Director, Artificial Womb Technology Research

The science of exogenous development is at an inflection point, and Colossal intends to be the organization that moves it from theoretical possibility to biological reality. This role exists for the scientist who has thought deeply about what becomes possible if the resource and freedom constraints were removed — because at Colossal, they are. Colossal is offering the right scientist not just resources and autonomy, but the conditions to achieve world firsts in exogenous development that no academic institution, government lab, or competitor can currently replicate. The work you do here will define the field. 

Reporting to the Chief Biology Officer, the Director of AWT Research will spearhead groundbreaking research on techniques of embryo manipulation in model and non-model organisms. The new Director, AWT will lead an interdisciplinary team of talented reproductive biologists and engineers to develop, implement, and maintain strategic plans for the Artificial Womb Technology Team. The successful candidate will be a skilled scientist and leader across Colossal Biosciences’ multi-disciplinary team. This individual will be a key driver and partner in achieving the short-term milestones in the Company’s first live births leading to the scale and expansion of species-specific programs that meet the overall vision of Colossal. 

This position is based on-site in Dallas, TX and relocation assistance is available. 

Why this role is different

• Access resources and engineering capability unavailable in traditional academic environments.
• Lead an integrated team spanning developmental biology, reproductive biology, biomaterials and engineering.
• Translate discoveries rapidly into scalable technologies with real conservation impact.
• Shape the scientific direction of one of the world's most ambitious biotechnology programs.

Core Accountabilities

• Deliver the first successful live births using Colossal's Artificial Womb Technology platform.
• Build a world-leading multidisciplinary research program integrating developmental biology, reproductive biology, biomaterials and engineering.
• Translate scientific discoveries into scalable technologies supporting Colossal's conservation and de-extinction programs.
• Recruit, mentor and inspire a globally recognised scientific team.
• Build the intellectual property portfolio defining the future of exogenous development.

Supporting Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Biology Officer and the development team on all AWT research efforts overseeing multiple projects, leveraging resources from cross functional areas, to advance AWT research programs into clinical proof-of-concept and final product.
• Provide scientific leadership, expertise, management from discovery through translational activities with a focus on rapidly progressing research programs through an R&D process.
• Serve as the overall program leader of multiple interdisciplinary teams for each species-specific program.
• Responsible for the successful collaboration and overall development and implementation activities driving Colossal’s AWT platform for the initial and future designated species programs.
• Oversee mixed teams of scientists and engineers who lead the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo experiments to validate novel technology and approaches to create species specific artificial wombs.
• Ensure appropriate scientific rigor in the design, conduct, validity, and interpretation of results.
• Recognize and conceptualize patents and validate innovative solutions and approaches to anticipate emerging needs.
• Serve as the scientific translational and developmental biology leader for external collaborations and scientific presentations to investors, investigators, and academic community.
• Provide guidance on biology/translational science and execute on resulting plans with regulatory agencies.
• Work with internal and external legal teams to build an IP portfolio including regulatory filings, patent applications and manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals.
• Lead efforts to build collaborative relationships and alliances with internal and external partners to drive innovation and influence the AWT portfolio.
• Develop and manage annual, quarterly, and monthly objectives and timelines.Maintain deep expertise in emerging science and technology across developmental biology, genetic engineering, and reproductive medicine, translating that knowledge into strategic analysis, technical problem solving, and continuous improvement that keeps AWT programs on timeline and ahead of the field.
• Animal ethics - ensure that all operations are performed with appropriate regulatory oversight including IACUC, USDA, IATA, others as appropriate.
• Talent development - Recruit, develop, and retain scientific talent that enables achievement of strategic path milestones

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a recognized Scientific Leader in the developmental biology discipline with knowledge and enthusiasm for ambitious projects and a passion for species conservation and de-extinction.

Ideal Experience

• 10+ years of relevant research and management experience beyond post-doctoral research including hands-on leadership and competence in the scientific and technical aspects of genetic engineering, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, reproductive technology, animal health combined with a novel medical device. Knowledge or experience in genetic engineering, AI and machine learning, embryology, stem cell programming, animal husbandry, and exogenous development would be a significant plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary scientific and technical teams, with experience advancing research programs from discovery through the continuum to product registration.
• Experienced in communicating science in a manner both accessible and engaging to a broad audience.
• Responsive to the changing landscape and demands of novel product development with the ability to envision and execute on alternative strategies.
• Evidence of independent thinking and leadership skills are vital. Ability to work well under pressure and drive multiple projects that impact critical timelines is essential.
• BS, MS, PhD, or ScD in a technical field. Educational level is less important than a demonstrated ability to think rigorously, lead successful teams, innovate, and manufacture novel, complex products.

Personal Characteristics & Leadership Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills, confidence, and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of scientific, technical, medical, research, and others.
• A goal-orientated individual who operates with a high sense-of-urgency and is comfortable in a nimble, risk-taking environment.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with flexibility required in a start-up environment.
• Forward thinking, creative, and strategic with a decisive “can do” attitude that will proactively address challenges and create multiple options to meet business goals.
• An inspirational leader in words and actions, in everything said and done.
• A commitment to curiosity and innovation, and the ability to bring others to the same level of commitment.
• Comfort and the ability to drive deliberate change in an organization and across multiple Research and Development teams.