Chief Executive Officer

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Inc.; Gloucester, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 275,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Inc. (GMGI) in Gloucester, MA, seeks a visionary CEO to advance its mission in marine genomics and biomedical research, guiding scientific strategy, external partnerships, and long-term growth.

The CEO will run a laboratory, recruit world-class scientists, and cultivate collaborations with universities and industry, ensuring financial sustainability while expanding impact in ocean health and biomedical discovery.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in a science discipline with extensive marine science or biomedical research experience.
• Internationally recognized research program and track record of achievement.
• Proven success securing competitive research funding.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead GMGI’s long-term scientific vision and research strategy.
• Maintain an internationally recognized research program and laboratory.
• Recruit and mentor exceptional scientists at all levels.
• Foster collaborative, innovative culture across the institute.
• Build strategic partnerships with universities, industry, and government.
• Oversee operations, finance, and development for sustainability.

Skills

PhD in science (marine/biomedical)

Research leadership

Fundraising / grants

Strategic partnerships

Communication & team leadership

Education

PhD or equivalent in science

Job description

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) seeks a visionary scientific leader to serve as its Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity for an internationally recognized scientist to lead a distinctive and growing research institute through its next phase of growth and impact.

Founded in 2013, GMGI was established on the premise that the world’s oceans represent one of the most important and underexplored frontiers for biological discovery. Advances in genomics and molecular biology have created unprecedented opportunities to understand marine biodiversity, discover new biological mechanisms, and develop novel therapeutics, technologies, and environmental solutions.

Located on Gloucester’s historic waterfront just north of Boston and Cambridge—one of the world’s leading biotechnology ecosystems—GMGI combines a state-of-the-art marine genomics research institute with a unique workforce development program, the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, which prepares young adults for careers in biotechnology.

GMGI has established a strong scientific foundation and now seeks a leader who can expand its research enterprise, elevate its scientific profile, and position the institute as a globally recognized center with a focus on applied marine science and complementary areas of biomedical research such as immunology, biotechnology, neuroscience, cancer biology, and bioinformatics and related fields.

The next CEO will be both the scientific and institutional leader of GMGI, responsible for shaping the institute’s research agenda, recruiting exceptional scientists, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the organization.

About GMGI

GMGI is a nonprofit marine research and education institute dedicated to addressing critical challenges facing our oceans, environment, and human health through genomics-driven discovery.

Currently, the institute’s research is comprised of two divisions: Healthy Oceans and Fisheries and Marine Biomedical Discovery. The institute also operates the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, an innovative workforce development program that prepares young adults for careers as biotechnology laboratory technicians.

GMGI works in close collaboration with leading scientists, universities, and biotechnology partners and benefits from proximity to the world-class life sciences ecosystem of Boston and Cambridge.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer will serve as the scientific and organizational leader of GMGI. The CEO will define and lead the institute’s scientific strategy while overseeing its next significant growth phase, its overall operations, partnerships, and long-term development.

The CEO will maintain an active research program and run a laboratory at GMGI while also guiding the growth of the institute’s broader research enterprise.

Working closely with the Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board, the CEO will ensure the long-term sustainability of GMGI as a leading research institute by recruiting and mentoring outstanding scientists, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and building external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership

• Define and lead GMGI’s long-term scientific vision and research strategy
• Maintain an internationally recognized research program and laboratory at GMGI
• Recruit and mentor exceptional junior and senior research scientists
• Foster a collaborative and innovative scientific culture across the institute
• Guide the development of new interdisciplinary research initiatives and programs
• Strengthen GMGI’s visibility and reputation within the global scientific community
• Oversee the institute’s research portfolio and major grant initiatives

Institutional Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and management of the organization
• Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement GMGI’s long-term strategic plan
• Build and lead a strong senior leadership team overseeing operations, finance, education programs, and development
• Ensure operational excellence and financial sustainability across the institute
• Guide the continued growth and evolution of GMGI’s research infrastructure and capabilities

Partnerships and External Engagement

• Build strategic collaborations with universities, research institutes, industry partners, and government agencies
• Strengthen GMGI’s position within the broader life sciences ecosystem of the Boston region
• Serve as a visible scientific ambassador for the institute nationally and internationally

Resource Development

• Partner with the Board and development team to expand philanthropic support
• Support the growth of GMGI’s grant portfolio and strategic funding partnerships
• Contribute to long-term financial planning and institutional sustainability

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D., or equivalent in a science discipline with extensive experience and expertise in marine science or biomedical research, e.g., immunology, biotechnology, neuroscience, cancer biology, bioinformatics and related fields
• An internationally recognized research program and record of scientific achievement
• Demonstrated success securing competitive research funding
• Experience recruiting and mentoring scientific talent
• Leadership experience within a research institute, academic center, or comparable scientific organization
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience building or scaling research programs or institutionsDemonstrated success developing interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate will be:

• A scientific entrepreneur and institution builder who can grow an emerging research institute
• A world-class scientist capable of advancing GMGI’s research leadership
• A collaborative leader able to inspire scientists, staff, partners, and funders
• A strategic thinker capable of translating scientific opportunity into long-term institutional growth

Reporting Structure

The Chief Executive Officer reports to the GMGI Board of Directors and works closely with the Board and Scientific Advisory Board in shaping the institute’s strategic direction.

Salary Range

$275,000-$350,000