Director of Research
Macular Society
Andover, Hampshire. Hybrid; one or two days per week.
c.£80,000 on a permanent, full-time basis.
Every day, around 300 people in the UK are diagnosed with macular disease. It is the leading cause of sight loss, and its impact can be devastating, affecting independence, confidence and quality of life. At the Macular Society, we are determined to change that. Our ambition is clear: to Beat Macular Disease for the next generation.
Determined to end the fear and isolation of macular disease with world-class research, we currently invest £1.5m each year and have ambitious plans to grow this significantly. Since 2019, we have transformed our culture and ways of working to enable increased income and greater impact.
We are now entering an exciting new phase as a research funder, which will see us sharpen our strategic focus, strengthen partnerships and invest boldly to accelerate progress towards new treatments, improved care and ultimately, cures.
THE ROLE
As Director of Research, you will play a pivotal role in this journey. You will lead and develop our research team, deliver our research strategy and investment priorities, build influential advisory structures, and collaborate closely with colleagues across fundraising and operations to ensure our ambitions are matched by sustainable income and engagement.
This is a high-profile role requiring deep expertise, strategic judgement, and the ability to translate complex science into clear direction and impact. You will work closely with people affected by macular disease, researchers, clinicians, funders, and partners to create research roadmaps that are ambitious, relevant, and grounded in lived experience.
We are looking for a values-driven leader who combines scientific credibility with collaborative leadership, who can build partnerships and consortia, and is motivated by the chance to make a tangible difference in an underfunded area of research.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADTimeline
Closing date: 10th April 2026
Preliminary interviews: Late w/c 20th April and w/c 27th April 2026
Final Panel interviews: w/c 11th May 2026
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides).
- A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for
you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online
application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.