Director of Research and Development

About Client - They are building next-generation biotechnology platforms powered by synthetic biology, precision fermentation, metabolic engineering, and advanced bioprocessing. We are developing scalable, sustainable, and commercially viable bio-based products for global markets.

We are looking for a visionary and execution-driven Director - Science and Technology to lead our R&D and technology development efforts at our Bangalore Centre. This role will drive innovation across strain engineering, fermentation, downstream processing, analytical sciences, and technology scale-up while building a world-class scientific organization.

The Director / VP - Technology will be responsible for defining and executing the company's technology roadmap from early-stage research through pilot and commercial readiness. The ideal candidate is a strong scientific leader with deep expertise in industrial biotechnology, precision fermentation, synthetic biology, and scale-up sciences.

This leader will build and mentor multidisciplinary teams, establish robust R&D systems, and accelerate commercialization of differentiated biotech products. It will be responsible for all the internal and external R&D requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Technology & R&D Leadership

• Define and execute the company's long-term technology and innovation strategy.
• Lead platform development across: Strain engineering and; synthetic biology; Precision fermentation; Metabolic engineering; Bioprocess optimization; Downstream processing; Analytical method development; Regulatory and Patent & IP

• Drive translation of laboratory innovations into scalable commercial processes.
• Establish stage-gated R&aD execution frameworks with measurable milestones.

Scientific & Technical Excellence

• Oversee development of high-performing microbial/fungal/yeast production strains.
• Lead process development from bench scale to pilot scale and commercial readiness.
• Drive productivity improvement, yield optimization, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, documentation, and IP generation.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, platforms, and strategic partnerships.

Team Building & Organizational Leadership

• Build and mentor a world-class interdisciplinary scientific team.
• Recruit and develop scientists, engineers, and technical leaders.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, speed, and collaboration.
• Create strong cross-functional alignment with regulatory, manufacturing, business, and commercial teams.

Strategic & Business Contribution

• Participate in fundraising, technical due diligence, and investor interactions.
• Support partnership discussions with global biotech, food-tech, and ingredient companies.
• Contribute to portfolio prioritization and commercialization strategy.
• Identify opportunities for technology licensing, collaborations, and grants.

Operational & Compliance Responsibilities

• Establish and manage R&D centres (and systems), SOPs, and data management practices.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee budgeting, resource planning, and infrastructure development for the R&D centre.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
• 15-20+ years of relevant industry experience in industrial biotech, synthetic biology, fermentation, or bioprocess technology.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary R&D teams.
• Experience in taking technologies from lab to pilot/commercial scale.
• Strong publication, patent, and innovation track record preferred.
• Prior experience in startup or high-growth biotech environments is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with alternative proteins, specialty ingredients, enzymes, bioactives, or functional biomolecules.
• Exposure to regulatory pathways for food/industrial biotech products.
• Experience interacting with global customers, partners, or investors.
• Familiarity with techno-economic analysis and commercialization planning.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to build breakthrough biotechnology platforms.
• High-impact leadership role with strategic influence.
• Collaborative and innovation-driven culture.
• Competitive compensation, ESOPs, and long-term growth opportunities.
• Chance to shape the future of sustainable biotech innovation from India.