Director, Biochemistry Research

The role

The Director of Biochemistry Research will lead the R&D team in charge of enhancing our Enzymatic DNA Synthesis technology and particularly its’ biochemical components. That scope includes:

• Enzyme engineering to improve the performances of our enzymes
• Modified nucleotides chemistry including labeling technology, reversible terminatorsand associated deprotection reagents
• New materials and surface chemistry for the development of Innovative solid supports for DNA synthesis

We are looking for a scientific leader with expertise in the field, ability to drive scientific projects, suggest new ideas, as well as to manage a team of 11 scientists, engineers and technicians. You will have a unique opportunity to impact the way DNA is synthesized by pushing its performances through new, optimized reagents and bring a strong contribution to molecular biology.

This role requires strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills and a solid scientific background in related fields such as sequencing by synthesis..

The Director, Biochemistry Research role is based in Kremlin-Bicêtre (South of Paris) and reports to the Chief Technology Officer. You will work in close relationship with the Director, Protocol Research who is in charge of optimizing synthesis protocols on dedicated hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Biochemistry Research team, which includes Enzyme Engineering, Nucleotide, Chemistry, CMOS Synthesis and Solid Support Development,
• Manage the team’s budget,
• Create team objectives and ensure progress towards those objectives,
• Lead scientific projects, provide creative ideas, do bibliography, ensure good technical communication within the team,
• Interpret provided data from the team and act based on said data.
• Coach team members to help them grow in their professional abilities and skills,
• Become an expert in the Enzymatic DNA Synthesis field, keeping track of competition progress, and adapting internal work to the ecosystem,
• Contribute to the R&D strategy and operation,
• Collaborate with other R&D leaders and other departments (Operations, Commercial, etc)
• Create Intellectual Property,
• Manage relationship with external academic partners, suppliers, collaborators, grant agencies,
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• PhD preferred life science e.g. Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology or similar,
• 10+ years of experience as a Scientist or manager in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genomics or similar,
• Proven experience interacting with external collaborators
• Detailed technical orientation, with robust analytical and organization skills, problem solving, troubleshooting capabilities, and negotiation skills
• Project and or team management, including managing several projects in parallel with tight deadline,
• Demonstrated scientific leadership, high organizational and prioritization skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, presentation skills and technical aptitude

Desirable

• Experience in nucleic acid chemistry and biochemistry, analysis, nucleotide chemistry, or DNA synthesis
• Excellent knowledge of analytical methods for nucleotides and nucleic acids, in particular NGS data interpreting
• Experience in managing international project/collaboration/consortium under government research funding programs
• Strong track record of writing of scientific publications, patent applications
• Programming in R, Python, C/C++ or MATLAB is a plus
• Start-up mindset.

Miscellaneous

• Job located in Le Kremlin Bicêtre (Paris area)
• Start date: As soon as possible.

Recruitment Process:

• Initial screening with the hiring manager
• Day interview at the office (or remote) with the manager, cofounders, HR and the rest of the team
• Reference Checks
• Timing: 2-3 weeks