What are the responsibilities and job description for the HEAD OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT position at Gibson Watts?
Please Note : This position requires relocation to Copenhagen, Denmark. Candidates should only apply if they are able to move to this location. Relocation assistance will be provided. Head of R&D Denmark About the Company Our client is an innovative clean-tech start-up on a mission to reduce global CO? emissions by transforming industrial waste gases into valuable, carbon-negative chemicals. Using advanced fermentation processes, theyre turning environmental challenges into sustainable solutions. With backing from major venture capital investors and a strategic growth trajectory, theyre poised for global impact and need a visionary Head of R&D to help lead the way. Role Overview The Head of R&D will be instrumental in driving the companys bioprocess development, overseeing advanced strain engineering and bioprocess optimization. This leader will focus on innovation in strain development, as well as the refinement of existing products and processes. If youre a skilled scientific leader passionate about sustainable biotechnology and well-versed in anaerobic and thermophilic strains, this role offers the chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in green chemistry. Key Responsibilities Strain Development and Optimization : Lead efforts to enhance product yield and improve strain performance through advanced biological and chemical processes. Product Innovation and Process Efficiency : Spearhead R&D projects aimed at optimizing existing products and developing new, sustainable offerings for diverse industries. Strategic Project Management : Collaborate with senior management to establish project priorities and lead R&D initiatives, aligning with company objectives for rapid growth and scale-up. Team Leadership : Provide direction and mentorship to R&D staff, setting clear goals that drive progress and innovation across multidisciplinary teams. Qualifications 5 years of industrial R&D experience in strain development, ideally with expertise in anaerobic and thermophilic strains. Advanced degree (Ph.D. or MSc) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field. Strong project management and strategic planning skills, with experience taking products from lab development to large-scale production. Proven ability to interpret complex scientific data, with expertise in metabolic engineering or related fields. Effective communicator skilled in translating scientific insights into actionable plans and engaging with stakeholders across various functions. Company Culture Our client promotes a culture of grit, ambition, unconventional thinking, and urgency. Innovation and resilience are at the core of their work. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that values enthusiasm, proactive solutions, and the drive to meet the challenges of scaling sustainable biotechnology. If youre a creative thinker with expertise in fermentation technology and a passion for tackling global environmental challenges, we encourage you to apply.