Executive Director, Head of Biocatalysis

Role Summary

Executive Director, Head of Biocatalysis leads industry-leading innovations in biocatalysis enabling world-class commercial processes for new products at first filing. The role oversees biocatalysis, protein engineering and microbial fermentation activities and partners across Small Molecule Process R&D and Manufacturing to characterize processes, transfer technology to commercial sites, and, when relevant, author regulatory filings.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of enzymes used as biocatalysts from discovery and directed evolution through fermentation development, production, piloting and manufacturing.
• Drive scientific excellence and innovation to establish and maintain industry-leading biocatalysis, protein engineering, and fermentation teams; identify opportunities to improve workflows and enable future pipeline opportunities; collaborate with Manufacturing for robust supply chains and successful technology transfer.
• Direct the preparation of disclosures for patents, publications, and external presentations; supervise cross-functional teams (process chemists, engineers, external partners) and manage budgets and resources.
• Partner with Manufacturing Division to transfer new enzyme manufacturing processes to sites in preparation for first launch; sponsor capital projects (Protein Engineering and Microbial Infrastructure) aligned with company investments, ensuring readiness for the new facility by 2–3Q 2027.
• Establish and maintain external collaborations with key opinion leaders and academics; manage outside contracts, grants, fellowships, and consultants as needed.
• Provide leadership to a team including four Directors and a scientific lead, overseeing ~50 scientists and fostering a culture of scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• 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 world-class API manufacturing processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with a track record of delivering results on firm deadlines.
• Recognized in the pharmaceutical industry with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and external research presentations.
• Strong external influence across academic, industrial and regulatory agencies worldwide.

Skills

• 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 Engineering
• Regulatory Submissions
• Strategic Planning
• Strategic Thinking
• Structure Based Drug Discovery
• Synthetic Chemistry

Education

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

Additional Requirements

• Travel: 10%