Global Research Operation Manager/Director

Global Research Operations Manager/Director

PFx Biotech Global Operations Lisbon, Portugal

At PFx Biotech, we're building sustainable protein solutions for healthier lives and a better planet. We unlock the power of biology and use precision fermentation to develop next generation sustainable bioactive protein ingredients for advanced nutrition markets, from infant formula and elderly nutrition to sports nutrition and nutraceuticals.

We're looking for a Global Research Operations Manager/Director to bring structure, project management, speed, agility and excellence to our research engine, helping our scientists and partners deliver high quality, dossier ready outputs that move our portfolio forward.

Role basics

Job title

Global Research Operations Manager/Director

Department / team

Global Operations

Reporting to

CEO/COO

Location

Lisbon, Portugal

Contract type

Permanent

Salary & benefits

Competitive

Start date

To be agreed

About PFx Biotech

Our mission is to unlock the power of biology using precision fermentation to develop next generation sustainable bioactive protein ingredients for advanced nutrition applications, from infant formula, to elderly nutrition, sports nutrition, and nutraceuticals.

The role

As Global Research Operations Manager/Director, you will build and run the operational backbone that enables world class research execution across our portfolio. You'll partner closely with scientific leaders, external vendors, and cross functional stakeholders to ensure studies are planned well, run smoothly, and documented rigorously.

What you'll do

• Build and run research operations infrastructure: Set up scalable processes for study intake, prioritisation, resourcing, documentation, and cross functional handoffs (e.g., R&D preclinical/clinical, translational, bioinformatics), ensuring speed without sacrificing rigor.
• Own vendor/partner management: Identify and qualify CROs/CMOs, academic collaborators, and platform vendors; negotiate scopes, timelines, and costs; track deliverables and performance; and maintain clear communication to keep studies on schedule.
• Project and portfolio execution: Create and maintain integrated research plans (timelines, dependencies, milestones, risks), run regular research cadence meetings, unblock teams, and ensure on time completion of experiments and packages needed for leadership decisions.
• Ensure data quality, reproducibility, and compliance readiness: Implement SOPs, ELN/LIMS workflows, sample tracking, and data governance; standardise experiment documentation and audit trails; and support readiness for investor, partner, or regulatory diligence (e.g., traceability and validation where appropriate).
• Budgeting, procurement, and lab enablement: Manage research budgets and forecasting, purchase orders and inventory, and lab services (equipment maintenance, consumables, access); optimise spend and capacity so scientists can focus on experiments rather than logistics.

What we're looking for (must have)

• Experience supporting or managing complex R&D or PF portfolios (multiple strains/targets/products) with structured intake, prioritisation, stage gates, and executive decision forums, translating strategy into roadmaps, critical paths, and resourcing across biology, process development, analytics, and safety workstreams.
• Experience contributing to or supporting regulatory submissions (e.g. EU Novel Food) is a strong plus, building dossier plans that cover identity/characterisation, production process, compositional/specifications, proposed uses/use levels & intake, nutrition, allergenicity and safety, while managing submission mechanics and timelines under the applicable guidance/process.
• Exposure to global regulatory frameworks (e.g. EU, US, China) is a plus;
• Proven vendor/CRO/contract lab management for PF, SOWs, deliverables, change control and quality review, ensuring outputs are dossier ready (e.g., compositional/impurity profiling, micro/residuals testing, stability, allergenicity work) and captured in a traceable documentation system aligned to the submission processes used for novel foods.

Why PFx Biotech

You'll join a mission driven team working at the intersection of biology, engineering, and nutrition-building technology that can make a meaningful impact at global scale. In this role, you'll have high ownership, direct visibility with leadership, and the opportunity to shape how our research organisation operates as we grow.

Hiring process & how to apply

How to apply:

• Email your CV and a short note to , or apply via the LinkedIn advert.
• Application deadline: 14 April 2026
• Questions? Contact: Harry J. Barraza ()

Equal opportunities, safeguarding & data privacy

PFx Biotech is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Safeguarding: PFx Biotech is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful workplace. Where relevant to the role, pre employment checks may be required in line with applicable legal requirements.

Data privacy: We will process your personal data for recruitment purposes only and in accordance with applicable data protection laws in Portugal. By applying, you acknowledge that PFx Biotech may store and review your application materials during the hiring process.