Platform Lead

About the role….  

We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated and proactive Platform Lead to join our Science Platform in support of Inari’s mission to develop 21st century solutions to address global food challenges. Inari’s Science Platform operates at our two research sites in Cambridge MA (USA) and Ghent (Belgium) and serves as the backbone for high-quality experimental execution to support our scientific projects. The Platform is organized around core activities which enables the project of our Science Portfolio. These activities range across molecular cloning, plant transformation, molecular characterization, genomics, greenhouse operations, phenotyping and computational analysis, as well as developing new activities based on needs. Each core activity cluster is managed by an Operations Lead who ensures the coordination, quality, and execution of these activities.   

As a Platform Lead at Inari’s Ghent (Belgium) site, you oversee all the platform activities onsite and you are responsible for the further improvement or establishment of new activities. Moreover, you will collaborate with the Cambridge (USA) site Platform Lead to ensure optimal use of the services and skills across the Science Platform. The Science Platform is a broad interdisciplinary team, excellent communication and people management skills are essential for this role.   

The position is based in Ghent Belgium and reports to a member of the science leadership team.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Manage, further develop and improve the core activities of Science Platform to efficiently support scientific projects.  
• Coordinate work requests from projects and ensure alignment with company priorities.  
• Lead and support the Platform Team to achieve efficient and high-quality execution across different functional groups.   
• Using fit for purpose management tools, align daily work of Service Leads and Platform Team members  
• Ensure talent and skills are adequately deployed on the platform and support the development of Platform Team members.   
• Ensure operational excellence and safety compliance through SOPs and QMS implementation.   
• Align with Platform Manager and Operations Leads across sites and organizations to ensure efficiency, collaboration and focus on company priorities.  

• Scout and develop new technologies to support continuous improvement of the platform services  
• Nurture a continuous improvement culture within Platform teams.  
• Ensure detailed, accurate and clear records of all Platform experiments and results.  
• Provide Scientists and Research Associates on the Platform Team with effective direction and support to deliver results.   
• Take steps to foster collaboration, teamwork, and innovation.   
• Engage, develop, and retain talent.  

Required Skills/Experience:  

• Ph.D. in biology, biotechnology or related fields with at least 10 years of experience (including post doc) or MSc in Sciences with at least 15 years of experience. 
• Driven and excited about operation improvement 
• Industry or large organization experience in a similar role  
• Proactive, highly motivated and strong team player with a great ability to manage ambiguity and adapt to the needs of the organization  
• Strong project management skills, and experience related to operational excellence, process development and quality management (e.g., 5S, Six Sigma)  
• Proven scientific leadership to design, implement, coordinate and drive scientific projects to successful outcomes  
• Strong people leadership skills with demonstrated track record in managing multidisciplinary and cross functional dynamic teams    
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with project management and record keeping tools (e.g., Benchling, Wrike, Confluence)  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills  
• Ability to consistently deliver results in a fast-paced, agile and multi-tasking environment  
• Innovative, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities  
• Excellent time management and organizational skills  

Bonus Skills/Experience:  

• Knowledge of plant biology and gene editing  
• Experience in high throughput operations and automation