Research and Innovation Manager

About You

Nutrafol is seeking a scientific expert in early stage/emerging biological targets relevant for hair growth & scalp health to help us maintain our competitive edge as innovators in hair wellness. This role will be part of the R&D Innovation team and will design/lead preclinical research programs between our company and numerous research partners, including identifying/vetting new labs/collaborators, designing experiments, managing research collaborations, maintaining records/databases, data analysis and reporting, scientific communication, allocation of resources, and working collaboratively, internally & externally.

The candidate has knowledge in Hair/Skin Biology, especially in basic research/preclinical research focus, with relevant expertise including but not limited to relevant preclinical (in vitro & ex vivo) models.

You are a bold visionary, a creative problem-solver, highly organized and proactive, as well as able to consider the big picture. This person will identify, build, design, and manage research & innovation projects including developing overall project plan, phases, work streams, activities, deliverables, timelines, and milestones. You are unafraid to ask bold scientific research questions and propose new experiments to investigate novel/unknown territories, and highly motivated to create solutions that do not exist today.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead research & innovation projects in hair biology, including new targets/biological MOAs/root causes
• Identification of & coordination with labs/external partners to conduct in silico analytical testing, in vitro, “omics” and ex vivo studies, and project progression for evaluation of ingredients and potential discovery of new ingredient(s)
• Lead and execute the experimental design, work plans, data analysis and reporting
• Communication of data, including preparation of presentations, scientific posters and manuscripts for publication
• Track and manage progress on laboratory projects, managing timelines to ensure deadlines are met and roadblocks are solved for as necessary
• Create action plans for new projects generated by internal and external requests, including requests for proposals (RFPs) and/or statements of work (SOW)
• Responsible for coordination across labs, including requesting samples/supplies and documents, item coordination, and shipments, and managing timelines
• Communicate directly with various internal and external partners to research, define, and communicate progress on projects
• Develop firm understanding of internal lab/company processes and databases
• High level of organization and responsiveness for record keeping/data management for reports
• Build and maintain effective relationships which create a high level of trust across multiple functions
• Respond to inquiries by phone, email and in person quickly and professionally
• Participate in meetings with internal/external teams to evaluate and interpret the validity of data, determine methodologies, and evaluate lab procedures impacting the quality and timeliness of research.
• Analyze data using statistical methodologies & ability to showcase data/results in a variety of formats
• Communicate with researchers in other laboratories; share ideas and research methodologies to improve the effectiveness of the research.
• Track & keep abreast of research techniques, methodologies and literature/IP that may facilitate designated research projects (current or future)
• Monitor the performance of both the Investigator(s) and/or the Laboratory as applicable.
• Manage the initiation, draft revision, completion and maintenance of research proposals
• Support maintenance of project documentation files and internal databases with project information/updates, as directed and if applicable.

Requirements

• PhD preferred. Bachelor's and/or master’s degree; Biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, nutrition &/or similar field preferred
• 3+ years of industry experience with an expertise in cell and molecular biology preferred
• Dermatological &/or hair biology knowledge is ideal
• Academic and/or industry early-stage research experience is required
•  Understanding and experience with hair models, various, relevant cell types, co-cultures, organoid, biomarkers, omics, relevant preclinical (in vitro & ex vivo) models desirable
• Publication/patent/external presentation track record and preparation of scientific decks
• Experience with in vitro and ex vivo research activities related to evaluating bio-actives utilized in dietary supplements and/or topical/personal care applications a plus
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and R&D project management experience
• Attention to detail and ability to complete tasks on time with a high degree of accuracy
• Show initiative and ability to work as part of a high-level team while working independently
• Proven ability to learn new skills quickly and adapt to new processes smoothly
• Open innovation experience a plus