Senior In Vivo Team Leader - Infectious Diseases

Evotec

Toulouse, France

Position Summary

The senior In Vivo Team Leader is responsible for leading a high-performing scientific team delivering in vivo pharmacology studies in the field of infectious diseases.

This role combines scientific leadership, operational excellence, and people management, ensuring the successful execution of complex drug discovery programs while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and animal welfare.

The position operates in a dynamic, matrixed environment and plays a key role at the interface of multiple scientific disciplines and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership & Project Delivery

• Drive the design, execution, and interpretation of in vivo studies to support drug discovery and development programs;
• Ensure scientific rigor, data integrity, and alignment with project objectives and client expectations;
• Provide expert guidance in in vivo pharmacology, with broad understanding of formulation, PK/PD, and toxicology;
• Contribute proactively to program strategy and decision-making within cross-functional teams;
• Ensure study relevance and translational value across therapeutic programs.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians;
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture;
• Ensure continuous development of team capabilities aligned with organizational needs;
• Promote engagement, ownership, and a strong sense of purpose within the team;
• Maintain close connection with operational activities to support teams effectively.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee planning, prioritization, and execution of multiple projects simultaneously;
• Ensure delivery against timelines, budget, and quality standards;
• Monitor and drive team performance through KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Optimize workflows and resource allocation to enhance productivity and efficiency;
• Contribute to Lean and operational excellence initiatives.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Serve as a scientific interface for internal stakeholders and potential external partners;
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients in collaboration with Business Development and Alliance Management;
• Ensure clear, effective communication of results, risks, and recommendations;
• Support business growth through scientific excellence and client satisfaction.

Compliance, Quality & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory, ethical, and internal quality standards, particularly in animal experimentation;
• Maintain adherence to 3Rs principles and promote best practices in animal welfare;
• Support audits and inspections (internal and external, including regulatory bodies);
• Ensure proper documentation and submission of study protocols when required.

Innovation & Scientific Excellence

• Drive innovation in models, technologies, and experimental approaches;
• Contribute to scientific visibility through publications, conferences, and external engagement;
• Stay current with advancements in the field and integrate new methodologies;
• Evaluate scientific and technical feasibility of new opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Life Sciences with postdoctoral experience (minimum 1 year required);
• Proven and long standing expertise in in vivo pharmacology, in infectious diseases or related therapeutic areas;
• Experience in drug discovery within biotech, pharma, or CRO environment preferred;
• Demonstrated track record of scientific contributions (publications, project achievements);
• Prior experience in team leadership or supervision would be a strong asset.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills;
• Scientific excellence and critical thinking;
• Project and priority management in a fast-paced environment;
• Client focus and results orientation;
• Excellent communication and storytelling with data;
• Ability to influence across functions and levels;
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset;
• Adaptability and openness to innovation and new technologies.

Languages

• Fluent English (mandatory);
• French is a plus.