Fast-paced, early-stage biotech company is seeking an Associate Director of Foundry Research to manage people and provide project direction and oversight for lab-scale foundry research at Ecovative. This role partners with the Director of Technology Operations to provide strategic project oversight, insight, and recommendations on technology development at Ecovative. The Associate Director of Foundry Research is a technical visionary in charting the advancement of Ecovative’s Lab-Scale research capabilities and research targets for a wide range of mycelium materials and applications.
Lead the team responsible for high-throughput laboratory research in support of the most advanced mycelium biomaterials in the world
Lead the continued integration of top end laboratory automation tools with custom incubation and characterization equipment developed at Ecovative
Management responsibilities including interview and selection, hiring, training and development, performance management, employee relations, etc. This includes but is not limited to regularly scheduled individual contributor meetings, talent acquisition lead for the team, on-boarding program development, fostering continuous development of individuals through goal setting and performance reviews, and continuously seeking out and making accessible education and training opportunities for the team.
Assist the Director of Technology Operations in matching personnel across active internal and external projects and initiatives and in aligning research pipelines with business objectives
Collaborate closely with the Scale-Up leadership on joint research initiatives with the Pilot-Scale team.
Implement and oversee all policies necessary for successful operation of the Lab Community, including Experimental Documentation, Peer Review, Project Charter Tracking, Lab Cleaning, Calibration, Management of Literature, Job Descriptions and Advancement Paths.
Bachelor’s degree in science, preferably microbiology
5+ years in industrial research in a biological industry
3+ years of direct people management, including hiring, performance management, team and individual contributor goal setting and development
Demonstrated ability to grow and develop a high performance team
Strong scientific background with industrial research and development experience
High emotional intelligence matched with professionalism
Motivating, empowering, concise, and persuasive
Invested in the career development of others
Positive encouraging attitude coupled with ability to give direct constructive feedback
5+ years in industrial research in a biological industry, preferably related to Fungi
Lab automation experience
7+ years of exceptional people management and leadership
Experience managing a diverse team including both senior scientists and research associates / technicians