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.

• 1st interview with Manon (HRBP)

• Fit interview with Ken (CTO)

• Onsite interview with Managers and futurs managees

• Final Interview with Jérémie (CEO)