Head Of Scientific Research

Head of Research Location: Chicago, IL (On-site) Compensation: $125,000–$200,000 base salary + up to 1% equity stock options Benefits: Health insurance, PTO, parental leave, equity. Orion Group is partnering with a life sciences startup to fill their Head of Research role, with a focus on leveraging gut microbiome technologies (GutLab and MetaBiome) to advance personalized medicine. Role Summary This is a hands-on scientific leadership position responsible for leading laboratory operations and research while scaling the company's sample-to-answer multi-omics platform. The Head of Research reports directly to executive leadership and is accountable for research strategy, laboratory execution, and operational scalability across metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics. Key Responsibilities Design, validate, and optimize molecular multi-omics pipelines for fecal samples. Build scalable laboratory and sample-handling workflows. Lead laboratory operations and scientific research initiatives. Translate research findings into strategic priorities for executive leadership. Drive scientific input into product development and roadmap planning. Present complex scientific concepts to executives, investors, and business stakeholders. Mentor and develop scientists and research associates while building a high-performing research organization. Ensure scientific rigor while balancing operational execution in a startup environment. Required Qualifications PhD or MS in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline. 5+ years of industry experience (not purely academic). Deep expertise in one or more of: Metagenomics Meta-transcriptomics Multi-omics technologies Hands-on experience with: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Molecular biology workflows Data interpretation Prior experience leading or mentoring scientific teams. Strong execution mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. Strategic thinking combined with operational leadership. People are our business worldwide Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.