Executive Director, Head of Biocatalysis

Job Description

Responsible for driving industry-leading innovations in biocatalysis that are implemented to enable world‑class commercial processes for new products at first filing. The scope includes leadership of our biocatalysis, protein engineering and microbial fermentation activities with close partnering across Small Molecule Process R&D and our Manufacturing Division colleagues to complete process characterization, technology transfer to commercial manufacturing sites and, if relevant, authoring of regulatory filing submissions.

Reports to the head of Small Molecule Process R&D. The role serves as a member on various cross‑functional strategic teams that include the Process R&D extended leadership team, the Enzyme ITRT (integrated technical realization team) and the Small Molecule Process R&D Scientific Advisory Committee. The department head participates in network‑wide activities within Process R&D for setting strategic direction, prioritizing allocation of resources and managing budgets to align actions with strategy.

Supervises 4 Directors and a scientific lead, and through them, approximately 50 scientists who work closely within multidisciplinary teams comprised of process chemists and engineers as well as external research partners (both academic and industrial). They maintain a strong external network in their field sponsoring strategic investments/partnerships with external parties, and are responsible for the appraisal and development of personnel under their supervision.

The incumbent is accountable for driving scientific excellence and innovation to establish and maintain industry‑leading biocatalysis, protein engineering and fermentation teams. They will be responsible for problem selection across their team for the application of protein engineering of enzymes used as biocatalysts and therapeutic proteins to support the company's pipeline from discovery to commercial launch across small molecules and cross‑modality assets.

The successful incumbent will lead end‑to‑end development and invention of enzymes used as biocatalysts from initial discovery and directed evolution through fermentation development for production, piloting and eventual manufacturing. They will excel in collaborating with partner groups within our Manufacturing Division to establish robust supply chains to ensure new enzyme manufacturing processes successfully transfer to manufacturing sites in preparation for first launch.

They will also serve as the sponsor of the Protein Engineering and Microbial Infrastructure capital project in‑line with the significant capital investment being made across the company, ensuring the organization is ready‑for‑science in the new facility across 2‑3Q 2027.

Establishes, recommends, and maintains R&D outside contracts, including grants, fellowships, and consultants in expressed fields of activity. Is expected to cultivate strong relationships with key opinion leaders and top academics in their field.

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering or related pharmaceutical science is required.

• 10+ years drug substance experience and demonstrated ability in leading a research team.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving scientific excellence, translating breakthroughs in fundamental science to afford world‑class API manufacturing processes.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills and strength in delivering results on firm deadlines.
• Must be recognized in the pharmaceutical industry, through a strong track record of peer‑reviewed publications and external research presentations.
• Strong external influence across academic, industrial and regulatory agencies worldwide.

Analytical Method Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biochemistry, Cell Engineering, Chemical Biology, Collaborative Communications, Decision Making, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Ethical Compliance, Fermentations, Immunochemistry, Innovation, Leadership, Management Process, Mentoring Staff, People Leadership, Professional Networking, Protein Engineering, R&D…