Associate Director, R&D

PEAK LIFECYCLES HR, dedicated to Life Sciences and global Care Markets, is part of Cornerstone International Group, ranked among the Top 40 Global Executive Search firms by Hunt Scanlon. Our global footprint combines international impact with deep local knowledge. We specialise in anticipating emerging skills, identifying new strategic expertise, and securing the leaders who will shape the future of the healthcare ecosystemOur client, Abivax, is a publicly listed clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. As the company enters a pivotal phase of accelerated clinical development, Abivax is strengthening its R&D organisation to support the next stages of its scientific and clinical trajectory.To support this critical phase, Abivax is now opening an Associate Director, R&D position, based in Montpellier (France). This role sits within the core Research organisation and plays a central role in structuring research activities, strengthening scientific execution, and supporting the generation of robust, decision-driving data for the company’s programs.The position combines scientific leadership, people management, and operational structuring. It carries full managerial responsibility from day one and contributes directly to the quality, consistency, and prioritisation of research activities in a demanding clinical-stage environment.Key ResponsibilitiesThe Associate Director, R&D acts as a senior leader within the Research team, with full managerial responsibility and a strong mandate to bring structure, clarity, and momentum to a historically established group operating in a rapidly evolving environment.The role involves leading and coordinating the Research team on a day-to-day basis, setting clear scientific and operational priorities, and ensuring accountability across projects. A key objective is to support the team in moving towards a more structured, project-driven mode of operation, with clear timelines, realistic planning, and shared methodologies, while preserving the team’s cohesion and scientific engagement.The Associate Director contributes directly to the planning, execution, and interpretation of research programs in molecular immunology and autoimmune diseases. This includes overseeing in vitro and in vivo activities, supporting experimental design, and ensuring that data generated internally or through CROs are robust, interpretable, and aligned with program objectives.A central part of the role is to strengthen coordination between internal activities and external partners, including CROs, ensuring smooth articulation between what is performed in-house and what should be outsourced. The Associate Director plays a key role in helping the team develop discernment in decision-making, notably in distinguishing priorities from urgencies, assessing feasibility, and anticipating risks related to timelines, resources, or execution.The position requires close scientific coordination with Translational Research and Clinical Development teams to ensure alignment and effective information flow, particularly as research outputs increasingly feed into clinical development. Translational activities remain under a dedicated function.The Associate Director also has a strong responsibility in structuring processes, documentation, and methodologies, with the objective of building reliable, transferable, and scalable ways of working. This includes supporting the team through a period of transformation, with a strong emphasis on pedagogy, communication, and change management within a small, highly committed, and historically rooted group.Finally, the role includes presenting scientific results, project progress, and recommendations to senior management and governance bodies, contributing to a coherent and credible scientific narrative that supports Abivax’s clinical programs and long-term strategy.Candidate ProfileSenior R&D professional with a strong academic background in immunology, molecular biology, or a related life sciences field, and approximately 7 to 10 years of industry experience in autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. Demonstrated experience leading research activities and managing scientific teams in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment is required.The ideal candidate combines scientific rigor with the ability to structure, prioritise, and coordinate work in a complex, fast-moving organisation. Strong communication skills, sound scientific judgement, and the ability to work effectively across functions are essential. Fluent English is required. French is a plus.What This Role OffersA key leadership position within a highly visible, listed biotech at a defining moment of its clinical development. The opportunity to play a hands-on role in structuring research activities and supporting programs with significant medical impact. A collaborative, international environment where scientific quality and execution directly influence clinical and strategic outcomes.