Chief of Staff, Scientific Strategy & Execution

Arc Institute; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

Arc Institute in Palo Alto is seeking a Chief of Staff who can act as a scientific and strategic partner to the Executive Director and Core Investigator. The role covers CRISPR-based transcriptome engineering, functional genomics, and computational biology, translating engagement into sharp decision-making and cross-lab coordination.

With a Ph.D. and 5–12+ years of experience, you will own the Executive Director's operating rhythm, drive complex initiatives, and connect the right people, data,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) with a demonstrated scientific track record, plus 5–12+ years of experience.
• Background in biology areas (e.g., genome or transcriptome engineering, functional genomics, neuroscience).
• Strong ability to gather information, map stakeholders, and synthesize complex science into clear options and recommendations for decision makers.
• Experience managing complex, cross-functional projects from inception through execution in a research environment.
• Evidence of translating technical or scientific work for non-specialist audiences via writing and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a scientific and strategic daily thought partner to the Executive Director, shaping priorities and representing internal and external perspectives.
• Own the operating rhythm of the Executive Director's office, including scheduling and prioritization of technical and organizational demands, with some administrative duties.
• Gather and synthesize technical information into clearly framed options, trade-offs, and recommendations for rapid, well-informed decisions.
• Design strategic meeting pre-reads, agendas, and follow-ups for Arc's leadership and scientific teams.
• Drive high-priority scientific programs and collaborations from inception through execution, coordinating with the Scientific Program Management function at Arc.
• Partner with leadership to define annual and long-term strategic goals for the institute.
• Unblock science by organizing collaborations and making the right connections between people, data, and resources.
• Translate complex technical work for varied audiences without sacrificing rigor.

Skills

Science communication

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Discretion

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent

Job description

Arc Institute in Palo Alto is seeking a Chief of Staff who can act as a scientific and strategic partner to the Executive Director and Core Investigator. The role covers CRISPR-based transcriptome engineering, functional genomics, and computational biology, translating engagement into sharp decision-making and cross-lab coordination.

With a Ph.D. and 5–12+ years of experience, you will own the Executive Director's operating rhythm, drive complex initiatives, and connect the right people, data,