R&D Platform Leader Biotechnology (W/M)

EUROAPI; Paris; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

EUROAPI is seeking a highly experienced R&D Platform Leader for Biotechnology to shape and drive the platform strategy at the Saint Aubin les Elbeuf site. You will coordinate biotech activities supporting CMO/CDMO projects and proprietary API development, while building internal capabilities and partnerships.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent, 15–20+ years in biotechnology, and a proven track record in leading complex programs, stakeholder management, and cross-platform collaboration across

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in molecular biology, biotechnology, bioprocess development, or related field.
• 15–20+ years in biotechnology or related industrial environments.
• Proven ability to build capabilities and lead through ambiguity.
• Experience with external partnerships (industry, CDMOs, academia).

Responsibilities

• Define and refine a Biotechnology platform strategy aligned with EUROAPI goals.
• Translate strategy into an actionable roadmap with clear priorities and milestones.
• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for the Saint Aubin les Elbeuf platform.
• Establish a structured capability development approach and ensure platform maturity.
• Conduct skill gap analyses and deploy targeted development plans.
• Identify and structure partnerships to complement capabilities and accelerate delivery.
• Collaborate with Small Molecules and Peptides & Oligonucleotides platforms for synergies.
• Partner with CMC & Process Excellence Leader to align with standards.
• Provide clear communication and stakeholder management across levels.

Skills

Biotechnology platform leadership

Strategy & roadmap development

Cross-functional leadership

Partnering & external collaborations

CMO/CDMO experience

Education

PhD in molecular biology/biotech or equivalent

Job description

The R&D Platform Leader – Biotechnology is accountable for defining, structuring, and executing EUROAPI’s Biotechnology R&D strategy. The role ensures the long-term strengthening of biotechnology capabilities anchored at the Saint Aubin les Elbeuf site, while complementing internal know how through targeted external partnerships. The Platform Leader brings strong scientific expertise and strategic leadership to coordinate biotechnology activities supporting CMO, CDMO projects and proprietary API development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy Definition and Clarification

• Define and continuously refine a clear Biotechnology platform strategy aligned with the company’s strategy.
• Translate the strategy into an actionable roadmap with clear priorities, milestones, and decision points.
• Clarify scope, interfaces, and operating model for internal and external biotechnology activities.

2. Elbeuf Platform Leadership and Capability Build‑Up

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for the Biotechnology platform anchored in Saint Aubin les Elbeuf.
• Establish a structured capability development approach, balancing ambition with realism.
• Ensure progressive increase in platform maturity and autonomy, avoiding unsustainable internalization strategies.

3. Skill Gap Analysis and People Development

• Conduct structured skill gap analyses covering technical, scientific, and managerial competencies across Biotechnology teams.
• Define and deploy targeted development plans to build critical expertise, strengthen leadership, and improve execution maturity.
• Support talent development, mentoring, and succession planning to reinforce long‑term platform robustness.

4. Partnerships: Leverage Existing Collaborations and Build Targeted Extensions

• Leverage existing technical partnerships managed by the innovation team, ensuring strong interfaces and effective value capture.
• Identify and structure additional targeted partnerships to complement missing capabilities and accelerate delivery.
• Provide technical challenge and participate in partner governance, ensuring scientific excellence, timelines, and effective knowledge transfer.

5. Cross‑Platform Synergies (Small Molecules and Peptides & Oligonucleotides)

• Work in close synergy with the Small Molecules and Peptides & Oligonucleotides platforms to maximize shared technologies, resources, and problem‑solving.
• Ensure smooth integration of biotechnology developments into other R&D platforms where relevant.

6. CMC Integration and Collaboration

• Partner closely with the CMC & Process Excellence Leader to align biotechnology projects with group CMC standards and gate review expectations.
• Contribute to structuring robust CMC practices within biotechnology projects, ensuring alignment with quality and regulatory guidelines across platforms.

7. Leadership, Communication, and Stakeholder Management

• Provide calm, structured, and high‑credibility leadership in a complex and evolving environment.
• Communicate effectively at all organizational levels, translating scientific and technical complexity into clear options and decisions.
• Create alignment across stakeholders and drive accountability with clarity and respect.

Dimension

• Direct management of the Elbeuf R&D Unit Leader and associated Biotechnology teams (ca. 20 FTE).
• Accountability for biotechnology capability build‑up at group level.
• Active contribution to strategic innovation programs and external partnership governance.

Profile and Experience

• Advanced scientific degree (PhD or equivalent) in molecular biology, biotechnology, bioprocess development, or a closely related field.
• Significant professional experience (typically 15–20+ years) in biotechnology or related industrial environments.
• Proven track record in building capabilities, leading through ambiguity, and delivering results in complex organizations.
• Solid experience working with external technical partnerships (industry, CDMOs, academia, consortia).

Key Competencies

• Strong expertise in biotechnology and bioprocess development in an industrial or CDMO context.
• Ability to define strategy and translate it into actionable roadmaps.
• Experience with CMC expectations, development robustness, and industrialization constraints.
• Fluent French required; Good working knowledge in English is mandatory.
• Strategic thinking combined with strong execution discipline.
• Structured and analytical mindset, with the ability to conduct assessments and drive change.
• High‑impact communication and influence across all organizational levels.
• Collaborative leadership style; natural connector across platforms and functions.
• Resilience and ownership mindset in evolving and demanding contexts.

Potential Career Evolutions

• Broader R&D leadership responsibilities within EUROAPI.
• Leadership roles in Strategy, Business or Industrial Operations.