Director of Applied Biosciences — Client-Focused Research

Outer Biosciences; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Outer Biosciences seeks a Head of Applied Biosciences to lead our applied science team in client-sponsored research and collaborative programs. This director-level role emphasizes scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering high-quality results from initial discussions to final delivery.

The ideal candidate has broad skin biology expertise, translational research experience, and strong business judgment.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in skin biology, dermatology, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, bioengineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, consumer-health, CRO, or scientific services settings.
• Strong expertise in skin biology and translational research with sound judgement in experimental design and data interpretation.
• Experience leading a contract research services portfolio and/or complex external scientific programs with multiple stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build trusted client relationships and identify follow-on opportunities.
• Exceptional scientific communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Experience mentoring scientists and coordinating cross-disciplinary teams.
• Highly organized, proactive, and resilient.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the applied science team, ensuring scientific rigor, data quality, and successful delivery of client-sponsored studies.
• Translate client objectives into proposals and protocols, defining models, endpoints, and interpretation criteria.
• Serve as the senior scientific contact for clients, communicating progress and study results.
• Manage concurrent programs, including scope, timelines, budgets, staffing, and resources.
• Review integrated datasets and client reports with scientifically supported conclusions and limitations.
• Collaborate with internal discovery, data science, operations, and commercial teams to align study objectives.
• Build trusted client relationships and identify follow-on studies and collaborative opportunities.
• Represent Outer Bio at conferences and industry events to showcase capabilities.

Skills

Skin biology

Translational research

Scientific leadership

Client relationships

Data interpretation

Program management

Communication

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Outer Biosciences seeks a Head of Applied Biosciences to lead our applied science team in client-sponsored research and collaborative programs. This director-level role emphasizes scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering high-quality results from initial discussions to final delivery.

The ideal candidate has broad skin biology expertise, translational research experience, and strong business judgment.