Director of Cell and Molecular Biology – Research – Biotech – Ref.: CH100523RH

Filled Positions
  • Date posted: 11th May 2023
Job Description

Our UK based established life science client provides instruments and specialist consumables for the global pharma and academic research community. The role holder will develop and deliver new customer-relevant applications and assay kits as part of their microfluidic platform.  The Director of Cell and Molecular Biology is part of the senior leadership team in R+D, reporting to the Chief Technical Officer.  As part of this team , they will be responsible for all biological aspects of their R+D work including contributing to R+D strategy, planning and delivering projects, leading the biology team, and ensuring all biology work is done to the highest possible scientific and safety standards.

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement the overall strategy for cell and molecular biology within the broader R+D strategy and company commercial context.
  • Identify and recommend new relevant scientific areas and product ideas.
  • Plan and execute design and development projects to create new commercially-relevant applications and assay kits
  • Assist in developing requirements and specifications for new platforms.
  • In conjunction with the Technical Support team, plan and execute ‘proof of concept’ projects with customers to assess new applications.
  • Act as internal consultant, champion and expert in cell and molecular biology for the company, particularly for cross-discipline R+D projects.
  • In liaison with the marketing team. build the company’s profile externally around applications and assays via publication of patents, papers, articles, conference posters, blogs etc. and giving scientific presentations.
  • Perform due diligence and assessment on competitive science and IP in the field of cell and molecular biology and ensure the company’s technical know-how is up to date by regular review of the scientific literature and conference attendance.
  • Line management of the biology team, driving recruitment and capability growth to align with business needs.
  • Development and refinement of internal processes to drive efficient project execution and maximize effectiveness of our biology labs within our ISO9001 Quality Management System.
  • Oversee safety, health and environment activities for all biological work and ensure compliance with appropriate regulations and safety procedures, including acting as Biological Safety Officer for the company.

 

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

  • Doctoral degree in cell and / or molecular biology.
  • Experience of working in biopharma or industrial biotech carrying out cell-based and molecular assays in a commercial context, familiar with the challenges and needs of industry carrying out cell-based scientific R+D.
  • Able to think creatively and propose novel ideas for new application and assays.
  • Experience of leading assay-focused design and development projects.
  • Familiar with product development processes, particularly requirements capture, project planning and delivery and verification / validation methods.
  • Good data analysis and problem-solving skills, familiar with statistical techniques, able to identify root causes and implement robust action plans.
  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal.  Able to explain complex ideas in straightforward ways to non-experts.
  • Experience in growing and developing high-performance scientific teams.
  • Strong organizational skills, able to set standards and encourage others to succeed.
  • Experience in overseeing biological health and safety, familiar with the legal requirements in the UK.

 

Desirable

  • Knowledge of immunology, particularly the underlying cell-based processes.
  • Familiar with microfluidics and associated instrumentation.
  • Understanding of the biopharmaceutical discovery and development process.
  • Familiar with droplet techniques for biology R+D.
  • Experience in managing technically astute customers and working with third parties.
  • Familiar with typical  data analysis software tools used by biologists.

 

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Able to engage with others and drive conversations.
  • Able to inspire other scientists and help them develop their skills and knowledge.
  • Well organized, able to develop good processes, able to hold people to account.
  • Able to make effective decisions, delegate and prioritise activities both short and long term.
  • Excellent communication skills with an ability to easily relate complex technical information.

 

Desirable

  • Able to drive change and bring in new ideas and ways of doing things.
  • Able to multi-task and cope with uncertainty.