What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Research and Development position at ZBiotics?
About the role
Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including and relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.
An exceptional opportunity to lead research and development at a successful, self-sufficient startup leveraging biotechnology in the consumer space.
You’ll lead a small team of scientists developing new genetically engineered bacteria for use in ZBiotics-branded consumer products and improving and validating existing ones. Report directly to the CEO and continue to build the fundamental cornerstone of our business : our novel invented ingredients that make our products unique, powerful, impactful, and exciting. Work cross-functionally with our product, marketing, and quality departments to ensure our research and development support the company mission, vision, and overall success of the business.
About ZBiotics
At ZBiotics, we make genetically engineered probiotics that improve daily life. As a group of motivated yet down-to-earth people, we are fueled by two things : a love for science and a commitment to being people-first. GMO products like ours, built to create benefits for people in their daily lives, are the future. As the first to market, we believe it’s our duty to set a high bar for product quality, safety, and transparency for others to follow.
In 2019, we launched the world’s first genetically engineered probiotic : a 15mL probiotic drink designed to break down an alcohol byproduct that leads to rough mornings after drinking. Since then, ZBiotics’ business has continued to grow rapidly year over year.
We are preparing to launch our second product, a genetically engineered probiotic with a new function related to microbiome health.
ZBiotics is profitable, headquartered in San Francisco, and backed by venture investors including Y Combinator, Khosla Ventures, and Social Capital, among others.
Your responsibilities
Manage people. Manage projects. Manage technology.
R&D leadership
- Lead the technical elements of R&D.
- Craft the vision and lead the implementation of our genetically engineered probiotics pipeline, including new strain / function development, chassis improvements, and validation of strain performance.
- Help the R&D scientists with experimental design and data interpretation, as necessary.
- Guide research projects and appropriately prioritize lab work and experimentation to ensure alignment with company goals and create maximum value.
- Ensure the lab is well-run, well-staffed, and well-resourced.
- Manage and inspire the R&D team, be a leader, and create an excellent work experience for your department.
- Manage the budget, set goals, and track progress towards those goals for the R&D department.
Company leadership
Desired experience
This job is a leadership position that will direct ZBiotics’s R&D to help drive the company forward toward its mission and vision. There is an expectation of autonomy and strategy, leading and supporting product development while coordinating with Marketing, Product, Quality and Safety, and Operations.
Desired qualifications are listed below. However, we recognize that ZBiotics is relatively unique in its position straddling biotechnology and consumer products. If your experience does not perfectly match the description below – but you’re excited about the opportunity – please apply!
Experience nice-to-haves
This role is for you if …
Benefits
We believe in a life well-lived. ZBiotics offers competitive benefits for a life outside of work, including : health / dental, 401(k) matching, a minimum PTO policy (with unlimited time off), 16 weeks fully paid parental leave, a home office stipend, transit benefits for those in the San Francisco Bay Area, and access to coworking office space if located in or visiting San Francisco. This role requires working on-site with our lab team in Mountain View, California three days a week, some travel for all-hands meetings twice a year, and facility and conference visits as-needed for the responsibilities of the position.
The base salary for this position is $238,000 / year, and will include additional equity. Relocation assistance is available to candidates located outside of the Bay Area.
We encourage you to apply …
At ZBiotics, we value our differences, and we encourage all – especially those whose identities are traditionally underrepresented in tech organizations – to apply.
To expedite your consideration, please apply directly on our careers page.
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Salary : $238,000