Founded in 2021, Santero Therapeutics is an innovative Spin-off from ULB, active in the antimicrobial resistance. The company is anchored in more than a decade of fundamental research carried out in the labs of the Founders.
Santero’s mission is to transform the fight against antimicrobial resistance by developing a new generation of first-in-class antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action, targeting previously unexplored bacterial enzymes.
Find out more about the company on their website: https://www.santero.be/
In order to strengthen Santero Therapeutics’ team based in Mont-Saint-Guibert, we are looking for a Head of Microbiology (M/F).
Responsibilities
As Head of Microbiology, you will lead the development and strategic direction of all microbiology-related activities within Santero’s discovery platform. You will be responsible for overseeing a team of scientists, guiding microbiological assay development, and ensuring scientific rigor throughout the preclinical pipeline. You will also contribute to high-level strategic decisions, regulatory interactions, and pipeline prioritization.
Your main responsibilities are:
- Lead and grow a multidisciplinary microbiology team, including PhD- and MSc-level scientists
- Own the strategic direction of microbiological research across the discovery and preclinical pipeline
- Oversee development and continuous improvement of antimicrobial screening assays (e.g., MIC, time-kill, FoR, MoA studies etc…)
- Ensure translation from in vitro findings to in vivo efficacy
- Drive external collaborations with academic partners and CROs to expand our platform capabilities
- Contribute scientific expertise to grant applications, publications, patents and regulatory dossiers
- Advise executive leadership and serve as a core member of the scientific decision-making body
- Develop key strategic documents and position Santero’s pipeline within the evolving anti-infective space
- Support the transition of the company’s scientific founders back to academic roles by taking ownership of the microbiological strategy and execution
Profile
- PhD in Microbiology (preferred) or a related field (e.g. Molecular Biology), with strong hands-on expertise in microbiology
- 8–12 years of experience in microbiology or anti-infective drug discovery, including at least 5 years in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry
- Proven leadership in managing scientific teams and coordinating cross-functional R&D projects
- Solid track record in designing and interpreting microbiological assays, including complex antimicrobial profiling
- In-depth understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms, high-throughput screening platforms, and preclinical assay development
- Experienced in managing external partnerships (CROs, academic institutions) and driving collaborative research
- Excellent communicator, capable of interacting effectively across all levels of the organization (from lab to executive leadership)
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken
- Strong presentation and scientific storytelling skills
Offer
- Be part of a purpose-driven company transforming infectious disease treatment
- Opportunity to evolve into a CSO role within 1-2 years
- Direct influence over scientific direction and pipeline prioritization
- Competitive compensation, relocation support, and flexible work environment
- Work with a passionate, close-knit team based in one of Europe's leading biotech hubs
- The chance to make a real impact on global health challenges
Your application and related information will remain strictly confidential.