Director, Research

Biohub is leading the new era of AI-powered biology to cure or prevent disease through its 501c3 medical research organization, with the support of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

At Biohub, we build the technology to help scientists around the world use AI-powered biology to study how cells operate, organize, and work as part of systems to understand why disease happens and how to correct it. Our organization brings together biomedical researchers, engineers and data scientists to make medical breakthroughs and develop new discovery platforms, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities.

We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence, disruptive innovation, hands‑on engineering/hacking/building, partnership and collaboration, open communication and respect, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all.

Biohub, Chicago seeks a highly motivated and experienced Director, Research to lead the strategy for and manage the execution and coordination of Biohub’s intramural research programs. Reporting to the President, Bioengineering, this individual will play a key role in ensuring Biohub pursues ambitious scientific goals in an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative environment, offering opportunities to work at the leading edge of technology development with applications in human health and disease.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, exceptional project management and writing skills, and the ability to work and collaborate effectively with our scientific team, institutional leadership, and various stakeholders representing academia, government, and the private sector. The position also involves developing and implementing IP and translational strategies for intramural projects, managing research programs to align with institutional priorities, and providing comprehensive reporting on our scientific progress for leadership and other key stakeholders.

• Strategy Development:
  In collaboration with the President and scientific leadership team, lead strategy development for intramural science programs that align with Biohub’s long‑term mission to develop frontier instrumentation to better understand inflammation.
• Program Development & Management:
  Work closely with the scientific team to design, implement, and oversee internal research programs that align with Biohub Chicago’s strategic priorities. Manage budgets and timelines for intramural initiatives and contribute to the development of detailed technical plans to ensure successful execution.
• Internal
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and coordinate research activities across different groups within Biohub Chicago and the broader Biohub organization.
• Monitoring & Evaluation:
  Track progress across internal scientific programs, evaluate outcomes, and deliver strategic recommendations for continuous improvement. Proactively identify and mitigate risks to ensure program success.
• Intellectual Property Strategy:
  Assist the scientific team in formulating IP strategies for intramural projects in alignment with organization policies.
• Leadership Materials and Reporting:
  Develop materials outlining Biohub Chicago’s intramural strategy and program progress toward our defined goals for leadership and key stakeholders, including for both Biohub Chicago’s and Biohub’s Scientific Advisory Boards.
• External engagement:
  Represent Biohub, Chicago’s research and work through publications, talks, and stakeholder engagement.

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field
• Substantial experience (typically 5+ years) leading research programs in academia, industry, or nonprofits. Industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop detailed project plans, timelines, and schedules; budgeting and financial oversight across multiple initiatives, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to meet milestones and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex research into clear, visual, and written materials. Comfort giving and receiving feedback on narrative, visual design, and storytelling to…