Head of R&D

Your New Company You will be joining an innovative company in the cultured meat industry, based in SE England, United Kingdom. This organisation is at the forefront of developing technology for cultivating real meat outside animal bodies, eliminating the need for traditional animal farming. The company offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment where you will have the opportunity to work with leading experts and contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge bioprocessing techniques.

Your New Role As the Head of R&D, you will be a key member of the leadership team, responsible for overseeing the operations of the scientific team in their research and development efforts. Your primary focus will be on executing and developing the product roadmap in line with market needs, technology trends, and business objectives. This role involves a combination of strategic leadership, product development, team management, and scientific collaboration.Main Responsibilities

• Product Strategy and Leadership: Execute and help develop the product roadmap aligned with market needs, technology trends, and business objectives. Lead laboratory operations and guide the research and development activities of the company. Set scientific strategies and research direction. Liaise with a cross-functional team to ensure the proper execution of plans to deliver high-quality products within defined timelines.
• Product Development: Collaborate and coordinate between R&D, engineering, and design teams to bring innovative products from concept to launch. Drive scientific innovation and ensure the company stays at the forefront of scientific advancements.
• Team Management: Manage, recruit, and lead the day-to-day activities of the scientific team, including researchers, scientists, computational scientists, engineers, and technicians. Act as the bridge between company leadership and the technical team, responsible for the scientific/engineering vision and planning. Support and mentor team members, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Intellectual Property and Regulatory Affairs: Manage intellectual property, such as patents, and ensure the company's end product complies with regulatory requirements. Implement quality by design, control, and quality assurance measures to maintain scientific rigour and reproducibility in research and development processes as well as production.
• Scientific Collaboration: Build and maintain collaborations with academic institutions, research organisations, and industry partners to advance the company's scientific objectives.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Relevant PhD or equivalent work experience in BioProcess Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Natural Sciences, Biotechnology, or Chemical Engineering, with strong understanding and hands-on experience in cell line development, iPSC culture, media development, bioprocess development, bioreactor development, mammalian cell culture, tissue engineering, and biomaterials/scaffolding development.
• Significant experience with bioreactor operation, process development, and scale-up, along with proven experience (4+ years) in product management or a related role within the bioprocessing, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and delivering products from conception to market, including experience taking new biotechnology products from lab to market.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a resilient and can-do mindset to inspire and lead the team, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, adapting quickly to changing needs and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and teamwork skills, with the ability to deliver on established plans and grant projects as well as goals set by the Directors even if the plans didn't come from you.

What You'll Get in Return

• 26 holidays (not including bank holidays) and a pension plan.
• Flexible hours.
• Highly competitive stock option plan.
• Potential for excellent career progression.
• Contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies and work with leaders in the field.
• Work in facilities at a world-renowned, historical university.

What You Need to Do Now If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV or contact us directly at + for a confidential discussion about your career options. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, feel free to reach out to us for guidance on your next career move.Keywords: COO, Head of R&D, bioprocessing, biotechnology, cultured meat, leadership, product development, team management, scientific collaboration.