At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and translate scientific innovation into market-ready solutions.
- Company: Join a dynamic biotech startup tackling antimicrobial resistance with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, modern labs, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with mentorship, team activities, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare and agriculture while working with top scientists.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in startups or business development; Master's in Chemistry preferred.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Bactobio is a London biotech startup. We work to solve the antimicrobial resistance crisis across healthcare and agriculture by producing the next generation of market-leading antimicrobials. Since inception in 2020, Bactobio has built a deeptech platform that combines AI, synthetic biology, and multiomics to routinely discover new antimicrobial classes from nature. Our antimicrobial platform is fully operational, and we now successfully target the worst diseases and build portfolios of new, safe, and effective antimicrobial classes that bypass resistance that we then move towards commercialisation. Our culture is built around impact, empowerment, and collaboration. We attract incredible scientists from world-leading institutions, mix them with operational experts, and provide guidance through industry leaders acting as mentors. We strongly believe that diversity combined with open and inclusive conversations lead to better solutions. As a result, we have created a collaborative work environment, where ambitious people enjoy working together to make the world greener and safer.
Our Product team is a close-knit group that sits at the interface between science, market, and strategy. We work closely with research teams to translate biological discovery into scalable, market-ready products - while also shaping the long-term direction of the company’s pipeline and commercial focus. We operate with a high level of ownership, clear accountability, and a strong bias towards impact.
We are looking for a Head of Product to own Bactobio’s product strategy. You will lead the Product team and build out a future Business Development function, ensuring that scientific innovation is translated into products that solve real customer problems and create long-term value. This is a highly strategic role at the centre of the company, with significant influence over investment priorities, partnerships, and company direction as we prepare for and execute a Series A and beyond. Reporting directly to our cofounder and CEO and working closely with our cofounder and CSO, you will develop and execute our commercialisation strategy, communicate the potential of our platform, and initiate strategic, scientific, and commercial partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and define Bactobio’s product vision and portfolio strategy across healthcare and agriculture
- Lead prioritisation of the compound pipeline based on product-market fit, impact, and commercial potential
- Drive customer discovery, market insight, and product positioning in target markets by initiating and building relationships with key market participants
- Shape commercialisation strategies for novel fungicides and antibiotics and lead licensing and partnership negotiations
- Own the product IP strategy to maximise long-term product value
- Support fundraising and non-dilutive funding efforts through compelling product narratives
- Build, lead, and scale a high-performing Product team (with future expansion into Business Development)
What success looks like in 6-12 months
- A clear, well-articulated product vision and portfolio strategy that aligns scientific discovery with market opportunity
- Strong integration of Bactobio into healthcare and agriculture sectors
- Completing first commercial deal
- A prioritised and validated compound pipeline, with clear rationale for progression, partnering, or deprioritisation decisions
- Demonstrated product-market fit signals for core healthcare and agricultural products, informed by customer and partner engagement
- Defined product positioning and value propositions for priority assets, used consistently across commercial and investor materials
- Strong collaboration between Product and Science, with clear product requirements guiding discovery and development efforts
- A scalable, well-organised, and engaged Product team, with clear processes and ownership
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Required
- 5+ years’ experience in startups / strategy / consulting / business development
- Master’s Degree in Chemistry or related field
- Ability to lead a highly accomplished and ambitious young team
- Outstanding communication skills, including excellent written and spoken English and strong presentation skills and capabilities with Microsoft Office
- Proven ability to influence and negotiate effectively with senior, cross-functional stakeholders
- Exceptional project management skills – proven experience in leading strategic initiatives and handling multiple projects simultaneously, ideally in a fast-changing environment
- A focus on impact and delivering high-quality results, an individual contributor and by guiding people around you
- Collaborative drive and good team ethic
Desirable
- PhD in Chemistry or related field
- Experience in closing commercial agreements within agriculture or healthcare
Benefits
- Competitive starting salary
- The chance to be part of a fun, multicultural, kind, ambitious and impact-driven crowd
- Daily access to leaders and mentors in the business
- Brand new, modern labs in Central London with dedicated office space, large balconies, and 360’ views of the London skyline, where we all spend 4 days per week (1 day working from home)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Paid maternity leave (12 weeks) and paternity/new parent leave (6 weeks)
- Up to 2 months of fully paid sick leave
- Flexible start and finish times within the company’s core hours to fit your preferences
- 4 weeks of fully paid sabbatical leave after 5 years of service
- Diverse team of colleagues (check out our website to meet us)
- Weekly team activities including board games, sports activities, and socials
- Complimentary snacks, fruits, tea, coffee, soft drinks,...
- Access to 1000s of training courses through Udemy, with an allowance for both personal development and work‑related training
- Bike2Work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme offering structured counselling, life and career coaching, legal and financial advice
Head of Product employer: Bactobio
Bactobio is an exceptional employer located in the heart of London, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. With access to cutting-edge facilities, daily interactions with industry leaders, and a strong focus on personal and professional development, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while enjoying a supportive and diverse environment. The company’s commitment to innovation and teamwork ensures that every team member plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare and agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the biotech and product development space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the mission! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or team members, make sure to express your enthusiasm for tackling antimicrobial resistance. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to Bactobio’s vision and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research Bactobio’s products and their market positioning. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss specific examples of your past successes in product strategy and development.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Bactobio. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and our mission shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, especially in tackling antimicrobial resistance!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience that matches the job description. We love seeing how your background in startups or business development can contribute to our product strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Product role. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to what we’re doing at Bactobio.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bactobio
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Bactobio's product offerings and their impact on antimicrobial resistance. Understand how their platform combines AI, synthetic biology, and multiomics. This knowledge will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Product, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you foster collaboration and accountability. Share examples of how you've successfully guided teams in fast-paced environments, especially in startups or biotech.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about product strategy and market positioning. Think about how you would prioritise the compound pipeline based on product-market fit and commercial potential. Bring insights from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive impactful decisions.
✨Engage with Their Culture
Bactobio values diversity and collaboration. During the interview, express your commitment to these principles. Share experiences where you've worked in diverse teams and how it led to innovative solutions. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
