Principal Scientist
Location:
Ireland (on-site)
Reports to:
C-Suite
Summary
I'm working with an exciting biotech who are looking for their first Head of Translational to lead their scientific direction and hands-on lab execution for novel cell & gene therapies. Your role will be to drive programs from discovery into preclinical development and IND/CTA enabling stages. Work cross functionally with internal teams and external partners to advance multiple therapeutic candidates. This is not just an opportunity to work at the cutting edge but the bleeding edge of science, my client is looking for strong scientific experience and extensive experience in team leadership, management and building with future growth potential around 20 headcount. They are open to EU wide and international candidates and willing to offer support to bring the right person into the team.
Responsibilities:
* You will own the scientific strategy and experimental leadership across discovery programs
* Design and deliver preclinical studies focused on delivery, efficacy, safety, and MoA
* Develop and validate molecular and cellular potency/identity assays
* Lead cross-functional project planning with CMC, translational and regulatory groups
* Manage collaborations with CRO/academia/industry partners
* Guide IP-relevant innovation and scientific documentation
* Mentor R&D team members and promote lab excellence and compliance
* Ensure data integrity, SOP adherence, equipment stewardship and safety standards
Required Experience:
* PhD in life sciences discipline (molecular/cell biology, gene therapy, immunology etc.)
* 5–7+ years post PhD experience in biotech or advanced biologics
* Proven Translational ability to progress therapeutics through discovery to IND enabling work
* Expertise in molecular & cellular engineering (RNA, gene delivery, transfection etc.)
* Experience with advanced cell & gene therapies highly advantageous
* Experience working with regulatory teams and frameworks
* Hands-on analytical assay design and interpretation (e.g, qPCR, flow, ELISA, Western)
* Familiarity with upstream/downstream process development and scale-up
* Understanding of GLP/GMP alignment and documentation for regulatory submissions
* Skilled in cross-functional leadership and navigating fast-moving biotech settings
Preferred
* Respiratory or oncology models
* Experience supporting IND/CTA or IMPD enabling studies
Personal Qualities
* Hands on, proactive scientific leadership
* Strong organisation, analytical thinking, and attention to detail
* Resilient, collaborative and motivated by translational impact
What's Offered
* Lead cutting edge programs in gene delivery and regenerative medicine
* Visible role in a high growth biotech with major unmet need focus
* Competitive salary and performance-linked compensation