Descripción de la oferta
R&D Director - Biologics
Location: Europe
Company: International CRO
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced R&D leader to take responsibility for a multidisciplinary scientific function within a growing biologics organisation. The role combines technical leadership, team development, operational oversight and long-term capability building.
The successful candidate will operate with considerable autonomy in a dynamic environment, helping shape how the scientific organisation evolves as programmes, technologies and business priorities develop. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical leadership and problem solving.
Working across research, technical and operational groups, the role will provide direction on scientific priorities, resource allocation and delivery. The successful candidate will be expected to bring sound judgement to complex situations and translate scientific objectives into clear, achievable plans.
Key Responsibilities
Set direction for a multidisciplinary R&D group and establish clear priorities across competing programmes
Translate organisational objectives into scientific plans, milestones and resource requirements
Provide oversight across biologics research activities and ensure appropriate technical governance
Build, coach and retain high-performing scientific teams and future leaders
Establish effective ways of working across different technical disciplines
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, technology adoption and laboratory efficiency
Introduce appropriate systems, processes and measures to support consistent delivery
Act as a senior escalation point for challenging scientific or operational issues
Contribute to decisions around new capabilities, technologies and future investment
Work with senior leadership to shape the long-term direction and growth of the R&D organisation
Maintain a strong culture of scientific rigour, accountability and collaboration
Candidate Profile
Significant R&D experience within biologics, biopharmaceuticals or a closely related discipline
Demonstrable experience leading multidisciplinary scientific teams
Strong technical understanding of protein-based research and development
Experience overseeing complex scientific programmes and resolving technical challenges
Track record of improving processes, capabilities or laboratory operations
Proven ability to develop people and create effective team structures
Comfortable making decisions with incomplete information and changing priorities
Strong organisational, communication and influencing skills
Able to operate effectively between strategic planning and day-to-day scientific leadership
Collaborative, pragmatic leadership style with high standards of scientific quality
Required Skills & Experience
Biologics R&D
Scientific Leadership
Multidisciplinary Team Management
Programme & Portfolio Oversight
Technology & Capability Development
Laboratory Operations
Process Improvement
Strategic Planning
Resource & Capacity Management
Cross-Functional Leadership
Talent Development
Technical Decision-Making
Desirable Experience
Previous leadership experience within a biologics, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or related R&D environment
Experience building or scaling scientific teams or capabilities
Exposure to multiple stages of research and development
Experience introducing new technologies or improving scientific infrastructure
Advanced scientific qualification preferred, although substantial industry experience will be considered
Why Join?
Opportunity to shape the development of a growing R&D organisation
Significant autonomy and visibility at senior leadership level
Scope to build teams, capabilities and ways of working
Opportunity to influence scientific strategy and future investment
Collaborative environment with strong emphasis on innovation and development
International exposure and long-term career progression
