Chief Scientific Officer

A little about us:

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) was established in 2010 to plot a new course in biomedical research that would change the lives of individuals affected with developmental brain disorders. We are one of the only research institutions in the world focused specifically on understanding how genes and the environment influence the way our brains develop that lead to conditions such as schizophrenia autism bipolar disorder and related developmental brain disorders. Through our cutting-edge research answers are emerging and being translated into a robust pipeline of new drugs in development. And by focusing on genes and their dynamic interplay with the environment we are getting even closer to the holy grail in medical research the discovery of strategies for primary prevention.

We are a group of dedicated multidisciplinary and optimistic researchers working at the cutting edge of science utilizing state-of-the-art tools to unlock the mystery of the brain and transform the way we approach the development of new treatments and ultimately cures. LIBD is an independent 501(c)(3) medical research institute located in the Bioscience Park on the campus of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Hospital in Baltimore MD.

Job Summary:

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) is seeking its inaugural Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to be a key scientific and strategic leader who will drive the next phase of the Institutes scientific growth. The CSO will be a member of the executive leadership team responsible for setting and leading the institutions scientific vision strategy and priorities. The CSO will ensure the scientific excellence integrity and impact of the research enterprise fostering innovation and collaboration across departments. Because the Institute is a translational research enterprise the CSO will identify and prioritize scientific projects that lead to translational outcomes e.g. diagnostic tests and therapeutic targets. This role reporting to the CEO will bridge high-level scientific leadership with operational oversight aligning research initiatives with the institutions mission to understand and translate basic genetic and molecular mechanisms of developmental brain disorders into clinical advances to change the lives of affected individuals.

The CSO position is constructed as a half-time appointment as the CSO will also be a member of the Institutes faculty and maintain a significant and active research portfolio in addition to their leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Research Oversight

• Develop and lead an actionable scientific strategy that encompasses both existing and new potential areas of research to advance Institute goals and that establishes priorities among programs.
• Provide guidance to the CEO and Board of Directors on strategic scientific initiatives and investments.
• Oversee translational and developmental research programs ensuring high scientific standards ethical compliance and impact.
• Provide support and guidance for faculty fellows and trainees in developing their research programs and implementing new scientific initiatives.
• Support efforts to obtain external funding through grants partnerships and philanthropic support.
• Work closely with the CFO and COS to evaluate and improve research infrastructure facilities and technology platforms.
• Oversee the allocation of research space operations of scientific cores and scientific services that support researchers across multiple laboratories.
• Work with the members of the SAB to advance Institute scientific priorities and to advise on changes in priorities.

Team Leadership & Talent Development:

• Recruit mentor and retain top scientific talent across disciplines.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive research culture that supports professional development and interdisciplinary work.
• Facilitate collaborations among internal researchers and external partners including academia industry and government agencies.

Scientific Communication & Partnership Development:

• Serve as a key spokesperson on scientific matters representing the institution at conferences meetings with the SAB and in the media.
• Work closely with the Chief Advancement officer and CEO to ensure effective communication of research outcomes to stakeholders including funders policymakers and the public.
• Promote the visibility and reputation of the institution within the global scientific community.

Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and ethical guidelines for all research activities.
• Collaborate with Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) compliance officers and legal counsel to uphold research integrity.
• Oversee internal review processes and scientific advisory committees.

Experience and Critical Leadership Capabilities:

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with a practical understanding of institutional operations and exceptional administrative financial management and organizational skills.

The CSO will have internationally recognized scientific credentials a successful track record of independent research high profile peer-reviewed publications successful grant funding and academic stature commensurate with a senior level faculty appointment.

The CSO will be able to work effectively and efficiently toward goals in a diverse and dynamic environment with multiple and changing demands and a proven ability to develop manage and track relevant performance measures and foster cross-functional collaborations and partnerships.

Ability to effectively and professionally communicate with all departments and all levels of personnel to foster open communication and debate ensuring that everyone within the LIBD community feels engaged in and committed to its success and mission.

In addition to the experience and critical leadership capabilities outlined above the required minimum qualifications include:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. in a biomedical or life sciences discipline.
• At least 1015 years of progressive leadership experience in a research-intensive environment.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary research teams and large-scale scientific programs.
• Deep understanding of translational research clinical trials and/or technology transfer is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV through the application portal.

*Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time long term basis.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods of time;

Reaching and grasping to manipulate objects with fingers;

Mobility including the ability to maneuver around a laboratory setting including the ability to move materials weighing up to 25 pounds;

Communication skills using the spoken and written word;

Having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication;

All other physical demands in a standard laboratory environment.

** If accommodations are needed due to pregnancy or a disability please contact

Benefits and Compensation

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to help us attract and retain the best talent. Please visit for more information.

EEOC Statement: At the Lieber Institute we are committed to a work environment of mutual respect where employment decisions are based on merit. As an equal opportunity employer the Lieber Institute does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race color religion color sex gender identity/expression sexual orientation pregnancy marital status age national origin or ancestry citizenship disability (physical or mental) genetic information military service or other non-merit based factors protected by state or federal law or local ordinance with regard to any position or employment for which the applicant or employee is qualified.

LIEBER INSTITUTE FOR BRAIN DEVELOPMENTS COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development is a transparent and collaborative community working to produce unique and imaginative patient-oriented solutions to developmental neuropsychiatric disorders. It is committed to integrating scientists from diverse disciplines cultures and countries into a research team that draws upon the best of its staff. The Institute is historicit is defining a unique model for ground-breaking science. It values translational science that revolutionizes the field and improves the quality of life for those affected by mental illness. The Institute provides an environment that fosters independent growth through mentorship and a supportive collegial community. Diverse minds ideas and talent are needed to support LIBDs mission. Fresh innovative ideas and perspectives are a competitive necessity in an increasingly diverse and global marketplace. The success of the Institutes mission depends upon leveraging a diversity of talent.

The Institutes commitment to diversity goes beyond compliance with laws and regulations that promote equal employment opportunity prohibit discrimination and harassment and support minority and woman owned businesses. To realize the advantages of its diversity it is necessary to work effectively together even when differences challenge us to consider ideas and methods that seem impractical or make us feel uncomfortable.

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development demonstrates its commitment to diversity by:

• Including others: Talent is not limited to those with a narrow set of industry and academic credentials. The Institute is committed to building diverse teams inviting others to share their perspectives seeking out a diversity of input when making decisions questioning traditional thinking and promoting continuous learning and development.
• Respecting one another: The Institute is committed to listening carefully to others seeking consensus engaging in active and constructive debate thoughtfully challenging one another and providing constructive feedback.
• Building trust: The Institute is committed to sharing information and resources depending on one another to get things done keeping promises and conveying high integrity in all actions.