Head of Laboratory – Industrial Molecular Biology & Nanopore Sequencing

BioTalent; Paris; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to shape a laboratory function

High level of ownership and impact

Collaborative, cross‑functional environment

Job summary

BioTalent is seeking a Head of Laboratory – Molecular Biology & Nanopore Sequencing to lead and develop a core lab function in Paris. This role demands strong expertise in molecular biology, proven hands-on experience with nanopore sequencing, and leadership abilities to manage a technical team.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and prioritize practical, scalable outcomes. You will have the opportunity to shape laboratory processes and operations while ensuring high compliance with standards.

Qualifications

• Strong background in molecular biology and microbiology.
• Proven hands-on experience with nanopore sequencing technologies.
• Experience transitioning workflows from research into production.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage day‑to‑day laboratory operations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 6–7 scientists and technicians.
• Design and optimise workflows for industrial application.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Leadership

Operational excellence

Fluency in French

Fluency in English

Process development

Tools

Nanopore sequencing technologies

Job description

Head of Laboratory – Molecular Biology & Nanopore Sequencing (Industrial Scale-Up)

Location: Paris

Employment Type: Full‑time

Please note: only applicants with fluency in English and French will be considered.

We are seeking an experienced laboratory leader to build and run a core lab function within a fast‑growing, industrially driven biotech environment. This role is centred on translating molecular biology and microbiology workflows into scalable, robust processes that can operate reliably beyond early research. It will suit someone who is motivated by operational excellence, repeatability, and real‑world application of science.

You will take ownership of laboratory operations, lead a technical team, and play a key role in shaping how scientific processes are designed with scale and industrialisation in mind from the outset.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage day‑to‑day laboratory operations with a focus on efficiency, quality, and scalability
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 6–7 scientists and technicians
• Design and optimise molecular biology and microbiology workflows for industrial application
• Implement and advance nanopore sequencing capabilities as a core technology within the lab
• Translate research workflows into reproducible, scalable processes suitable for production environments
• Plan and prioritise laboratory workstreams in line with operational and business needs
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Act as the technical lead within the lab while remaining hands‑on where needed

Requirements

• Strong background in molecular biology and microbiology
• Proven hands‑on experience with nanopore sequencing technologies
• Experience working in industrial, manufacturing, or scale‑up environments
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams
• Strong organisational and planning capabilities
• Fluency in French and English
• Experience transitioning workflows from research into production
• Exposure to process development, optimisation, or industrial biotech environments

Candidate Profile

• A hands‑on scientist who prioritises practical, scalable outcomes over purely exploratory research
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, delivery‑focused environment
• Strong operational mindset with attention to detail and process
• A leader who can guide a team while still contributing technically
• Motivated by building systems and processes that work at scale.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to build and shape a core laboratory function from the ground up
• High level of ownership and impact
• Collaborative, cross‑functional working environment