Director of Process and Applications Development

The Director of Process & Applications Development will lead Astraveus’ Process & Applications Development organization, driving the development, optimization and industrialization of cell therapy manufacturing processes on Lakhesys™. The role combines leadership of internal process innovation initiatives with delivery of customer-facing development projects, ensuring the platform continuously expands its capabilities while creating value for therapeutic developers.

Leading a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, the Director will define strategy, allocate resources across multiple programs, and implement scalable, data-driven approaches to process development and optimization. Working closely with Business Development, Product, Engineering and external partners, this leader will play a key role in accelerating adoption of Lakhesys™ and advancing the future of cell therapy manufacturing.

The position reports to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, optimization, and industrialization of cell therapy manufacturing and analytical processes on the Lakhesys™.

• Define and execute the Process & Applications Development strategy, priorities and roadmap in alignment with company objectives.

• Manage and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of execution, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Allocate resources and oversee a portfolio of internal development programs and customer-facing projects, ensuring successful delivery against technical, quality and business objectives.

• Establish scalable, data-driven methodologies for process and analytical developments, their characterization and optimization, leveraging advanced analytics, and emerging AI capabilities.

• Partner closely with Product, Engineering, Quality and Business Development teams to translate customer needs into platform capabilities and product improvements.

• Serve as a senior technical representative for customer collaborations, supporting project execution, technology adoption, and long-term partnerships.

• Drive the development of process monitoring, analytics, and performance metrics to strengthen process robustness, scalability, and product quality.

• Explore and integrate digital and AI-enabled tools that enhance process development efficiency, process understanding and customer value delivery.

• Monitor industry, technology and regulatory trends to maintain Astraveus at the forefront of cell therapy manufacturing innovation.

• Contribute to company strategy, organizational development, and key business decisions with company leadership.

Technical skills:Advanced degree (MSc, PhD or equivalent experience) in biotechnology, bioengineering, life sciences or a related field.10+ years of experience in cell therapy, bioprocess development, manufacturing sciences or a related field, including significant leadership responsibilities.Demonstrated success developing, optimizing and scaling complex bioprocesses from early development through clinical trials and commercialization.Strong understanding of process development methodologies, experimental design, process characterization, and data-driven decision making.Experience managing cross-functional development programs involving technical, operational, and commercial stakeholders.Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems, advanced bioprocessing technologies or cell therapy manufacturing platforms is highly desirable.Working knowledge of GMP environments, technology transfer and regulatory expectations for advanced therapy products.Leadership and Interpersonal Skills:Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams.Strong program and resource management skills, with the ability to prioritize across multiple concurrent initiatives.Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical, commercial and executive audiences.Demonstrated success in customer-facing roles, strategic partnerships or external collaborations.Strategic, execution-oriented mindset with a strong focus on outcomes, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment and helping scale teams, processes and capabilities.Interest in leveraging digital, data and AI-enabled approaches to enhance process development and customer outcomes.