Director of Bioengineering (Recombia)

For over 170 years, Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in the world of fermentation, harnessing the power of microorganisms to transform industries from baking to healthcare. As a key global player, we've built a presence in 96 countries, employing 11,000 passionate innovators who share our unwavering commitment to excellence. Our 3-billion euro enterprise collaborates with visionary customers, partners, and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bioactives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being, and improve plant nutrition.

Recombia Biosciences is a dynamic and innovative company that specializes in developing and commercializing cutting-edge microbial solutions. As part of the Lesaffre Group since 2022, Recombia leverages extensive expertise in fermentation and microbiology to apply advanced biotechnology, such as metabolic and genome engineering and synthetic biology, in creating customized microbial strains with enhanced functionalities using precision fermentation. Recombia's mission is to blend biology, engineering, automation, and informatics to improve organism engineering, screening, selection, and scale-up for a wide portfolio of precision fermentation and biomass production applications, serving diverse industries including baking, brewing, bioethanol, flavors, food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Ability to leverage your expertise and make a tangible, meaningful impact on the business and our sustainability initiatives.
• Opportunities for continuous growth and development, including the ability to take on new challenges and collaborate across our international business units.

Responsibilities

• Safety
  • Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs.
  • As a leader, set the example for others to follow.
• People Management (15%)
  • Lead, mentor, and support a team of scientists, providing technical guidance, career development, and performance feedback.
  • Foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
  • Coach and develop employees.
• Team Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement (30%)
  • Strengthen collaboration between the San Francisco team, LIST Bioengineering teams, and other Centers of Excellence (CoEs).
  • Work closely with Business Unit (BU) representatives, quality/regulatory/legal teams, and external research partners (e.g., CROs).
  • Ensure seamless communication and alignment across internal and external stakeholders.
• Project & Product Development (35%)
  • Evaluate new project opportunities and conduct technical feasibility assessments.
  • Develop and execute technical plans, including risk analysis and resource allocation.
  • Provide hands-on technical mentorship to the team, ensuring high-quality execution and troubleshooting.
  • Monitor project progress, ensuring timely delivery of technical milestones.
• Business Development (10%)
  • Drive collaborations with Business Units (BUs) and external customers to identify new project opportunities.
  • Explore and pursue new business opportunities through conferences, customer meetings, and industry engagements.
• Operational & Strategic Support (10%)
  • Partner with the Sr. Vice President of Bioengineering and Biofoundry leaders to improve operational efficiency and address gaps.
  • Support annual budget planning and strategic initiatives for Recombia.
  • Oversee lab operations, including procurement, safety, and equipment maintenance.
  • Lead or support company events (e.g., workshops, symposiums, site visits).
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• PhD degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, chemistry, bioengineering).
• 15+ years of industry research experience with demonstrated impact through publications and/or patents.
• Deep expertise in metabolic engineering of yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Yarrowia lipolytica) with hands-on experience engineering other organisms, and a proven track record of translating research into industrialized products.
• Proven ability to navigate the full development lifecycle from concept through commercialization.
• Extensive experience leading cross-functional, multi-level teams.
• Strong strategic planning capabilities with the ability to align research initiatives with business objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts and build consensus.
• Solid understanding of laboratory operations and scientific research processes.
• Proficient/familiarity in statistical analysis with experience in common tools such as MS Excel, Power BI, and/or JMP.
• Proficient in LIMS systems such as Benchling.
• Passion for biotech innovation, with a “startup mentality” tempered by industrial experience.
• Experience in biomanufacturing and research, development, and innovation environment.
• Ability to travel 10-15% of the time within North America and occasionally internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in food manufacturing, health and wellness, flavor, and/or specialty chemical industries is preferred.

Pay

$190,000 - $280,000 annually commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match.
• 11 paid holidays.