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Director of Research

We are biosensor innovators and we are looking for our Director of Research!

 

The mission of Foothold Labs is to use data to gain a “foothold” on better health, cleaner water, or healthier soil.  We believe biosensing is a powerful tool that will act as a catalyst for long term change in multiple industries.  Additionally, we believe that strategic impact can only be achieved through partnering with best-in-class organizations like the University of Kansas Bioengineering Department Berkland Group and the Naval Research Laboratory Biotechnology Office.

 

Foothold Labs is an emerging leader in the development of artificial intelligence-enabled, next-generation rapid diagnostic devices.  Our NanoRev platform uses functionalized thin-film sensors and electrochemical detection to provide rapid yet cost-effective analytical determinations for applications ranging from infectious disease detection in saliva for the healthcare sector, to quantitation of gunpowder residues for the security and defense sector. We’re on the cusp of bringing high-quality, rapid analysis at an affordable price to markets where there is a gap and a clear need. We’re looking for an experienced scientist to join our growing technology team as the Director of Research to help us deliver our products to market.  
 

Founded by a former Navy SEAL officer, Foothold Labs is driven to solve real world problems and make our technologies available to save lives.  We seek people who are inspired by the idea of delivering market leading technologies and support our mission. If you have this mindset and believe you can bring your unique skills and ideas to the company, we’d love to meet you. 
 

Key Job Duties:
 

The Director of Research will be a critical member of the executive leadership team and will be responsible for managing the company’s scientific, technical and research operations.  Job duties will include:
 

  • Provide scientific guidance on strategic and operating decisions, setting strategy and performance goals.
  • Provide technical and market knowledge and insights to help set our technology roadmap.
  • Manage multiple, concurrent programs and projects as dictated by our technology roadmap.
  • Manage all technical staff, set timelines and oversee the daily management of technical activities.
  • Provide oversight and expertise to regulatory training, documentation and audits.
  • Apply scientific and market knowledge to the fabrication and characterization of biosensors using conductive substrates and optimize the performance of biosensors for target applications.
  • Build and evaluate novel device structures and testing methods suitable biosensors characterization, optimization and commercial use.
  • Compile and present regular updates to the management team and investors.
  • Demonstrate technical leadership and generate awareness via peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
  • Select and manage external partners where necessary
     

Required Qualifications:
 

  • MS degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field
  • Demonstrated technical and strategic leadership
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly master new scientific concepts and technologies
  • Collaborative approach and demonstrated strength in interpersonal skills
  • Ability to reflect, learn from mistakes and respond positively to feedback
  • Strong applied, hands-on experimental capabilities
  • Track record of publishing results in well regarded, peer-reviewed journals
  • Experience in filing for and winning intellectual property rights
  • Ability to document and communicate decision making process and strategy
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a cross-functional team to deliver results on time and within budget
  • Ability to quickly build and maintain rapport with both internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to manage details across multiple concurrent programs and projects
  • Experience in a commercial organization
  • Experience with one or more of the following: electrochemical detection, ELISA or other immunoassays, bio-microelectromechanical systems (bio-MEMS), or microfluidic device

 

Desired Skills, Experience and Qualifications:
 

  • Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field
  • Experience in moving products from R&D through new product introduction and to commercial success
  • Knowledge and experience in biosensing, involving some or all of the following areas:
  • Surface chemistry, functionalization and processing with proteins/enzymes required to fabricate biosensors.
  • Building, testing and characterization of biosensors in any form (e.g. optical, electrochemical, magnetic).
  • Using and optimizing electrochemical techniques to monitor biochemical systems (cyclic voltammetry/chronoamperometry/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, etc).
  • Characterization using surface analytical techniques (e.g. AFM, Raman, FTIR, XPS).
  • Fabrication and characterization of graphene devices and sensors.
     

Compensation & Benefits:
 

  • $70,000 Per Year
  • 20% End of the Year Bonus (Starting FY22)
  • Equity (Stock Options)
  • Premium Healthcare Benefits
  • Sign-On Bonus

 

As a start-up, we would like you to enjoy the success of the company which you will be helping to build through equity ownership opportunities. You will benefit from a generous company share option program, market salary and pension. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference not only to company performance, strategy and direction but also to the worldwide technology landscape.