Senior Director, Data Science Initiatives & Partnerships

The Jackson Laboratory•Bar Harbor, ME

3d•$189,226 - $300,195•Remote

About The Position

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is seeking a visionary Senior Director of Data Science Initiatives and Partnerships — a strategic leader who sits at the intersection of biology, technology, AI, and scientific innovation. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, this role serves as the central connector between JAX’s world‑class research teams and high‑value external partners across academia, industry, government, and technology. Remote (with travel to JAX sites as needed) This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of data‑driven discovery at a globally recognized research institution.

Requirements

PhD with 10+ years of experience, including 8–10 years leading high‑impact data science programs.
A visionary scientist who is familiar at working with external collaborators and partners to engage with our current data science strategy
Proven success building and scaling complex, cross‑functional scientific or technical programs.
Deep expertise in AI/ML, large language models, and their application in molecular genetics, drug discovery, or assay development.
Demonstrated ability to drive measurable organizational impact, including budget and resource oversight.
Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and executive‑level influencing skills.
Experience in research‑intensive, technology‑driven, or mission‑driven environments (biotech, pharma, healthcare, etc.).
Strong background developing AI‑enabled platforms or products that accelerate scientific discovery.

Nice To Haves

Experience in consulting, business development, or hybrid technical‑commercial roles is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop and drive the strategic vision for high‑impact partnerships across research, nonprofit, government, and industry sectors.
Oversee the full partnership lifecycle — from strategic scoping and complex negotiations to governance and renewal.
Represent JAX as a senior ambassador at national and international conferences, summits, and thought‑leadership forums.
Define and champion the enterprise‑level data science roadmap, translating executive priorities into scalable, measurable programs.
Provide executive oversight of a portfolio of data science initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional research strategy.
Establish governance models, resource allocation frameworks, and risk‑management strategies to ensure operational excellence.
Build trusted relationships with senior faculty, scientific leaders, and operational executives to align internal capabilities with external opportunities.
Act as the strategic integrator between external partnerships and internal research operations.
Lead, mentor, and grow a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific excellence.
Drive talent strategy and support capability development across internal teams and external partnership leads.