Lead Scientist

steampunk • McLean, VA

2d • $125,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Scientist will serve as a technical and scientific leader for high-visibility initiatives that enable large-scale research through cloud computing and Generative AI (GenAI). This role will guide adoption of advanced computational capabilities across a complex research ecosystem and lead a cross-organizational GenAI Community of Practice. The ideal candidate combines deep scientific expertise with experience leading multi-stakeholder initiatives at scale.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in biomedical science, computational biology, data science, computer science, or a related scientific discipline
• 10+ years of experience
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale scientific, technical, or research enablement initiatives
• Strong background in scientific research and familiarity with modern computational approaches, including cloud computing and/or GenAI
• Experience guiding adoption of new technologies within research or scientific organizations
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate cross-organizational communities, working groups, or collaborative networks
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with scientists, technologists, and senior leadership
• Local to Washington, DC metro area

Nice To Haves

• NIH experience
• Experience supporting research initiatives in large, complex, or regulated environments
• Experience establishing or leading Communities of Practice or cross-institutional collaborations
• Familiarity with responsible AI, ethical considerations, or governance in research contexts
• Experience working at the intersection of science, technology, and strategy
• Background in cloud-based research platforms or large-scale data ecosystems

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead for a high-profile, large-scale initiative providing access to cloud and GenAI resources across a distributed research community
• Provide scientific and technical leadership to accelerate research outcomes through adoption of cloud and GenAI technologies
• Guide national- or enterprise-level efforts to integrate advanced computational capabilities into research workflows
• Lead and coordinate a GenAI Community of Practice, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across a large, diverse population of scientists, technologists, and stakeholders
• Facilitate cross-organizational collaboration to identify research needs, prioritize use cases, and share best practices for responsible and effective use of GenAI
• Engage with senior leadership, researchers, and technical teams to communicate strategy, progress, and impact of cloud and GenAI initiatives
• Represent the initiative in scientific, technical, and stakeholder forums, including working groups, workshops, and briefings
• Contribute to development of guidance, frameworks, and best practices for cloud and GenAI use in research environments
• Support governance, coordination, and continuous improvement of large-scale research enablement efforts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree