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
📌 R&D Director - Biologics (Lugo)
🏢 ARTO
📍 Lugo