POSITION SUMMARY
Founded in 2020, mbiomics GmbH aims to revolutionize the treatment of diseases through innovative microbiome-based therapeutics. Our holistic TechBio platform combines proprietary analytics and cutting-edge data science to push the boundaries of live bacterial product (LBP) development.
Mbiomics is looking for a (Senior) Director (m/w/d) Data Science driving development and execution of mbiomics computational biology strategy, with a focus on design of live biotherapeutic product via execution of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays to uncover mechanisms driving the efficacy of microbiome interventions. This role is critical to bridging discovery and translational development by generating biological insights, validating hypotheses in preclinical models, and supporting biomarker strategies for clinical studies. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in computational biology, microbiology, immunology, or a related field, bring deep expertise in host-microbial interaction assays and immunological readouts, and have proven leadership experience in guiding research teams and managing complex projects in an academic or industry setting.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Team Management:
- Lead and mentor a team of computational biologists and bioinformaticians in a matrixed environment.
Rational and Product Design:
- Utilize computational methods, including machine learning and systems biology, to analyze high-dimensional omics data (e.g., genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics) and identify optimal microbial strains and combinations for therapeutic consortia.
- Drive the rational and product design of live biotherapeutic products and microbial consortia, translating computational predictions into defined product candidates.
Data Integration and Analysis:
- Oversee the development and deployment of robust, reproducible computational pipelines for integrating and analyzing large-scale multi-omics datasets from preclinical models and clinical studies.
Predictive Modeling:
- Apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to model microbiome-host interactions, predict LBP efficacy, and assess potential safety profiles.
Translational & Development Support:
- Bridge preclinical discovery and clinical development, leveraging in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo data to advance LBP candidates into translational and clinical stages.
- Provide computational evidence and biological insights that support the advancement of LBP candidates through development, including safety and dose/dosing justification, regulatory interactions and clinical study/biomarker strategy; in partnership with translational science, CMC, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Development.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with research, process development, and clinical teams to translate computational predictions into experimental designs and advance product candidates through the pipeline.
External Engagement:
- Identify and manage strategic relationships with external collaborators, vendors, and academic institutions to augment internal capabilities.
Scientific Communication:
- Act as a subject-matter expert for internal and external audiences, presenting scientific findings and the computational rationale behind LBP design to drive decision-making.
IP Strategy:
- Contribute to the company's intellectual property strategy by identifying and documenting novel computational methods and LBP compositions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Immunology, or a related quantitative field.
Experience and expertise:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in computational biology, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership role within the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a history of building and inspiring high-performing computational teams in a matrixed environment.
- Proven track record of applying computational approaches to a drug discovery and development pipeline.
- Demonstrated translational experience bridging preclinical and clinical development of therapeutic candidates.
- Hands-on experience in the rational and product design of live biotherapeutics or microbial consortia.
- Knowledge of biopharmaceutical regulatory processes.
- Demonstrated experience with multi-omics data integration (e.g., metabolomics, proteomics) and systems biology modeling.
- Expertise in microbiome research is a plus, including the analysis of metagenomic sequencing, microbial genomics, and microbial community ecology.
- Preferably experience supporting safety and dosing justification, regulatory interactions, and clinical study / biomarker strategy is a plus.
- Proven ability to work independently and take ownership of operational tasks.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and a proactive, “can-do” attitude.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex computational concepts to diverse scientific and business audiences and the ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and technical staff.
- Fluent English language skills required, German language skills are a plus.
ENVIRONMENT AT MBIOMICS
- Experience the unique dynamics and spirit of a biotech start-up.
- Our team? A colorful mix of international talents, humor and brilliant minds.
- We offer flexible working hours and 30 days of vacation.
- Benefits include our job ticket offer, free coffee, fruit and candy and regular team-events.
