Lead Scientist R&D (m/f/x) – Protein Expression Technologies

Reporting to: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

About LenioBio

LenioBio is advancing protein production through its proprietary ALiCE plant-derived cell-free expression technology. We enable rapid, scalable production of complex proteins for research, drug discovery, biologics development and next-generation applications.

About This Job

We are seeking an experienced Lead Scientist to serve as the operational scientific leader within R&D and a trusted partner to the CSO. This role combines deep technical expertise with leadership, project execution and scientific mentorship.

What Your Responsibilities Are

• Lead complex protein expression programs with particular focus on membrane proteins and other difficult-to-express targets.
• Define scientific strategy and experimental priorities together with the CSO.
• Drive execution of R&D projects and critical milestones.
• Develop and optimize protein expression, purification and characterization workflows.
• Act as a technical expert in customer-facing programs and collaborations.
• Mentor and develop scientists across the R&D organization.
• Support innovation and future development of ALiCE and related platform technologies.
• Navigate opportunities and challenges and think beyond your discipline.
• Champion a collaborative, hands-on, and solution-oriented mindset where curiosity, ownership, and teamwork drive success.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications & Scientific Expertise

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, Structural Biology, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Recognized subject matter expert in membrane proteins with a proven track record in advancing membrane protein production, purification, and characterization workflows.
• Extensive experience overcoming challenges related to protein folding, solubilization, extraction, stabilization, detergent screening, and functional characterization of membrane proteins.
• Deep expertise in recombinant protein expression and protein biochemistry.
• Experience with cell-free protein expression technologies and systems strongly preferred.
• Experience with plant-based expression systems highly desirable.
• Experience with ALiCE or related plant-derived cell-free platforms considered a major advantage.

Leadership & Project Management

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary scientific teams and developing talent through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Strong technical leadership skills with the ability to influence, align, and inspire stakeholders across functions, regardless of reporting lines.
• Ability to translate scientific complexity into clear recommendations and strategic decisions.

Mindset & Ways of Working

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and motivated by solving complex scientific challenges.
• Comfortable operating and making decisions in a dynamic, and resource-conscious environment where priorities can evolve quickly.
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively both independently and cross-functionally.
• High-energy and low-ego person. Adaptable, resilient, and proactive, with a hands-on approach to achieving results.
• Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, and scientific writing skills.

Additional Requirements

• Professional fluency in English, both written and spoken. German language skills are a plus.
• Willingness to work primarily on-site close to our laboratories in Aachen. We believe innovation thrives through collaboration and therefore envisage a regular on-site presence, ideally five days per week and no less than three days per week.

You’ll be successful in this role if you...

• Love solving difficult scientific challenges and turning ideas into tangible outcomes.
• Enjoy combining strategic thinking with hands-on scientific execution.
• Thrive in collaborative, fast-moving environments where initiative and ownership are valued.
• Are excited by the opportunity to shape not only projects, but also the future direction of a growing biotech company.
• Want your work to contribute directly to making innovative medicines more accessible around the world.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape the future of biomanufacturing. Join a pioneering biotech company that is transforming protein production and helping accelerate access to innovative medicines worldwide.
• A high-impact role with real ownership. Your scientific expertise, ideas, and decisions will directly influence our technology, projects, and company growth.
• A dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where innovation is encouraged, initiative is valued, and bureaucracy is kept to a minimum.
• The chance to work alongside a diverse, international, and highly talented team united by a shared passion for scientific excellence and innovation.
• Professional and personal growth opportunities in a fast-paced organization, with the possibility to broaden your responsibilities and develop your career as the company grows.
• A competitive compensation package that recognizes your expertise, contribution, and impact.
• A culture built on collaboration, trust, and continuous learning, where open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged at every level.