Academic & Research Collaborator

**COMPANY DESCRIPTION**

Are you ready to embark on a journey where innovation meets passion, and collaboration fuels success? Look no further We are seeking dynamic individuals to join our team and contribute to a workplace that values creativity, diversity, and continuous growth.

Wren Laboratories Ltd is the company behind Optibac Probiotics, the UK’s most recommended range of friendly bacteria supplements. We believe in cultivating an environment where talent thrives, ideas flourish, and every team member plays a crucial role in our collective success.

If you're passionate about health and well-being, eager to make a meaningful impact, and ready to be part of a forward-thinking team, then we want to hear from you

As scientists discover more about the important role of the gut in overall health and wellbeing, the global demand for probiotic supplements is increasing dramatically and as the experts in friendly bacteria, specialising entirely in live cultures, we are committed to producing a high quality supplement range containing some of the most researched strains in the world, developed in the world’s leading laboratories.

Our award-winning range is sold in the UK, Ireland and many international markets via multiple different sales channels including pharmacies, health food stores, grocery, online retailers, marketplaces and Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners.

Pioneers of the probiotics supplement category, Optibac has long been championing the gut health revolution, tirelessly educating professionals and consumers alike on the benefits of friendly bacteria in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Our continual mission is to ‘_empower millions of people to change their lives with the power of probiotics’_.

A highly ambitious company who believe in really making a difference to people's lives through their product range, maintaining a vibrant & inspiring workplace and to giving back to wider society through charitable giving. To date Wren Labs has donated over £1.5m to charitable causes.

As a family-run business we have a strong focus on work-life balance and ensuring contributions are recognised and valued.

**MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE JOB**

Flexibility is essential at Wren Laboratories, with all teams working closely together to support and develop the ‘Optibac’ brand, so occasional additional support duties may be required in other areas of the business.

**TASKS & RESPONSIBILTIES**

This document outlines the duties required of the post to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list and duties may vary from time to time but these would not change the general character of the job or the level of responsibility.

The post covers the following key areas:
**Academic & Research Engagement**:

- Build and maintain strong relationships with academic institutions, researchers, and stakeholders.
- Act as a liaison between the organisation and the academic community to foster collaboration.

**Research Design & Coordination**:

- Define scientific hypotheses and objectives aligned with the organisation's research priorities.
- Draft clinical trial briefs, ensuring scientific rigour and feasibility.

**Grant Research & Application**:

- Identify and evaluate funding opportunities suitable for research on Optibac live cultures.

**Project Management**:

- Maintain organised workflows to ensure project milestones and deadlines are met.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align research activities with broader organisational goals.

**Communication & Stakeholder Engagement**:

- Present research proposals, findings, and progress updates to stakeholders.
- Articulate complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats.

**DESIRABLE SKILLS & ABILITIES**
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with an ability to handle multiple priorities.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent communication skills, with a talent for presenting arguments persuasively to diverse audiences.
- Warm and approachable demeanor, fostering positive relationships with colleagues and collaborators.

**KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE**
- PhD in Human Nutrition (or similar) with a specialisation in microbiology, or currently pursuing a PhD in this field preferred.
- Experience with clinical trial design and execution.
- Familiarity in grant writing and securing research funding (preferred).

**COMPANY BENEFITS**
- Annual Leave - 22 days + Bank Holidays + discretionary extra 3 days between Christmas and New Year; increasing by 3 days after 3 full years’ service (pro-rate for reduced hours)
- Sickness absence - 20 paid sick days + 5 days of Special Leave - for support with unexpected life events (pro-rated for reduced hours)
- 4% Pension contribution (after 3 months of service)
- Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity package
- Time off for GP/