Announcing our bold, new campaign: "Cellular Agriculture for the Public Good."

We’re Hiring a Research Director!

Are you a scientist who absolutely loves New Harvest’s work but is looking for a change from the lab environment? We have just the opportunity for you! We’re looking for a community-oriented scientist to direct New Harvest’s research efforts.

Published January 19, 2017 | Updated October 4, 2021 |

If you’re interested, applications must be received before EOD March 1, 2017. Interviews will take place in early March, and an offer will be made mid- to late March, if a candidate is selected.

Job Description

The Research Director is New Harvest’s key scientific research leader. The Research Director should have an in-depth understanding of the current state of cellular agriculture as well as research needs for future investigation. The Research Director is responsible for overseeing all scientific research supported by the organization, including scouting potential research funding applicants, evaluating proposals, and supporting New Harvest Research Fellows. Other key duties include research coordination, community outreach, and scientific outreach.

The position reports directly to the Executive Director. The role is full-time and based in New Harvest’s headquarters in New York City.

General Responsibilities

Research Strategy and Vision

  • Develop and implement an organization-wide strategy to advance New Harvest’s mission through research.
  • Develop, alongside the Executive Director, a Scientific Advisory Board.
  • Create a research strategy that will allow the organization to prioritize and seek further research opportunities.
  • Seek and evaluate prospective researchers and research groups, seeing how they can fit within New Harvest’s broader research plan.
  • Identify research challenges and emerging issues, and work with New Harvest Research Fellows and prospective researchers to recognize new research opportunities and solutions.
  • Develop a strategy and systems for monitoring the network of prospective researchers.
  • Develop a strategy and systems for organizing protocols and ongoing results from New Harvest Research Fellows.
  • Foster a spirit of collaboration, openness, and excitement around cellular agriculture within the New Harvest Research Fellow community and beyond.
  • Share New Harvest’s mission and research goals to a broader audience through speaking opportunities.

Research Operations

  • Oversee existing New Harvest Research Fellows’ projects as well as affiliated researchers in regular meetings.
  • Provide non-judgmental guidance, support, and suggestions to New Harvest Research Fellows in terms of protocols, potential collaborators, and new directions, as needed.
  • Provide assistance where needed for any science-related content for communications.
  • Serve as lead point person for prospective students pursuing the field of cellular agriculture.
  • Assist the New Harvest Research Fellows in developing tasks for their undergraduate students.
  • Develop and manage volunteers/interns as needed to manage specific or ongoing tasks.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Graduate-level education (PhD preferred) in related field with hands-on laboratory research experience
  • Technical, practical understanding of laboratory practices
  • Strong written and oral communications skills, especially related to science communications
  • Intrapreneurial attitude and work ethic
  • Good group interaction and people management skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Ability to foster a collaborative working environment, encouraging the integration of others’ ideas
  • Demonstrated record of initiative, problem solving, and adaptability
  • Strong listening, communication, and collaboration skills
  • All members of New Harvest’s staff are expected to operate as part of a team without the promotion of personal agendas and to exhibit a commitment to the profession and the organization. All staff must possess integrity, honesty and a sense of humor

Compensation begins at $70,000 per annum plus medical, dental, and vision benefits. Start date is negotiable.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to hello@new-harvest.org, with “Research Director” as the subject line.