Director

Director of Operations - INFECTA

• Fulltime
• PLNT Leiden

Discover the vacancy for Director of Operations at INFECTA Leiden . Help build a new clinical facility that will enable groundbreaking pharmaceutical research.

Do you want to play a key role in the future of clinical innovation?

At INFECTA , you'll help build a CHIM facility from the ground up and establish an organization that accelerates global access to vaccines and therapies.

What will you do?

As Director of Operations at INFECTA in Leiden, you will lead both the startup phase and the operational growth of our new facility.

Before the facility opens:

• Contribute to the design and setup of the facility

• Monitor plans, budgets, and project milestones

• Ensure compliance (clinical, GMP, BSL-III)

• Build core teams: HR, finance, IT, operations, and procurement

• Select and implement systems and processes

• Contribute to the development of consultancy activities

After opening (ongoing responsibilities):

• Develop and improve operational processes and quality standards

• Manage budgets and financial reporting

• Recruitment, onboarding, and training of staff

• Oversee and optimize daily operations

• Manage relationships with suppliers and partner

• Work closely with clinical leadership

• Continuously improve efficiency, safety, and quality

Who you are

• University degree (e.g. in business administration, life sciences, or healthcare)

• A Master's degree or MBA is a plus

• 7-10+ years of experience in healthcare, biotech, or pharma operations

• 3-5+ years of leadership experience (at director level or equivalent)

• Experience in starting up or opening a clinical or pharmaceutical facility

• Strong in project and stakeholder management

• Financially savvy and data-driven

• Excellent communication skills

• Experience with healthcare IT and data processes is a plus

What do we offer?

• A unique opportunity to build a new clinical facility from the ground up

• Contribute to improving global access to medicines and vaccines

• Work in an innovative environment with strong academic and industrial roots

• An impactful role within a rapidly growing organization

• Professional and personal development opportunities

• Competitive salary

• Access to advanced CHIM research technology and a GMP/BSL-III environment

about INFECTA

INFECTA accelerates the development of vaccines and medicines by designing early-phase clinical studies that are smarter, more efficient, and of high scientific quality. The company is a global leader in Controlled Human Infection Models (CHIMs) and was founded through a collaboration between five Dutch University Medical Centers (UMCs) and the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR).

INFECTA is currently building an advanced 20-bed CHIM facility, scheduled to open in late 2027 or early 2028 at the Leiden Bio Science Park.