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Korn Ferry International

Chief Academic Research Officer

Korn Ferry International, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, 87101


BackgroundLovelace Biomedical is a not-for-profit preclinical research organization with a long-standing reputation for its contributions to the fields of biomedical research and toxicology. Established in 1947 as part of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lovelace Biomedical has evolved into a leader in preclinical research services, offering a broad range of capabilities to support drug development, safety assessments, and biomedical research. The organization's primary focus is on enhancing human health through innovative science and technology, providing critical data to drive forward advancements in medicine and public health.

The organization is recognized for its expertise in toxicology and pharmacology (areas such as inhalation toxicology, drug safety evaluation, and environmental health research), as well as a strong focus on neuroscience through its Mind Research Network division. Lovelace operates state-of-the-art facilities that allow for the conduct of complex studies in a variety of species, employing sophisticated techniques and methodologies to assess the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and medical devices, as well as the ability to perform cutting-edge neuroimaging through multiple technologies. These capabilities have made Lovelace Biomedical a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and academic institutions seeking to navigate the regulatory landscape and bring new therapies to market.

Lovelace Biomedical’s beginnings focused on pioneering research in respiratory health. The organization has contributed significantly to the understanding of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and infectious diseases. Lovelace’s work extends to the development and testing of novel therapeutics and vaccines, with an emphasis on pre-clinical and translational research that bridges the gap between laboratory findings and clinical application. The organization’s commitment to advancing respiratory health has positioned it as a key player in addressing global health challenges related to lung disease and respiratory pathogens.

In 2012 Lovelace Biomedical added the Mind Research Network division to focus on the advancement in a variety of neuroscience-focused research areas. This division utilizes state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging and magnetoencephalogram neuroimaging systems, among other technologies, to study mental illness, traumatic brain injuries and other areas of neuroscience research, and is an integral part of Lovelace Biomedical.

Lovelace Biomedical continues to be a vital contributor to the biomedical research community, offering comprehensive services and expertise to support the advancement of health sciences. Its long history, combined with its focus on innovation and quality, makes it a key partner for those involved in drug development, toxicology, respiratory health, and neuroscience research.

In 2022 Lovelace Biomedical became part of the Touro University System, along with Touro’s New York Medical College, and this partnership has brought the potential to conduct innovative clinical trials to impact the Institute’s overall mission to improve human health.

The Opportunity

Position:

Chief Academic Research Officer

Location:

Albuquerque, New Mexico (open to discussion)

Reporting Relationship:

Board of Directors

Website:

https://www.lovelacebiomedical.org/

Purpose of the PositionThe Chief Academic Research Officer (CARO) will play a pivotal role in guiding the scientific and operational direction of Lovelace Biomedical. As a key member of the organization’s leadership team, the CARO is responsible for spearheading the development and execution of all academic research activities, ensuring that Lovelace's scientific operations are optimized for innovation, compliance, and revenue growth. By leveraging experience in academic research, the CARO will drive operational excellence, facilitate groundbreaking scientific advancements, and foster an environment of collaboration and mentorship.

The CARO will play a crucial role in Lovelace’s growth through funding development by cultivating relationships with various stakeholders, including government agencies and broader life sciences companies, securing new funding and enhancing research revenue. The CARO will work closely with others on the organization’s leadership team to focus on strategic business development to ensure sustained growth for Lovelace.

In addition to their leadership responsibilities, the CARO serves as a Tenure-Eligible Faculty Member at New York Medical College. This dual role allows them to contribute directly to collaborative research efforts while shaping the Institute's strategic scientific direction.

The successful candidate will lead efforts to drive Lovelace Biomedical's mission by ensuring operational efficiency, fostering scientific innovation, securing funding, and leading teams toward excellence in biomedical research.

Key ResponsibilitiesThe CARO will play a critical role in driving the execution of research and business development initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and fostering innovation across Lovelace’s scientific functional areas.

Utilize prior academic experience to optimize resource allocation, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold rigorous scientific standards. Understand best academic practices and identify opportunities for process enhancements to accelerate research outcomes.

Leverage Lovelace’s scientific capabilities to drive business growth by identifying, initiating, and nurturing collaborations with a variety of funding sources. Cultivate relationships with stakeholders to obtain new funding opportunities to enhance Lovelace’s research revenue.

Oversee budgets, timelines, and resource allocation with precision to ensure research projects are executed efficiently and effectively, and within budget.

Apply technical knowledge, preferably in the Institute’s areas of expertise in respiratory and neuroscience research, to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Influence research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis approaches.

Stay abreast of emerging technologies and scientific advancements; recommend and implement strategies for leveraging new academic opportunities for continued financial growth.

Build and manage a talented team to achieve excellence and establish accountability; develop and implement internal policies and procedures that facilitate the Institute’s success. Manage and mentor a team of Principal Investigators and associated technical support staff; foster an environment of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance with all regulatory bodies to include the USDA, FDA, CDC, and other similar governmental regulators.

Develop staffing plans and work with the Human Resources Department to design an overall talent strategy to achieve research goals.

Lead their own lab and research program as an important part of Lovelace’s collaborative research team.

Professional Experience and QualificationsThe CARO position calls for a highly committed, scientifically accomplished individual who can further bolster Lovelace’s position as a premier research institute in the biomedical field. The successful candidate will be committed to driving forward advancements in medicine and human health by providing innovative and comprehensive research services and expertise. The CARO will be the scientific voice for the organization and will be an outstanding scientific leader who can build and foster relationships with key stakeholders, bring expertise in respiratory or neuroscience research and regulatory processes, oversee the spending and budgeting of research funds, and determine the focus of the organization’s funded research programs.

Specific experience should include:

Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in scientific operations, including significant leadership roles within an academic setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained. Distinguished academic background with research track.

Demonstrated expertise in either respiratory or neuroscience research.

Proven experience in collaborating with and building relationships with key stakeholders in academia and government. Successful history of leveraging relationships to secure grants and partnerships as well as identifying business development initiatives leading to sustained revenue growth.

Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated senior managing experience leading large and diverse teams; exceptional leadership acumen evidenced by a track record of effectively leading and mentoring scientific teams. Must be adept at leading change management initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

A comprehensive understanding of all applicable regulatory frameworks and an established history of successfully navigating regulatory challenges.

Strong financial acumen and detailed experience managing budgets, resource allocation and financial forecasting to include overseeing the purchase and use of research supplies and equipment, research animals, and developing appropriate staffing support levels.

Possess a results-oriented approach and the ability to consistently drive projects to successful completion while exceeding targets, and the ability to leverage technology and data to enhance operational efficiency and decision making.

Proven ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment and make effective decisions under pressure.

Exhibits unquestionable integrity and ethical standards, and a track record of consistently upholding the highest level of professionalism, scientific integrity and confidentiality. Must also have professional-level communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with a broad variety of executives, scientific leaders, technical staff, administrative support staff, and all other Institute stakeholders.

Education

MD or PhD in an appropriate research discipline (neuroscience or respiratory) is required.

Compensation

A highly competitive compensation package will be offered to attract the most qualified candidates.

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.

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