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) Salary Range: $189,226 – $300,195
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of data‑driven discovery at a globally recognized research institution.
What You’ll Lead
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.
What You Bring
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.
Experience in consulting, business development, or hybrid technical‑commercial roles is highly desirable.
Why JAX
At JAX, you’ll join a mission‑driven organization dedicated to advancing human health through cutting‑edge science, data innovation, and collaborative discovery. You’ll shape partnerships and programs that accelerate breakthroughs in genetics, disease modeling, and translational research.
If you’re a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and a leader who thrives at the intersection of science and technology, we’d love to meet you.
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.