Director of Bioinformatics

MRM Health NV is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics based on the human microbiome. Based in the Ghent biotech cluster, MRM Health operates within a recognised centre of expertise for microbiome research and collaborates closely with leading academic groups through its strategic partnership with VIB.The company's proprietary discovery engine includes direct access to SHIME, the most advanced simulator of the human gut, enabling highly predictive modelling of the intestinal microbiome in health and disease. MRM Health has built a diversified pipeline, with MH002 as its most advanced programme for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, successfully completed Phase 2a studies and now progressing towards Phase 2b and Phase 3 development.Supported by a strong international investor base, including Ackermans & van Haaren, DuPont, Qbic II and VIB, and following a recent €55 million financing including new investors such as Athos, Biocodex, SFPIM and of BNP Fortis Paribas Private Equity, MRM Health is now scaling its platform. This next phase includes the build-out of a core, internal bioinformatics capability, positioning bioinformatics at the centre of discovery, translational and clinical decision-making.To support this ambition, MRM Health is seeking a Director / Senior Director of Bioinformatics to build, lead and scale this function from the ground up as a central pillar of the company's future growth.Key Responsibilities:Set the bioinformatics direction for microbiome drug discovery: Develop and apply in silico approaches that link microbial taxonomic and functional signatures to disease biology, enabling predictive modelling and rational consortium design.Embed bioinformatics across the organisation: Work closely with biologists, microbiologists and project leaders to ensure data is generated, analysed and interpreted in direct support of discovery, translational and clinical objectives. Leverage and expand existing academic collaborations and selected external partners where they add speed or expertise.Build the internal capability: Lead and grow a team of bioinformaticians (internal and external), with clear ownership for hiring, mentoring and establishing standards, processes and ways of working.Own portfolio delivery: Oversee bioinformatics activities across programmes, balancing strategic priorities with hands-on execution in a dynamic, mid-sized biotech environment.Develop scalable tools and pipelines: Design and implement robust computational tools, workflows and data pipelines that support microbiome consortium delivery across the portfolio.Translate complex data into decisions: Integrate and interpret multi-omics clinical and preclinical datasets, ensuring outputs are clear, actionable and understood across disciplines.Communicate and represent: Deliver high-quality reports, presentations and publications, clearly articulating the value of bioinformatics to internal and external stakeholders.Support funding and growth: Contribute to grant writing and collaborative funding initiatives, strengthening the long-term sustainability of the platform.Qualifications:Education: Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in bioinformatics with mandatory, hands-on experience in the microbiome field, preferably in an industry or applied research setting.Industry exposure: Demonstrated, in-depth exposure to microbiome-related research and data, across discovery, translational and/or clinical contexts.Leadership: Proven experience in leading and managing a team or currently at a stage in your career where stepping into a formal leadership role is a logical and motivated next step.Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex microbiome data and insights across disciplines Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Personality traitsYou combine strong interpersonal skills with a genuinely collaborative mindset, and have a clear track record (or natural inclination) for mentoring and developing scientific talent.You are able to connect, empower and challenge people constructively, helping individuals and teams reach their potential while maintaining high scientific standards.You communicate complex scientific topics clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, and are comfortable presenting to diverse audiences, including internal boards and senior stakeholders.You have the organisational maturity to build, lead and scale a high-performing team, setting structure where needed without slowing things down.You are adaptable, independent and resourceful, able to balance long-term vision with hands-on execution in a fast-growing, dynamic biotech environment.What can we offer you at MRM HealthA central role in shaping the future of the company, with direct impact on strategy, platform development and clinical programmes.A setting that is small and agile enough for fast decision-making, yet backed by a differentiated technology platform, a solid pipeline and the financial resources to build things properly.The opportunity to work at the forefront of microbiome science, exploring novel development areas in close collaboration with experienced pharma and biotech leaders, as well as highly regarded investors with a strong track record in scaling biotech companies.A competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with the seniority and strategic importance of the role.