Head of Platform Development / Head of R&D

Posted on February 27th, 2025

Do you have the passion to lead cutting-edge R&D that underpins the development of groundbreaking drugs and diagnostics? Does the opportunity to shape and commercialize transformative research platforms excite you? If so, you may be a great fit for EIRNABio as we empower biotech and pharmaceutical companies with deeper insights into RNA translation and protein synthesis—helping them accelerate, enhance, and de-risk their drug and biomarker discovery and development.

About EIRNABio

Based in Cork, Ireland we are global leaders in the provision of cutting-edge Translatomics services and technologies to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.  Our founders and scientific advisors have been at the vanguard of developing cutting-edge Translatomics tools and interpretive techniques for many years.  We have a distinctive identity and strong ethos of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, underpinned by a cultural framework which has fuelled our growth to date and positioned us as the partner of choice with many of the world’s leading companies.

Your Impact at EIRNABio
As Head of Platform Development / Head of R&D, you will play a pivotal role in advancing EIRNABio’s existing research platforms while identifying and driving opportunities to develop new, cutting-edge solutions that address key industry challenges. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead innovation while ensuring our platforms achieve maximum scientific and commercial impact.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and optimization of EIRNABio’s platform technologies, ensuring both scientific excellence and commercial viability.
  • Shape and drive the execution of the R&D strategy, aligning with industry trends and business objectives.
  • Identify and capitalize on opportunities to develop new research platforms that address significant industry challenges.
  • Oversee the execution of the Company’s research roadmap, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and build strong scientific relationships with key individuals in client organizations.
  • Collaborate with business development teams to translate scientific advancements into commercial opportunities, including licensing and partnerships.
  • Drive the efforts to secure funding through a combination of industrial partnerships and non-dilutive grant funding.
  • Build and manage a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
  • Engage with key industry stakeholders to position EIRNABio as a leader in the application of translatomics tools.
  • Leverage the knowledge and expertise of EIRNABio’s academic founders and Scientific Advisory Board to enhance platform development.
  • Drive the agenda to position EIRNABio as a thought leader in the field of translatomics applications.

The Successful Candidate will ideally:

  • Be a proactive self-starter, with a growth-oriented mindset, who can work independently with minimal supervision, while simultaneously being a collaborative team player who effectively communicates and supports colleagues' efforts.
  • Be an individual who demonstrates strong intrinsic drive and can advance projects autonomously, and seamlessly integrates into our dynamic research environment.
  • Hold a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or a related field.
  • Have a strong background in RNA biology, translational regulation, and next-generation sequencing technologies.
  • Possess at least 5 years of experience in an industry R&D setting, preferably within biotech or pharma.
  • Have a proven track record of leading research projects from concept through to commercial application.
  • Be experienced in managing partnerships and collaborations with biotech, pharma, and academic institutions.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of the commercial landscape in life sciences and the ability to align scientific development with business strategy.
  • Have experience securing funding from industrial collaborations and grant agencies.
  • Be a team player, with exhibiting excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Why Join Us?

  • Shape the future of translatomics research and drive real-world impact.
  • Work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and commercial innovation.
  • Collaborate with a highly skilled and passionate team.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Be part of a dynamic and growing company with strong potential for career advancement and an opportunity to make a tangible impact with your research expertise.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their Resume/CV and a cover letter to [email protected] before 18th April 2025.  The subject line of your email should be: “Head of Platform Development Position”.