Director, Research

Director, Research# Careers at GIA## Director, Research Apply:
Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (New York, New York):
Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (Carlsbad, California):
Full time:
Posted Yesterday:
R0011678
** Why Join GIA?
** As GIA's senior scientific leader, you will help shape the future of gemological research and innovation while advancing the Institute's mission to protect the public trust in gems and jewelry. This is a unique opportunity to lead globally recognized research programs, influence industry standards, develop the next generation of scientific talent, and contribute to discoveries that impact the worldwide gem and jewelry community.

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* Location:

** Carlsbad, CA or NY, New York  
** Position Overview
** The Director, Research provides enterprise leadership for GIA's global Research function, the scientific foundation that underpins all of GIA's laboratory and education services. The role is accountable for research strategy, scientific programs, innovation in analytical methods and technologies, and the stewardship of research talent, budgets, facilities, and equipment across GIA locations.  The Director ensures GIA's research on gemstone identification, treatments, origin determination, and laboratory-grown materials is accurate, reproducible, and ethically conducted, and that findings are translated into improved testing procedures, instruments, and educational content.

As GIA's senior scientific leader, the role advances the Institute's credibility through publications, conferences, and partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry organizations, and builds the scientific pipeline needed to anticipate future market and technical challenges.  
** Essential

Duties & Responsibilities
**** Global Research Strategy and Scientific Innovation (25%)
*** Define and execute a multi-year global research strategy and annual research plan aligned with GIA's mission, GIA FIRST priorities, and the current and future needs of laboratory and education services.
* Lead GIA's scientific programs in gemstone identification, treatments, origin determination, and laboratory-grown materials; set research priorities and allocate resources based on scientific merit, service impact, and risk.
* Advance analytical methods and technologies that improve gemological research and testing, including emerging techniques, data science, and advanced analytics; anticipate industry developments and new materials that require a research response.
* Maintain a global roadmap for research capability, technology, equipment, and facilities; prioritize investments using business cases and risk analysis.
** Research Programs, Quality and Scientific Integrity (20%)
*** Oversee the global portfolio of research projects; establish governance, milestones, and review processes that ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to scientific standards.
* Ensure scientific accuracy, reproducibility, and ethical research practices; establish standards for experimental design, data management, documentation, and peer review across research teams.
* Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, and institutional standards for research activities, laboratory operations, data, and intellectual property.
* Review research findings for validity and readiness before publication or transfer into services, and resolve significant scientific questions or disputes.
** Translation to Laboratory, Education and Instrument Development (20%)
*** Partner with Identification leaders to translate research findings into improved, validated testing procedures, and provide the scientific evidence that informs methodology decisions for GIA's identification services.
* Provide scientific support for complex identification cases, emerging treatments, and new materials, and coordinate a rapid research response to industry developments that affect GIA's services.
* Collaborate with GIA's Instrument Development team to define requirements and develop and validate innovative, reliable instruments that meet GIA's needs and advance the global gem and jewelry industry.
* Partner with Education leaders to ensure GIA's curriculum and learning materials reflect current research and scientific standards.
** Global Research Leadership, Talent and Resources (20%)
*** Lead research scientists and technical staff across GIA locations through research managers and principal scientists; set clear accountabilities, operating rhythms, and expectations for…