Senior Director, Head of Extended Characterization US

Role Summary

Lead strategic initiatives to advance process and product understanding through cutting-edge analytical techniques. This role will oversee the development and implementation of extended characterization platforms, including mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and advanced microscopy, to support drug discovery, development, and manufacturing across the entire CMC portfolio. The role also focuses on building and developing a high-performing team and fostering external collaborations to drive innovation in analytical sciences. Location: Waltham, MA or Upper Providence, PA; onsite with a hybrid model.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive vision and strategy for extended characterization to support drug discovery and development pipelines. Lead the implementation, optimization, and application of advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), microscopy, and other cutting-edge methodologies to achieve in-depth process and product characterization. Drive innovation to enhance understanding of drug substance and product properties, stability, and quality. Identify and integrate emerging technologies to strengthen analytical capabilities and improve operational efficiency.
• Team Leadership and Development: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence. Develop and implement robust strategies to attract, retain, and nurture top talent, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. Oversee resource allocation, budgeting, and forecasting to enable efficient and effective execution of characterization initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with analytical project, analytical operation, Drug Substance (DS), Drug Product (DP), manufacturing, and quality teams to align extended characterization efforts with organizational goals and ensure seamless integration into development and production processes.
• External Engagement and Reputation Building: Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with external experts, academic institutions, and industry partners to advance research capabilities and drive innovation. Enhance organizational visibility through impactful publications in high-profile scientific journals and active participation in conferences, industry panels, and thought leadership forums.

Qualifications

• Required: 15+ years experience in analytical characterization or CMC-related analytical development in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Required: Extensive experience in advanced analytical techniques (MS, NMR, microscopy) and their application in drug discovery and development.
• Required: Strong track record with characterization techniques relevant to small and/or large molecules.
• Required: Experience managing external laboratory partners and transfers to manufacturing.
• Required: Comfortable working in a hybrid model with regular presence on-site in Belgium (role is hybrid; on-site as required for laboratory leadership and stakeholder engagement).
• Preferred: Experience with material science disciplines such as crystallography, particle science, or physical chemistry.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience implementing digital tools, laboratory information systems, or advanced data analytics in characterization workflows.
• Preferred: Experience supporting regulatory submissions and approval processes.
• Preferred: Track record in modernizing analytical platforms or introducing new technologies at scale.
• Preferred: Experience leading cross-functional technical strategy and managing resource prioritization.
• Preferred: Leadership: Proven track record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving strategic initiatives.
• Preferred: Skills: Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.

Education

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field (life sciences)
• Preferred: PhD in a relevant scientific discipline