Head of Research

Head of Research

Compensation: $125K– $200K salary, up to 1% equity stock options. Full benefits, including health coverage, PTO and parental leave.

Biome Sense is a life sciences startup applying gut microbiome technologies (Gut Lab, Meta Biome) to advance personalized medicine. We partner with UCSF, UCSD, NIH and the University of Chicago and are backed by Lab Corp Ventures, Bluestein Ventures, Seerave Foundation and Emil Capital Partners.

Lead Laboratory Operations and Research, driving our sample‑to‑answer multi‑omics platform with direct accountability to company leadership across metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and operational scalability.

• Design, validate and optimize molecular multi‑omics pipelines for fecal samples, ensuring both scientific rigor and alignment with company strategy.
• Build and oversee scalable, operationally efficient, sample‑handling workflows.
• Translate scientific insights into strategic priorities for executive leadership.
• Lead scientific input into product roadmaps and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Clearly translate complex scientific topics into actionable insights for company leadership on scientific matters for business strategy and investor‑facing discussions.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates; build a high‑performing lab culture aligned with company objectives.

• PhD or MS in molecular biology, microbiology, or a related field with 5+ years of experience in industry settings.
• Deep expertise in metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, or related '-omics' fields, with hands‑on experience in NGS technologies and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor scientific teams in high‑intensity environments.
• Structured, decisive & execution‑oriented with high accountability.
• Strategic thinker with an ownership mentality, who thrives under pressure in fast‑paced environments.