Directing bioengineering efforts at Recombia, a Lesaffre Group company, is the core of this role, driving innovation in platform and product development, and lab operations. The Director will lead a team of scientists, overseeing projects from early-stage R&D through industrialization, and collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders to accelerate progress in biomanufacturing. This position suits a visionary leader with a passion for advancing bioengineering and a track record of translating research into scalable solutions.
Responsibilities
Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs
Lead, mentor, and support a team of scientists, providing technical guidance, career development, and performance feedback
Foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment
Coach and develop employees
Strengthen collaboration between the San Francisco team, LIST Bioengineering teams, and other Centers of Excellence (CoEs)
Work closely with Business Unit (BU) representatives, quality/regulatory/legal teams, and external research partners (e.g., CROs)
Ensure seamless communication and alignment across internal and external stakeholders
Evaluate new project opportunities and conduct technical feasibility assessments
Develop and execute technical plans, including risk analysis and resource allocation
Provide hands-on technical mentorship to the team, ensuring high-quality execution and troubleshooting
Monitor project progress, ensuring timely delivery of technical milestones
Drive collaborations with Business Units (BUs) and external customers to identify new project opportunities
Explore and pursue new business opportunities through conferences, customer meetings, and industry engagements
Partner with the Sr. Vice President of Bioengineering and Biofoundry leaders to improve operational efficiency and address gaps
Support annual budget planning and strategic initiatives for Recombia
Oversee lab operations, including procurement, safety, and equipment maintenance
Lead or support company events (e.g., workshops, symposiums, site visits)
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
PhD degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, chemistry, bioengineering)
15+ years of industry research experience with demonstrated impact through publications and/or patents
Deep expertise in metabolic engineering of yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Yarrowia lipolytica), with hands-on experience engineering other organisms, and a proven track record of translating research into industrialized products
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Tailored applications submitted
Proven ability to navigate the full development lifecycle from concept through commercialization
Extensive experience leading cross-functional, multi-level teams
Strong strategic planning capabilities with the ability to align research initiatives with business objectives
Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts and build consensus
Solid understanding of laboratory operations and scientific research processes
Proficient / familiarity in statistical analysis with experience in common tools such as MS Excel, Power BI, and/or JMP
Proficient in LIMS systems such as Benchling
Passion for biotech innovation, with a "startup mentality" tempered by industrial experience
Experience in biomanufacturing and research, development and innovation environment
Ability to travel 10-15% of the time within North America and occasionally internationally
Nice to have:
Background in food manufacturing, health and wellness, flavor, and/or specialty chemical industries
Benefits
Opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability
Comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match
11 paid holidays
Ability to leverage your expertise and make a tangible, meaningful impact on the business and our sustainability initiatives
Opportunities for continuous growth and development, including the ability to take on new challenges and collaborate across our international business units
About the Company
Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in fermentation for over 170 years, transforming industries from baking to healthcare. A global player with a presence in 96 countries, it employs 11,000 innovators. Recombia Biosciences, part of the Lesaffre Group since 2022, specializes in developing and commercializing cutting-edge microbial solutions using advanced biotechnology to create customized microbial strains with enhanced functionalities through precision fermentation.
Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been used by humans for brewing and baking for thousands of years.
