Appointment of Board Chair

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a technology institute for life science, creating innovative technologies that transform our understanding of life. Our technologies, borne out of innovation in physical sciences, create collaborations and new avenues in life science which will lead to new therapeutics and advance our understanding of human biology.

Established in 2018, the Franklin is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The Institute is supported by core grants to deliver advanced technology for life sciences in the UK, creating a Centre of Excellence which will train and attract global talent, undertake adventurous and high-risk projects, and create benefits to human health through the development and translation of our technologies. Situated on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, near Didcot, the Franklin sits in one of the largest and fastest growing science ecosystems in the world.

Following the appointment of Professor Paul Matthews as Institute Director in 2024, the Franklin is now seeking to appoint a new Chair to succeed Dame Dr Vivienne Cox DBE, who will step down from the Board later this year having played a pivotal role in the development, growth and success of the Franklin since 2018. The Director has already completed a strategy refresh, which he is in the process of implementing. The new Chair will join the Franklin at an exciting time, with the Institute poised for further growth and the realisation of its potential to deliver a step-change in research capabilities for the benefit of human health.

The Chair will play an important leadership role, working closely with the Institute Director and the Board of Trustees to ensure the effective delivery of the Franklin’s mission and ambition, whilst also ensuring its financial sustainability. The Chair will foster constructive relationships with and between the Trustees, and with the Institute Director and the wider Executive Team, ensuring a culture of collaboration and constructive challenge. As one of the primary ambassadors for the Institute, the Chair will represent and champion the Franklin both nationally and internationally, building strong relationships with government, industry leaders, research organisations, and the investment community. Through their leadership, the Chair will help to strengthen the Franklin’s reputation and influence, ensuring it delivers maximum impact for the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem.

The successful candidate will be a recognised senior leader in industry, academia, or the public sector, with proven experience and success in leading senior executive teams and/or non-executive boards. They will have a demonstrable experience in creatively driving growth in organisations, as well as an understanding of the UK’s funding landscape for public research. A strong network is essential, as is the ability and gravitas to engage and influence at the highest levels across industry, academia, and government.

The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, renewable for a further 3-year term (to a maximum of 9 years).

The Rosalind Franklin Institute welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. We particularly welcome applications from women and people of the Global Majority, who are currently under-represented on our Board. The appointment will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

The McLean Partnership has been engaged to support and advise on this appointment. For a confidential discussion about the role and further information, including how to apply, please contact Dr Graham Little at McLean via email at GrahamLittle@mcleanpartnership.com.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 27^th May 2025.

Final interviews are anticipated to take place in mid- to late-June 2025.