Position Overview:

As part of our continuous growth and commitment to innovation, we are seeking a hands-on and experienced Head of Single Use Microfluidic R&D to lead our R&D efforts and oversee the entire microfluidic project lifecycle, from product concept to commercial launch. This is a strategic leadership position that will be crucial in driving the successful development of our cutting-edge microfluidics-based products.

You will lead a diverse, cross-functional team consisting of 8 professionals, including 3 direct reports with specialized expertise in microfluidics and instrument design, prototyping, and testing. The team’s collective skills span across product development, engineering, materials science, and project management, offering a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. Your leadership will be instrumental in guiding this team, optimizing workflows, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products. This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of our R&D strategy while playing a pivotal role in bringing transformative technologies to market.

Location: Kremlin Bicêtre

Reports to: CTO

Main responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic R&D plans for the advancement of microfluidics technology, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall business strategy and goals.

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional R&D team to deliver product innovation, fostering a collaborative environment with other departments, including QARA, IP, Operations, and other key stakeholders. Ensure effective communication and alignment across teams to meet both technical and business objectives.

• Take ownership of the R&D projects, from the early idea stage through design, development, and testing, all the way to successful product launch. Oversee the transition from lab prototypes to scalable solutions, ensuring timely delivery, within budget, and in adherence to quality standards.

• Provide technical leadership and deep expertise in microfluidics. Work closely with team members to design, iterate, and optimize microfluidic systems and collaborate with the application team to ensure seamless integration into real-world applications.

• Drive product innovation and development by refining product concepts, develop prototypes, and test under real-world conditions. Oversee the process to ensure the final product meets the intended performance and reliability standards, and proactively drive product improvements based on feedback.

• Continuously improve development processes and methodologies. Champion the adoption of new tools, techniques, and approaches to increase efficiency and innovation within the team.

• Identify potential risks in product development and industrialization, and proactively implement strategies. Lead troubleshooting and iterative design to provide technical solutions and overcome challenges.

• Manage and track project budgets effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet R&D milestones. Take ownership of project planning, forecasting, and risk management, ensuring the appropriate allocation of funding and adherence to financial constraints.

• Work closely with HR to attract, retain, and develop top talent within the team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Experience and knowledge:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing single-use or bioprocessing projects. Experience with microfluidics-based projects is a plus.

• Proven success in leading the development of products from concept to commercial launch, including experience in scaling up for production.

• Strong experience in project management, including design control-based product development, with a clear understanding of full product life cycle management, from design through to commercialization.

• Extensive experience with product development challenges specific to bioprocessing consumable technologies or plastic engineering or microfluidics, including addressing barriers to industrialization such as manufacturability, cost, and quality control.

• Established track record in managing complex, cross-functional projects with a demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and resources effectively.

• Proven ability to inspire and lead high-performance teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and senior management.

• Knowledge of Intellectual Property and confidentiality management best practices, particularly in the contect of innovative product development.

• Proficient in design control processes for product development, hands-on eperience with ISO 13 485 quality management system is highly prefered.

Interpersonal and Leadership Skills:

• Demonstrated success in managing and developing diverse teams

• Excellent communication skills in English and French (verbal and written)

• Ability to present technical information in a synthetic and crisp way to senior management to enable unbiased decision making

• Optimistic, opportunity-seeking mindset

• High motivation to work in a dynamic, diverse and agile environment

• Ability to constructively lead teams through ambiguous situations

• Highly collaborative, with a track record of working effectively in a fast-paced, start-up environment.

• High mental flexibility to anticipate and guide teams through change

• Passion for technological advancement and innovation

• 1st interview with Manon (HR BP)

• Fit interview with Vita (Head of People) & Manon (HR BP)

• Technical interview with Paul & Nghia (Team Leaders)

• Final Interview with Jérémie (CEO) & Anna (Head of People)