Head of Solution Consulting R&D / Field CSO

About the role

Benchling is an AI platform for biotech R&D, used by over 200,000 scientists worldwide. As Head of Solution Consulting R&D (Field CSO), you will lead the EMEA R&D Solution Consulting organisation, a team of 12 with two first-line leaders covering Enterprise and Strategic segments, plus occasional support for APAC deals. You are the scientific counterpart to the General Manager, EMEA, and work alongside the Field CTO.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the scientific voice in the room: brief the GM and account teams before key meetings, join them as a peer to CSOs and Heads of R&D, and sponsor the largest EMEA opportunities
• Turn Benchling's vision (AI agents, Science Foundries) into a credible plan for R&D leaders, including how scientists move onto Benchling and what changes in the lab
• Lead and develop two first-line leaders and their team of 10, provide in-region leadership continuity, set the scientific bar for customer engagements and build a succession plan
• Shape EMEA strategy and the roadmap, deciding with sales leadership where to focus the team's expertise and bringing field patterns back to Product, Marketing and global Solution Consulting

Required profile

• Substantial hands-on R&D experience in biotech or pharma, with a PhD or equivalent scientific depth
• Record of driving change, with clear views on how AI will change R&D
• Experience leading through other managers and executive presence with VPs, Heads of R&D and C-level leaders
• Commercial ambition and readiness for a field role, with frequent on-site time in EMEA and US travel three to four times a year
• Fluency in English; German or French is a plus

Nice to have

• Experience with Benchling or a comparable R&D platform (ELN, LIMS or R&D data platform), including leading its evaluation or rollout
• Customer-facing scientific, internal consulting or CRO/CDMO programme leadership roles
• Presales or solution consulting experience

What we offer

• A flexible hybrid arrangement with 3 days per week in the office (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
• An interview process that includes a brief AI-focused exercise or discussion