Species Director, Head of Large Mammals

The Species Director/Head of Large Mammals will develop and implement strategies in the de-extinction of new large mammal, target species in parallel to current keystone species. The Species Director collaborates with multiple teams to strategize, conduct, manage, troubleshoot, and be accountable for the generation of novel, non-model organisms. This position reports to the Vice President of BioSynergy and will manage a team of 5 or more scientists with a range of complementary skills and experience. 

**This position will be based on-site in Dallas, TX with periodic (5 to 20%) travel anticipated. Relocation assistance is available**

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain expertise in technical, biological, and environmental aspects of non-model organism species of interest
• Design, develop, and guide the implementation of novel experiments, techniques, procedures, protocols, and systems, in collaboration with scientific teams, aimed at the objectives and outcomes leading to the generation of non-model organisms
• Contribute to, and be responsible for, documentation, reports, presentations and publications associated with work 
• Serve as in-house expert to multidisciplinary technology teams; Contribute as a thought leader and trouble shooter to projects aimed at novel technology development that empowers de-extinction efforts at Colossal, such as multiplex genome engineering tools
• Keep current with technological developments through literature search, seminars and other modes of communication
• Integrate intellectual excellence in critical technical areas: computational biology, trait engineering through gene editing, embryology, developmental and stem cell biology, and reproductive physiology that may not be part of the incumbents existing experience 
• Lead and mentor team members to foster open communication, scientific creativity, ensure research integrity and productivity and cultivate their professional development 
• Oversee lab meetings, prepare reports and presentations on the progress of projects
• Synchronize frequently with the team and technical leads to review experimental plans and ensure data driven decision making to advance programs
• Engage effectively with multidisciplinary colleagues across the company to deliver program milestones on time and on budget
• Report progress and strategize with senior management and external collaborators
• Author and guide scientific and project specific content in support of strategic business goals and brand strengthening in a global market

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of scientific methodology and study design; hypothesis testing; qualitative and quantitative data interpretation and application
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for a range of audiences
• Ability to maintain effective communication with stakeholders; integrate new data to inform decision making and advocate and accelerate projects 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as required, in a fast-paced, matrixed, team environment consisting of internal and external team members
• Working knowledge of molecular biology applied to genome engineering tools (CRISPR and non-CRISPR based), cloning techniques, and sequencing and analytic techniques
• Experience operating in a cell production setting ensuring that SOPs and QA/QC checkpoints are established and implemented with ability to troubleshoot  
• Analytical and creative thinker with excellent problem-solving skills
• Excellent planning, organization and time management skills including delegating
• Ability to prioritize and support multiple projects at various stages of development
• Enjoys the fast-paced startup culture, teamwork and cross-company collaboration, and operating within a growth-oriented, nimble environment
• Strong emotional intelligence and passion for building relationships across the company
• Very high level of comfort with productivity and communication software platforms (Slack, MS Office, digital notebooks, HR, budgetary and project management systems)

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s or PhD in biological sciences or related fields 
• Background in comparative large mammals important
• 5+ years of post-graduate training and/or applied industry research experience 
• 5+ years leadership directly managing teams of 5 or more scientists is required
• 7+ years of experience in managing concurrent, complex multidisciplinary projects