Chief Scientific Officer

ATCC; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(a) and 403(b) retirement plans

Paid parental leave

Fitness and cell phone subsidies

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

ATCC is seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to develop and execute the company's scientific strategy, leading a multi-disciplinary organization focused on emerging biology. The CSO will define scientific priorities and ensure alignment with commercial operations.

Responsibilities include leading model platform innovation, managing external partnerships, and ensuring delivery of impactful scientific capabilities. A PhD and extensive leadership experience in life sciences are required.

ATCC offers comprehensive health plans, retirement options, and a mission-driven environment supporting scientific research.

Qualifications

• PhD with 11+ years in life sciences, overseeing scientific teams.
• Proven leadership in scientific autonomy and strategy execution.
• Experience in scaling organizations in biotech or life sciences.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute scientific strategy aligned with enterprise goals.
• Lead advanced model platform development and innovation.
• Establish an operating model for multi-disciplinary scientific organization.
• Serve as an external scientific spokesperson to elevate impact.

Skills

Leadership of complex scientific organizations

Cell biology expertise

Cross-functional collaboration

Building and scaling scientific organizations

Data integrity and standardization

Education

PhD in relevant scientific discipline

Job description

ATCC is hiring a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in developing and executing ATCC’s scientific strategy aligned with the enterprise strategy. This role leads a world-class scientific and development organization, defines and executes scientific vision and priorities across emerging areas of biology, identifies portfolio gaps and determines optimal paths (build, partner, or acquire), and ensures delivery of scientifically robust, future-ready capabilities. The CSO serves as ATCC’s external scientific voice and listener, builds advanced model platforms, and aligns scientific innovation with commercial, operational, and quality priorities to translate capabilities into impactful offerings. This role is onsite. Join ATCC and be part of a team that supports the global scientific community with trusted, authenticated biological materials.

Responsibilities

• Scientific Vision & Strategy: Define and execute ATCC’s scientific strategy underpinning the enterprise strategy, evolve products and services, and advance priorities across emerging areas of biology while championing reproducibility and scientific standards.
• Platform Development & Innovation: Lead the build and scale advanced model platforms including 3D systems, organoids, organ-on-chip technologies, spatial biology, stem cell–based systems, and integrated computational/in silico models aligned to research and industry needs.
• Organizational Leadership & Delivery: Lead and scale a multi-disciplinary scientific organization, establish an operating model across research, development, and programs, and ensure disciplined delivery aligned to strategy, timelines, and budgets.
• External Scientific Leadership: Serve as a credible scientific spokesperson, build relationships across biopharma, academia, and government, and represent ATCC in forums, partnerships, and collaborations to elevate scientific impact.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner with Commercial, Operations, Quality, and data science teams to align priorities, integrate experimental and computational capabilities, and translate scientific assets into scalable offerings.
• Portfolio & Program Management: Identify scientific and portfolio gaps, determine optimal execution paths, and advance high-impact programs with clear prioritization and accountability.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline, PhD and 11+ years of experience in life sciences, including leadership roles overseeing scientific teams and programs.
• Demonstrated leadership of complex scientific organizations, operating with autonomy to drive strategy, execution, and transformation in evolving environments.
• Proven track record of building and scaling scientific organizations within biotech, life sciences tools, or innovation-driven environments.
• Expertise in cell biology and/or advanced biological systems, including next-generation model platforms (e.g., 3D systems, organoids, spatial biology, stem cell-based systems).
• Experience in applied or translational settings with strong understanding of data integrity, standardization, and reproducibility.
• Experience working in cross-functional environments with computational biology, product, or commercial teams, and delivering programs with scientific rigor and business maturity.
• Preferred: Established external scientific presence and strong professional network across biopharma, academia, and government.
• Preferred: Experience in entrepreneurial or high-growth environments and scaling laboratory environments and scientific infrastructure.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical coverage and company paid Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, AD&D, and paid parental leave; work life balance with Paid Holidays and PTO; fitness and cell phone subsidies, and additional benefits such as legal services, pet insurance and additional supplemental coverage; Employee Assistance Program offering around-the-clock counseling.
• Financial security: 401(a) (6% employer contribution) and 403(b) (2% match) retirement plans; Exceptional career advancement opportunities, recognition, and rewards; Corporate bonus program.
• Mission Focused: Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research; We give scientists the tools they need to make discoveries that improve and save lives; Contribute to community involvement and social responsibility.

Join ATCC, where we fuel your success, well-being, and development. We’re an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Shape the future of science with us.