Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist, Skin Biology and Lab Operations — Job Description

Location:

Chicago, IL (100% Onsite)

Stage:
Early-stage biotech / dermatology startup

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to lead skin biology–focused research, experimental strategy, and lab operations. This role sits at the intersection of scientific leadership and execution, partnering closely with the executive team to translate company strategy into rigorous, hypothesis-driven experiments. You will directly manage the R&D team, own assay development, and establish the operational backbone of the lab.

• Collaborate directly with the C-suite to translate strategic goals into detailed experimental roadmaps, project plans, and milestones.
• Assume primary responsibility for the design, planning, and prioritization of all in vitro and ex vivo assays and experiments
• Maintain a deep understanding of the relevant scientific literature to identify and champion new technologies, methodologies, and research avenues.
• Develop and articulate clear, hypothesis-driven research plans to the scientific team and executive leadership.
• Research, write, and validate experimental protocols
• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and scientific guidance to the R&D team (including Scientists, Research Associates, and interns).
• Lead the R&D team's daily operations, assigning tasks and managing workflows to ensure experimental priorities are met.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, innovation, and urgency
• Establish individual and team performance goals, conduct regular performance reviews, and support the professional development of all direct reports.

• Lead the R&D team in the rigorous analysis, interpretation, and documentation of experimental data.
• Establish and execute ELN/LIMS system
• Ensure all research activities, protocols, and results are documented
• Prepare and present clear, concise summaries of research progress, key findings, and scientific recommendations to the CSO and executive team.
• Establish workflow to forecast and plan for future resource needs, including instrumentation, reagents, and cell line banking, based on the experimental roadmap.

• Lead the preparation, drafting, and submission of scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and technical reports for peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and strategic disclosures.
• Translate internal research findings into clear, publication-quality figures, methods, and results sections.
• Collaborate with the executive team to align publication strategy with company IP, patent filings, and partnership objectives.
• Coordinate authorship, internal review, and external collaborations related to publications.
• Ensure appropriate documentation to support both publications and downstream partner diligence

Required:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, dermatology or related field, drug discovery, or equivalent
• A minimum of 2 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO setting
• Proven track record of directly managing and mentoring research scientists and associates.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and developing a wide range of assays relevant to dermatology, the basic science of skin, and/or topical drug delivery
• Experience in leading discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in parallel.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred:

• Direct experience working in a fast-paced, early-stage biotech startup environment.
• Subject matter expertise in early-stage development of skincare or dermatology technology
• Experience with managing external research collaborations or Contract Research Organizations (CROs)
• Experience with in vitro permeation testing and related assays

• Equity options in a fast-growing start-up