Head of R&D

Responsibilities

• Lead China‑based R&D activities, including the establishment and management of a new innovation laboratory and its core scientific team.
• Drive the regional innovation roadmap, focusing on advanced chemistry, automation, digital innovation, and next‑generation technology adoption.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure new technologies from local academic, industrial, and commercial ecosystems; build partnerships that support future R&D capability expansion.
• Oversee the delivery of research programs from early concept through execution, ensuring strong alignment with global scientific and strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain high‑value relationships with external scientists, technology partners, universities, and institutes.
• Guide team development, capability building, and talent growth within the R&D organization.
• Champion a culture of innovation, data‑driven decision‑making, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Represent China R&D in internal scientific forums and global leadership discussions.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or CDMO‑related R&D environments; experience leading scientific teams or R&D organizations is essential.
• Strong scientific grounding in synthetic chemistry; exposure to bioconjugation or related modalities is advantageous.
• Familiarity with automation technologies, digital R&D tools, data science applications, or modelling is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to build external partnerships and maintain strong networks within scientific and technology ecosystems.
• Excellent leadership capabilities, with experience driving organizational change and capability expansion.
• Fluent English; ability to operate effectively in global‑matrix environments.