Senior Director of Bioplatforms

We are seeking a dynamic and technically skilled Senior Director of Bioplatforms to lead and expand our biological platform capabilities. This individual will be responsible for building and executing a strategy to develop scalable, robust, and reproducible bioplatforms for tissue acquisition, biomaterial generation and sample characterization through high-throughput profiling and imaging.

This is a pivotal role, providing strategic and operational leadership for maintaining and expanding samples access and clinical data, interrogating changes to the ECM across multiple pathologies and organ systems and designing a roadmap to acquire and characterize tissue and ECM at scale. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for scalable, reproducible biological platforms, ensuring high-quality and high-volume biospecimens, biomaterials and data generation
• Drive standardization and industrialization of ECM materials and biospecimens, improving quality and efficiency in processes and assays
• Drive the development and implementation of innovative imaging approaches to support biomarker strategies and translational research

Team & Organizational Management

• Directly manage two team leads for biospecimens and biomaterials, and drive recruitment, mentorship and career development within the bioplatforms team
• Foster a collaborative, high-accountability culture that encourages scientific rigor, innovation, and cross-functional engagement

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Ensure robust, reproducible workflows for samples acquisition, processing, and analysis, and enhance data and material throughput by optimizing and scaling platform operations
• Lead interactions with clinical, pathology, and biomaterials KOLs / consultants to develop strategies and solutions in support of internal program needs
• Maintain awareness of cutting-edge methodologies and tools to provide strategic direction for the integration of imaging technologies (e.g., IHC, mIF, spatial proteomics) to advance understanding of the ECM and tissue microenvironment
• Oversee the development and validation of multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) assays to investigate the pathologies associated with changes in the immune microenvironment, tumor stroma, and/or in the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix from human and preclinical tissues

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal and external discovery teams, data sciences, and external partners to align bioplatforms strategies with research and translational objectives, balance immediate project needs with long-term development, and optimize resource allocation and execution
• Establish and manage partnerships to enhance access to clinical samples and drive innovation in tissue-based assays
• Collaborate with the data sciences team to develop and optimize image analysis algorithms for quantitative pathology, and in general generate and integrate high-dimensional, high-quality datasets

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in pathology-focused translational sciences, biomarker development, and advanced tissue imaging technologies. They will also have strong leadership experience in biotech and pharma translational sciences, with a track record of team building, developing other leaders, and balancing immediate project needs against platform development.

Experience

• PhD, MD, or equivalent focused on fibrosis and immune-related pathologies, or a related field with a strong emphasis on translational research
• 10+ years of experience in biotech or pharma translational sciences, with a proven track record of standardizing and scaling biological platforms in fibrosis, immunology, or related fields
• Proven expertise in developing and applying mIF and IHC assays for preclinical and clinical research
• Experience in biospecimen management, tissue handling, and qualification of biomaterials
• A strong understanding of relevant regulations and ethical guidelines related to biospecimen research, including HTA, HIPAA, GDPR, and IRB requirements

Skills

• Strong knowledge of tissue fibrosis and immune microenvironment pathology required
• Strong sense of accountability and ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience evaluating changes in extracellular matrix composition and structures in the context of tissue fibrosis and/or tumour stroma biology preferred
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to lead complex research projects
• Effective communication and leadership skills, with a track record of mentoring, team building, and developing future leaders
• Proficiency in working within cross-functional teams and external partnerships

• Be part of a motivated, dynamic and diverse team supporting cutting edge drug discovery 
• State of the art offices and laboratories at the Westworks, White City
• Competitive reward package including private medical insurance, bonus, pension, and much more!