Chief Scientific Officer/Senior Member of the Staff

Chief Scientific Officer/Senior Member of the Staff

The Forsyth Institute in Cambridge, MA, a world leader in oral and craniofacial research, is seeking applicants for the position of Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). The position will fill an institutional need for a senior leader to coordinate and advance scientific activities, support research faculty, and assist in grant preparation and scientific writing within the Institute. The successful candidate will hold a doctoral level degree (PhD, MD, DDS/DMD) with demonstrable experience as a leader in oral/dental or related sciences, an excellent publication record, and proven grantsmanship and funding successes. The CSO will be a member of the Forsyth executive team and will be a candidate for a position as Professor at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM).

As CSO for Forsyth, the successful candidate will interact closely with the CEO, Dr Wenyuan Shi, and research faculty to advance Forsyth’s scientific mission and research endeavors, and will be responsible for strategic planning and decision making. Administrative responsibilities will include coordination of scientific initiatives within the Institute, cultivating strong collaborative relationships among investigators, and proactively monitoring burgeoning research areas and scientific technology developments. A major role in the recruitment and mentoring of junior faculty will also be expected, as well as assisting all faculty with grant submissions, assessing competitiveness of existing projects and identifying opportunities for future research project development. In addition to a commitment to shaping, enhancing, and promoting the research program at Forsyth the CSO will be expected to foster and encourage technology transfer for faculty members, as technology development is a growing area at Forsyth.

This individual will also be responsible for fostering the relationship between Forsyth and HSDM and ensuring that the research interests of the two institutions are aligned. She/he will be expected to maintain a good working relationship with the Dean of the Dental School, as well as with other departments at Harvard Medical School as appropriate. In addition, the CSO will be responsible for developing collaborative interactions with other institutions worldwide, building on Forsyth’s strong national and international reputation, and enhancing the visibility of the Institute in the local scientific and general community.

The successful candidate will be an established scientist with a distinguished record of publication and external funding. Their research interest should be applicable to Forsyth’s main research areas (microbiology, immunology, mineralized tissue biology, or public health related to the oral cavity or craniofacial research) but may not necessarily have previously focused on these areas. Demonstrated administrative and/or executive experience is required. Candidates will have a history of leadership and a successful record of mentoring and supporting young scientists. A broad, eclectic research interest and a collegial attitude will be assets.

Forsyth provides a collaborative work environment with equipment shared among departments and several core facilities, including a research clinic and a germ‐free mouse facility. We are located in the lively Kendall Square area of Cambridge, a hub for the biotech industry; as an independent research institute, Forsyth encourages innovation broad academic and industrial collaborations and technology transfer. Being near to Harvard, MIT, and Harvard‐affiliated hospitals, Forsyth scientists are part of the vibrant research community in greater Boston.

Forsyth values diversity among its faculty, is committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. Supporting the work life balance of our employees is a priority.

To apply: please upload the following documents at this site by May 1st: A cover letter, (addressed to: CSO Search Committee, The Forsyth Institute, 245 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142); a CV; a description of current and future research interests (no more than 3 pages); and two (2) PDFs of impactful recent publications. Contact Susan Rittling, Director of Research and Faculty Affairs srittling@forsyth.org for additional information about the position or questions about the application process.

The Forsyth Institute is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy‐related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.