Head of Research

Head of Research - Chicago, IL

Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, paid time off (PTO), parental leave, and additional employee benefits.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Research to lead laboratory operations and scientific research for a cutting-edge multi-omics platform focused on advancing precision medicine. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing research strategy, laboratory execution, and operational scalability while partnering closely with executive leadership to drive scientific innovation and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, validation, and optimization of molecular multi-omics workflows, ensuring scientific excellence and operational efficiency.

• Develop and scale robust laboratory processes for sample handling, preparation, sequencing, and quality control.

• Drive research initiatives involving metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.

• Translate complex scientific findings into strategic recommendations for executive leadership and business decision-making.

• Contribute scientific expertise to product development, commercialization strategies, and cross-functional initiatives.

• Present scientific insights to leadership, partners, investors, and other stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner.

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists and research associates while fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.

• Establish laboratory best practices, optimize workflows, and ensure research quality, reproducibility, and scalability.

• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to maintain scientific and competitive leadership.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genomics, Biotechnology, or a closely related scientific discipline.

• 5+ years of industry experience in molecular biology, microbiome research, genomics, or related life sciences.

• Strong expertise in metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, multi-omics technologies, and NGS platforms.

• Hands-on experience designing, optimizing, and interpreting molecular biology and sequencing workflows.

• Proven leadership experience managing or mentoring scientific teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

• Strategic mindset with a demonstrated ability to execute, prioritize, and drive organizational objectives.

Preferred Skills

• Multi-omics Research

• Metagenomics & Metatranscriptomics

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

• Molecular Biology Techniques

• Laboratory Operations & Workflow Optimization

• Scientific Leadership & Team Management

• Product Development Collaboration

• Research Strategy & Execution

• Data Interpretation & Scientific Communication

• Cross-functional Collaboration

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.

We’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.

Our Services
W3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.

We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.

We are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.

Our Expertise
W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.

As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.