Chief Scientist

Location: Virginia Beach, VA (on-site)

Department: Research & Development

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift: 8:30 a.m.- 5:15 p.m. (ET) Monday- Friday

Clinical Classification: Clinical

LifeNet Health is searching for talented individuals who will embrace our mission of saving lives, restoring health, and giving hope.

LifeNet Health, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is the largest nonprofit organ procurement organization (“OPO”) and tissue processor in the United States, as well as a leading innovator in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to improve the quality of human life through the provision of organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation; to provide innovation in the fields of bio-implants, regenerative medicine and research; and, to serve the community with educational and support services that enhance the donation process.  LifeNet Health has over 1200 employees and has a growing global presence.

How you will contribute to LifeNet Health’s success:

The Chief Scientist represents the highest level of scientific knowledge and achievement. The Chief Scientist develops and champions new science and technology initiatives within the Research and Development division and in accordance with FDA guidelines.  He/she will collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers to drive scientific excellence and otherwise leverage technology toward advancements in therapeutic and clinical applications. He/she is instrumental in implementing R&D strategy and hiring and developing highly motivated staff to manage projects and execute tasks.

What you’ll do:

• Provides oversight to assigned Research team by leading, guiding and directing employees to be effective team members. Ensures that everyone is equipped with the right skills, tools, and talents necessary for executing their duties. Using the established people processes (performance, development, succession, and career) to ensure that their team’s level of performance and capabilities meet current and future standards. Provide strategic and tactical leadership to direct reports with indirect supervision of their teams in a manner that supports the Company’s culture and mission. Leads multifunctional teams to plan and execute major projects according to organizational goals, budgets, and timelines to achieve corporate initiatives.  Provides scientific support for technical staff, including guidance and project review. Holds budgetary responsibilities for assigned projects.
• Conceptualizes strategies, develops platform technologies needed for new clinical or research products. Being a key resource to the group by providing deep expert insight to complex technical challenges.
• Ensures applicable project compliance with LifeNet’s Design Control Policy. Generates, reviews, and approves documents, including scientific journal articles, protocols, study plans & reports and regulatory submissions.
• Makes major contribution in the development and maintenance of intellectual property in support of the divisional project portfolio. Investigates the feasibility of the potential inventions and products.
• Serves as an expert in industry. Makes major contributions in assessing external technology for in-house application, potential licensing, or partner opportunities. Leads the collaboration with external key opinion leaders on new or existing technology evaluations.
• Fosters a culture of innovation.  Maintains knowledge of the state-of-the-art in relevant technical fields, generates new ideas and identify potential new applications of relevant tasks and capabilities.

What you’ll bring (Minimum Requirements):

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or Biotechnology.
• Fifteen (15) years of related industry experience.
• Ten (10) years of management experience with responsibility of direct reports’ performance.

Preferred Experience/Skills/Certifications:

• Four (4) years of experience in establishing/ directing GMP facilities and clinical trials.
• Four (4) years of experience as a Principal Investigator for major project.
• Commercialization of Work Product: Well published and patents.

These would be nice too (Knowledge Skills and Abilities):

• Project Management: Management of multiple projects.
• Computer Skills: Written, verbal and presentation; ability to engage, inspire and influence people.
• Commercialization of Work Product: Highest record of scientific achievement with a track record of novel scientific achievement and successful commercialization.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to work within matrixed organization and strong ability to lead a diverse team through
• change and growth.
• People Development: Actively engages in talent management practices (selection, promotion, development and
• engagement) to cultivate a workforce that is well aligned with current and emerging talent needs.
• Relationship Management: Builds and sustains partnerships across organizational boundaries and functions as well as outside the organization to achieve common goals and outcomes.
• Research/ Problem Solving: Leads thorough analysis of situations with appropriate attention to detail and the big picture including consideration of impact at multiple levels of the system. Distinguished record of accomplishments evidenced by publications/patents.
• Strategic Thinking: Strategic planning and interfacing, especially for complex or critical products. Impact of regulatory changes on internal processes and products. Clear, comprehensive understanding of the link between department/function and business strategy.

Why work at LifeNet Health?

We have a fierce drive for our mission of Saving Lives, Restoring Health, and Giving Hope. You will not find another company with a culture as strong as ours.

• 403(b) and Profit-Sharing Plan
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Corporate sponsored events for employees
• Work-life balance with generous paid time off to include vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays
  • 18 vacation days
  • 9 sick days
  • 7 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal career, skill, and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness Program (gym reimbursement, monthly wellness webinars, mental health toolkit, financial resources, and much more)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and members of their household
• Dedicated and passionate co-worker

Salary: $175,430- $233,906/ annual

The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on geographic location and the candidate’s qualifications and prior relevant experience. The pay range for this position is $175,430 annually (entry-level qualifications) to $233,906 annually (experienced in this role).

* Actual compensation may be higher based on the successful candidate's knowledge and relevant experience.

This position is eligible for an annual bonus once eligibility criteria are met. 

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and LifeNet Health reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice, unless otherwise required by law.  Further, nothing in this posting is intended to alter the “at will” relationship of a successful candidate and this posting does not constitute a specific promise.

LifeNet Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.  We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.