Head of R&D - Pharmaceutical

Job Overview:
We are looking for a highly qualified and experienced Head of R&D with a PhD in microbiology or a related field, combined with practical, hands-on experience in fermentation technologies. This role demands strong leadership in both scientific and strategic aspects of research and development. The ideal candidate will have a passion for innovation and a proven track record of successfully managing R&D teams, preferably with a background in academia or education, to help bridge the gap between research and practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Strategy Development:
o Lead and manage the R&D team, driving the vision for innovation and excellence in pharmaceutical research and development.
o Develop and implement a strategic research agenda, focusing on microbiology and fermentation technologies, aligned with the companys goals for product development and market growth.
o Mentor and provide guidance to both junior and senior scientists, fostering an environment of collaboration, learning, and scientific curiosity.
2. Research Oversight and Execution:
o Lead the development, optimization, and scaling of fermentation-based processes, ensuring efficient and compliant production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), biologics, and other pharmaceutical products.
o Oversee the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of fermentation processes, ensuring high product quality, yield, and compliance with regulatory standards.
o Drive scientific innovation in microbial fermentation, optimizing processes to meet the needs of drug development and production.
3. Educational & Collaborative Focus:
o Leverage academic or educational experience to translate cutting-edge research into real-world applications, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
o Collaborate with academic institutions, industry experts, and external research partners to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements and regulatory changes.
o Build and maintain strong relationships with educational institutions, offering opportunities for research collaborations, internships, and partnerships.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
o Work closely with regulatory, quality control, manufacturing, and commercial teams to ensure smooth transition of R&D findings to commercial production.
o Support regulatory submission efforts by providing scientific data, documentation, and insights for new product filings and approvals.
o Participate in strategic business discussions and contribute to high-level decision-making processes related to product development and scientific advancements.
5. Regulatory and Compliance Management:
o Ensure all R&D activities meet industry standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and relevant safety and environmental regulations.
o Prepare comprehensive technical reports, research documentation, and regulatory submissions, ensuring all research adheres to global regulatory frameworks and guidelines.
6. Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
o Drive the continuous improvement of fermentation processes, identifying opportunities for innovation, cost reduction, and process optimization.
o Promote a culture of scientific excellence, encouraging the team to push boundaries and remain at the cutting edge of pharmaceutical R&D.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
Education: PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience:
o Minimum of 10 years of hands-on R&D experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a strong emphasis on fermentation technologies.
o Proven experience leading and managing R&D teams, with a focus on microbial fermentation, bioprocessing, and product development.
o A background in academia, teaching, or educational roles is highly preferred, offering a unique perspective on both research and scientific communication.
o Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals is a plus.

Technical Expertise:
o In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with fermentation processes, including bioreactor operations, microbial growth, optimization of yield, and troubleshooting.
o Familiarity with the application of microbiology and bioprocessing techniques in pharmaceutical product development.
o Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in microbial fermentation and biotechnology.

Leadership & Communication Skills:
o Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide scientists toward achieving organizational goals.
o Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
o Experience in fostering collaborative relationships with educational institutions, research organizations, and industry partners.
Regulatory Knowledge:
o Expertise in regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical R&D, including FDA, EMA, and other relevant authorities, especially related to biologics and fermentation-based processes.
o Familiarity with the regulatory environment for academic-industrial partnerships and collaborative research.

Preferred Qualifications:
Postdoctoral experience in microbial fermentation or biotechnology.
Experience with biologics and advanced fermentation technologies.
Previous involvement in mentoring students or early-career professionals in an educational setting.
Proven track record of successful academic collaborations or industry-sponsored research.