We are looking for a Head of R&D for a Baby Nutrition company where you will be spearheading our mission by revolutionizing infant nutrition and disrupting a 150 year old industry through the creation of an "as close to breast milk" fully hypoallergenic, immunity-boosting alternative to the current cow-milk-based infant formula standard. With a focus on microbiome research, organoid models, and innovative formulation & fermentation techniques, your leadership role will guide the complex journey from groundbreaking scientific discovery to regulatory approval for the next generation of baby formulas. By leading with innovation, scientific excellence, and strategic foresight, the Head of R&D will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of infant nutrition and health through the development of safe, efficacious, and cutting-edge nutritional solutions that set new standards in infant care.
Key ResponsibilitiesScientific Leadership & Vision: Partner closely with the CEO and broader Leadership Team to cultivate a visionary approach to scientific strategy, translating that vision into corporate and team level OKRs (Objectives & Key Results), while ensuring our research direction continuously re-calibrates and aligns with both immediate and long-term company goals.
Comprehensive Research Strategy: Craft and execute a robust research strategy that encompasses microbiome analysis, organoid technology, and formulation sciences. Work closely with the Head of Regulatory Affairs to ensure our research is designed to meet stringent FDA regulatory standards for safety and efficacy.
Innovative Product Development: Drive the creation and formulation of novel infant nutrition products. Leverage advanced research methodologies to ensure our offerings are at the forefront of scientific innovation, safety, and efficacy.
Clinical Trials & Regulatory Excellence: Oversee the design and management of clinical trials, ensuring they are scientifically rigorous and comply with all regulatory requirements. Lead interactions with the FDA to facilitate the approval process for new products.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs Integration: Work closely with the quality assurance and regulatory affairs teams to embed scientific excellence into every aspect of product development and compliance.
Fundraising Support: Partner closely with the CEO on financing and business development activities including roadshow presentations, diligence interactions/requests, and thought leadership efforts to showcase our Baby Nutrition as the innovation forerunner for next generation infant nutrition.
Strategic Partnerships: Forge and nurture strategic collaborations with leading research institutions and KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders). Utilize these partnerships to enhance our scientific capabilities and accelerate product innovation.
Intellectual Property Management: Lead the strategic development and management of our intellectual property portfolio, ensuring our innovations are protected and leveraged effectively.
Leadership & Development: Build and mentor a top-tier scientific team while showcasing desired leadership behaviors to the rest of the organization. Cultivate a culture of C.A.R.E. which embodies our foundational values of empathy, collaboration, authenticity accountability, appreciation and scientific excellence within your team and broader employee community.
Thought Leadership: Participate in external facing communications opportunities such as scientific conferences, ecosystem panels, and relevant scientific interviews and publications (including white papers for scientific journals) to build credibility and brand recognition of our research and products.
Desired Competencies & BehaviorsHuman-centric Visionary Leadership: Ability to envision the future of infant nutrition and guide scientific exploration/innovation to realize that vision, while employing empathetic accountability for all levels of the organization.
Strategic Thinking: Skill in translating complex scientific information into actionable business strategies, corporate/team-level goals and research priorities.
Collaborative Mindset: Strong interpersonal and contextual communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with external partners.
Resilience & Adaptability: Capable of navigating the challenges of a seed-stage to Series A company, adapting strategies as needed, and driving progress in a dynamic research environment.
Ethical Integrity: Commitment to conducting research with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, especially when it involves infant health and nutrition.
Desired Qualifications & Technical Skills

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (nutritional science, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, or similar).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in scientific research and development, with a significant portion in leadership roles, preferably in the infant nutrition industry or a closely related field.
• Proven expertise in microbiome research, organoid models, and nutritional formulation**, with a comprehensive understanding of the implications for infant nutrition and health.
• Strong track record in leading scientific teams and projects from concept through to commercialization, with specific achievements in innovative product development.
• Familiarity with clinical trial design and management, including experience in overseeing trials focused on infant nutrition and safety.
• Experience with FDA regulatory pathways, particularly in navigating the approval process for new nutritional products.

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Michael Montevideo - Executive Recruiter
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