Director Space Biology
Location: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
Type: Full time
About ALATYR
ALATYR is a pioneering space biotech startup, leveraging the unique advantages of microgravity to advance human health. We are developing a fully robotic space infrastructure to make advanced research and biomanufacturing accessible and scalable. With this groundbreaking technological platform, we aim to create a pipeline of high-value biotech applications on Earth to drive large-scale commercial market development. Join us to push the boundaries of science, technology, and innovation in a rapidly growing sector at the intersection of life sciences and space exploration.
Role Overview
As the Director of Space Biology, reporting to the CEO, you will play a critical role in shaping ALATYR’s scientific vision and strategy. You will lead ALATYR’s efforts to drive innovation in space biotech research and bioproduction, translate cutting-edge research into commercial solutions, and oversee the development of ALATYR’s first biotech applications. You will work closely with academic partners, commercial users, and internal teams, ensuring the highest standards of scientific rigor and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to lead pioneering R&D at the nexus of space and biotechnology.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership: Define the strategic direction of ALATYR’s biology R&D efforts, aligning them with broader business objectives and ensuring scientific innovation.
Research Oversight: Lead the development of biological research and bioproduction protocols in microgravity, ensuring all processes meet scientific and operational mission requirements.
Process Integration Support: Ensure biological processes are effectively incorporated into ALATYR’s robotic space systems through collaboration with engineering teams.
Data Analysis: Analyze experimental results, ensuring the highest scientific rigor, and generate actionable insights.
Scientific Reporting: Document findings and prepare reports for internal use, partners, and external publications.
Innovation: Drive a forward-thinking research agenda, identifying and incorporating cutting-edge technologies to maintain ALATYR’s leadership in the promising space biotech sector.
Business Intelligence: Conduct regular reviews of scientific publications on microgravity experiments in space, summarizing key discoveries and identifying potential applications.
Team Management: Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary biology R&D team, fostering collaboration and guiding scientific progress towards company goals.
Translational Research: Design and oversee studies aimed at translating space bioproduction technologies into practical clinical and pharmaceutical applications.
Funding & Grant Writing: Collaborate with the Business Development team to secure funding through grants and partnerships, while managing internal R&D budgets.
Partnerships & Collaboration: Work with the Business Development team to establish strategic international partnerships with leading research institutes and pharmaceutical companies.
Communication & Advocacy: Represent ALATYR in both academic and industry forums through publications, presentations, and conferences.
Qualifications
PhD in Biology or Biotechnology: Specialization in translational research, with experience in biotech, particularly in 3D cell culture (e.g., organoid development, organ-on-chips, tissue engineering) and bioproduction.
Proven Leadership Experience: Track record of managing R&D teams, leading scientific projects, and driving innovation, ideally within a biotech startup as a CSO or Head of R&D.
Expertise in Bioproduction Systems: Proficiency in cell culture techniques, and translational research methodologies; familiarity with bioreactors and microfluidics is a plus.
Creative & Innovative Thinker: Ability to identify new opportunities for biotech in microgravity, and translate them into actionable research strategies.
Global Perspective: Understanding of the global biotech landscape, with a vision for how ALATYR can be at the forefront of space-based biotechnology.
Grant Writing & Publications: Demonstrated success in securing research funding and, preferably, a strong history of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary and international environment (fluent English).
Passion for innovation, with enthusiasm for exploring the intersection of biology and space technology.
What We Offer
Join transformative projects at the forefront of space, robotics, and biotechnology, shaping the future and delivering meaningful benefits to society.
Experience hand-on involvement with bio-facilities and experiments rapidly deployed in space.
Broaden your horizon while working alongside a highly experienced, world-class team.
Enjoy a dynamic workplace nestled in a natural setting in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris.
Share in the company’s growth and success through stock options.
How to Apply
If you are an innovative, hands-on professional passionate about advancing biotechnology and space exploration, we encourage you to apply.
Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and motivation to contribute to
ALATYR’s mission to contact@alatyr.space.
