the region. The Director will ensure the Unit continues to play a key role in capacity building and mentorship for emerging African talent.

The Director will bring a demonstrable track record of senior leadership in an academic or research-intensive context and proven ability to develop a clear and ambitious strategic vision that develops and builds upon the Unit’s existing strengths. The new Director will bring excellent  leadership skills and an inclusive approach to leadership, with the ability to coalesce diverse individuals and groups around a vision, bring them along and ensure effective implementation. The Unit Director will work collegiately and respectfully with colleagues and partners of all cultures and backgrounds, demonstrating a caring attitude towards the community.

How to Apply 

Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification. The closing date for applications is 9am BST on Friday 2nd May 2025.

Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Panel in May. Final interviews will likely take place in person at the Unit in The Gambia in June/July.

If you wish to discuss this role further in confidence, please contact Annabel Holt at Annabel.Holt@perrettlaver.com or on +44 (0)20 7340 6219. 

Perrett Laver believes that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. A broad range of perspectives, backgrounds and opinions amongst our global community of colleagues is crucial in maintaining our culture of openness, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. We take an active role in supporting under-represented communities and groups in becoming better and more fairly represented in the leadership of all organisations. We also know that diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our ability to identify, engage and secure candidates from these groups.

Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, identity, and experience drives us every day – for clients, for candidate identification and in the recruitment, development and retention of colleagues. 

To ensure inclusion on the basis of age, disability, ethnic or national origin, family circumstance, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, political or religious beliefs, race, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, we would like to specifically invite applications from under-represented groups.

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