Laboratory Team Leader, Drug Development

Play a pivotal role in shaping early development programmes across biologics and small molecules in a dynamic global setting.

Laboratory Team Leader, Drug Development

Location: Central France (on-site working)

Salary: €55,000 - €65,000 + 5% bonus + benefits

Job Overview

Proclinical is partnered with a leading global biopharmaceutical organisation, seeking an experienced Laboratory Team Leader to join its Pharmaceutical Development team. This key leadership role supports non-clinical drug development across biologics and small molecules.

The position sits at the intersection of Translational Sciences, Immunoanalysis, Bioanalysis and non-clinical development, with responsibility for delivering high-quality scientific outputs from early-stage research through to proof-of-concept.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary laboratory teams (scientists, postdoctoral researchers, technicians and research associates)
• Oversee day‑to‑day lab operations, ensuring delivery of high‑quality, timely scientific data
• Drive non‑clinical drug development activities including in vitro pharmacology, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics and bioanalysis
• Ensure full compliance with EHS, regulatory and quality standards (including GxP where applicable)
• Manage laboratory infrastructure, equipment, CAPEX planning and vendor/CRO interactions
• Act as a central point of coordination across Translational Sciences, Bioanalysis, Immunoanalysis and wider R&D teams
• Develop, coach and retain talent, including performance management and career development planning
• Optimise processes, lab organisation, documentation and knowledge sharing (eLN, SharePoint, Teams)
• Support strategic decision‑making around assay feasibility, outsourcing and scientific direction

Key Requirements for the Laboratory Team Leader

• PhD in Life Sciences with postdoctoral training
• Proven experience managing laboratory teams (5+ people) within biotech, pharmaceutical or CRO environments.
• Strong background in non‑clinical drug development (e.g. in vitro pharmacology, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, bioanalysis)
• Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary, matrix environments
• Experience in laboratory operations, resource planning, and equipment management
• Excellent organisational and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Fluent English and French required

This opportunity offers the chance to lead within a highly collaborative, cutting‑edge research environment, playing a critical role in advancing early‑stage drug development.