Scientific Responsible (Head of Science)Also known as: Scientific Director, Head of R&D, Responsable scientifiqueAbout CatalyaCatalya develops a versatile polymer platform with multiple application tracks, including novel excipients for drug delivery and cell‐culture/bioprocess enablement. We are a very small, fast‐moving company partnering with industry and academia to turn promising materials into real‐world impact.Role OverviewWe’re hiring a Scientific Responsible as our first senior scientific leader. This is a hands‐on, Swiss‐army‐knife role: one day you’ll be in a high‐level meeting with a client or partner; the next you’ll be at the bench designing experiments or reviewing data packages. You’ll set the scientific direction, execute and iterate quickly, and build the capabilities Catalya needs to scale.What you will doOwn the R&D roadmap across multiple application tracks (excipients/formulation, cell culture/bioprocess integration, analytics), translating company goals into testable plans with clear milestones and go/no‐go criteria.Design and run (or oversee) experiments across in vitro models with our lab technician (e.g., cell viability, barrier/permeability, cell‐culture performance) and, when appropriate, in vivo studies via CROs/partners.Stand up core analytical workflows (fit‐for‐purpose methods; data integrity; basic QA) and make pragmatic build‐vs‐buy decisions.Select and manage CROs/CMOs/vendors (scope, budget, timelines; troubleshoot issues; ensure decision‐grade data).Translate data into decisions: synthesize results, pressure‐test hypotheses, and recommend next steps, pivots, or partner work.Communicate externally with clients, partners, and advisors; present crisp updates that build trust and momentum.Lay foundations for scale: simple processes for documentation, safety/EHS, and reproducibility; recruit and mentor early hires.Near‐term focus (first 6–12 months)Map the application landscape of the polymer platform and prioritize 2–3 highest‐value paths (across excipient and cell‐culture use cases).Establish a lean experimentation system (assays, controls, reference standards, data hygiene) and deliver first comparative benchmarks.Build a reliable external network (CROs, labs, manufacturing/testing partners) and negotiate practical statements of work.Produce decision‐ready readouts that inform partner discussions and internal investment choices.What you bringWe value attitude and learning speed over narrow specialization. If you’re a rigorous, curious builder who learns fast and loves to move, you’ll thrive here.Must‐havesAdvanced scientific training (PhD or MS + experience) in life sciences, chemistry, chemical/biomedical engineering, or a closely related field — or equivalent track record.Demonstrated ability to learn new domains quickly and apply first‐principles thinking to ambiguous problems.Hands‐on experimental mindset; comfortable designing, executing, and troubleshooting studies yourself and via partners.Strong quantitative/data skills and scientific writing/presentation that converts results into decisions.Proven ownership and bias to action in a resource‐constrained, fast‐paced environment.Excellent communication in English and French.Nice‐to‐haves (great to have, not required)Experience in any of: drug delivery/formulation, materials/polymers, cell culture/bioprocessing, analytical method development, or related fields.Startup, tech‐transfer, or partner‐facing experience.Familiarity with quality frameworks (fit‐for‐purpose GLP/GMP interfaces) and safety/EHS basics.Experience in Walloon or European grants projectsHow you workYou’re comfortable zooming: whiteboard bench boardroom, often in the same week.You keep things simple and reproducible, prioritizing what matters.You act with high integrity, give and request clear feedback, and enjoy building with others.What we offerHigh independence and flexibility in a very small company — with the expectation to move fast and work hard on meaningful problems.Competitive remuneration package in a young and dynamic team.The opportunity to shape and lead Catalya’s scientific DNA.