Vice President, Health Sciences Unit

RTI International is one of the world's leading independent research institutes. With projects in more than 40 countries, offices around the world, and a staff of more than 2,600, RTI offers innovative research and technical solutions to governments and businesses worldwide in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, democratic governance, economic and social development, energy, and the environment. RTI was founded in 1958 as the first scientific organization in and centerpiece of the Research Triangle Park, the largest research park in the world and one of the most prominent high-tech research and development centers in the United States.

RTI is a values-driven organization, committed to fulfilling its mission, to improve the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. RTI International’s goal to be a Great Place to Work enables it to attract and retain a talented staff of individuals with intellect, creativity, and commitment who understand the vital connection between focused research and social results, and who realize that furthering a career in science and study can provide a significant benefit to society.

The Science and Engineering Division is seeking a leader for its Health Sciences Unit (HSU).  The Vice President, Health Sciences will report directly to  the Executive Vice President for Science and Engineering, and lead an organization of approximately 200 employees in the fields of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Forensic Sciences, Chemistry Services, Life Sciences and Toxicology, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics and Proteomics Research.  The HSU has revenues of approximately $35MM, and conducts research for the NIH and other government entities as well as commercial customers, primarily pharmaceutical companies.  One of the key challenges will be upgrading capabilities and service offerings to address new business opportunities in areas such as biomarkers and experimental medicine, in addition to the traditional offerings in GLP testing.

 

 

The ideal candidate has substantial experience leading a multidisciplinary research organization (at least 50+ scientists) in the health science arena and has made a reputation for winning and satisfying customers inside and outside the company.  He/She will have demonstrated the ability to define and drive a vision for scientific growth.  They will also have demonstrated the ability to effectively plan, implement and manage a diverse portfolio of research projects.

 

The role calls for doctoral-level credentials in medicine or the life sciences, with a research background in one or more of the scientific disciplines in Health Sciences Units.  He/She will have a strong interest in the broad array of scientific disciplines in life sciences research (biochemistry, chemical toxicology, analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry and other areas of relevance to HSU).  Additionally, they will have a strong record of scientific publications, and experience in writing and completing investigator-initiated NIH funded grants or contacts.

 

There is a preference for candidates who have worked in the industry and have earlier experience with NIH-funded research.  They should be familiar with operational aspects of business and have an appetite for managing more of the business levers than industry R&D roles allow.  This person must be effective in a research focused, entrepreneurial organization where he or she will “wear a variety of hats”.  This executive should also have the capacity to think creatively about structuring external relationships that maximize the scientific, financial, and strategic interests of RTI.

 

Qualified applicant for this position will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

 

Scientific Skills and Knowledge:PhD in Biology/Chemistry or related fieldResearch background in one or more scientific disciplines in HSU Strong interest in broad array of scientific disciplines in life sciences research (biochemistry, chemical toxicology, analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry and other areas of HSU)

 

Leadership Skills and Management Experience5+ years leading research organization (at least 50+ scientists) with multi-disciplines in health science arena.  Experience leading organizations that have provided services to both government and commercial clientsDemonstrated ability to define and drive a vision for scientific growthDemonstrated ability to effectively plan, implement and manage large scale projects of strategic importance in accordance with deadlines

 

Scientific Training and RecordStrong record of scientific publications Experience in writing and competing investigator-initiated NIH funded grants or contracts.

 

On an interpersonal level, this individual must function well in a highly collegial, entrepreneurial environment. The role requires the utmost personal and scientific integrity.

 







 

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