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

Location: Aachen, Germany 

Department: Research & Development 

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

• A permanent, full-time position in Aachen, Germany.
• 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.

Contact us

Ready to make an impact?

We look forward to receiving your application and learning how your expertise can contribute to the future of protein expression at LenioBio. Apply now and become part of the LenioBio team!