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. With this facility, the organization aims to contribute to global access to innovative therapies, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries and neglected diseases.