R&D Director

· Are you an entrepreneurial, highly qualified chemist seeking an exciting new challenge?
· Does the freedom and responsibility of decision making, leading and managing a small, expert scientist team appeal to you?
· Can you lead by example, producing hands-on lab work and research to generate ground-breaking results?
If the answer to these questions is YES, our new R&D Director role at CytaCoat AB could be the next exciting step in your career.
CytaCoat is developing technologies that have the potential to transform multiple medical device areas. The CytaCoat anti-microbial coating is organic chemistry based and the process can be adapted for devices used in many different indications, where prevention of bacterial colonization, bio-film formation and infection prevention can have a huge beneficial impact for patients, practitioners and health care costs.
This new R&D Director role will report to the CEO with a dotted line to the COO and is based in Solna, in the northern part of Stockholm, at the old Karolinska University Hospital site in spacious, dedicated laboratory facilities.
Main tasks:
· Plan, manage, execute and document all Research & Development activities of the company. This includes all laboratory work and the scaled-up development work undertaken in our brand-new pilot production plant.
· Conduct hands-on experimental work and lead the lab by example.
· Strengthen the scientific basis of CytaCoat - clarify and underpin the mode of action, including development and management of science collaborations and development of a science communication (publication) strategy.
· Plan, manage, execute and document the R&D work that supports the intellectual property strategy and activities of the company.
· Daily management, mentoring and development of PhD level organic and polymer chemists and microbiologists.
· Keep the laboratory equipped and able to perform needed experimental work, tests and assays as required. Develop and validate new test methods as needed.
· Provide a supporting role to the CEO and COO in interacting with key stakeholders and reporting and presenting to the Board about company activities.
· Together with the CEO and COO, participate as required in meetings with potential investors and licensing partners.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION:
· Educated to at least PhD level. Preferably with significant experience in polymer chemistry and up to date with analytical methods and techniques. Knowledge and experience of microbiology and / or biochemistry would be advantageous.
· Have a record of previous medical device R&D management.
· Have a record of scientific credibility. Experience in authoring peer reviewed journal publications would be advantageous.
· Experience in authoring and managing patents and intellectual property would be advantageous.
· Experience in working in smaller entrepreneurial environments.
· International experience, ideally including working across Europe and USA.
· An understanding of how R&D supports medical device Quality Management Systems and regulatory requirements.
· Fluency in written and spoken English.
Critical Competencies for Success
· Understanding polymer and organic chemistry in depth.
· Understanding microbiological testing and protocols.
· Being able to interact with high credibility with leading scientists and key opinion leaders regarding the mode of action of our anti-microbial coating.
· Knowledge of patent processes and how to manage an IP portfolio would be advantageous.
· Demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial mindset and understanding of the opportunities and challenges related to building businesses.
· Negotiating and closing deals with potential suppliers and collaborators and looking into a future due diligence – where should CytaCoat be for an external licensor to be willing to adopt our technology?
· Communicating and presenting with confidence and enthusiasm the benefits of the technology to relevant stakeholders.
· Able to build a deep insight into the competitive technology landscape to in turn be able to define a strong positioning for our technology.
· Leadership and facilitation: In a small team with high ambitions it is important that the ideal candidate demonstrates strong management skills for the process and team by:
o Inspiring and motivating the team through a high degree of involvement, hands-on experimental work leading by example and team work / team alignment
o Managing the projects and processes internally whilst also managing key stakeholders by frequent contact / visits
Personal Characteristics
· High integrity.
· Analytical and commercial mind-set with ability to drive change.
· Proactive, extrovert and good at building relationships.
· Able to execute process and structure management.
· High drive and focused on creating results.
· Ambitious, energetic, driven to succeed but able to work as a team player.
· Good social skills, motivating and enthusiastic.