Chief Scientific Officer

Ready to shape the future of science and global health? A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is hiring a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in developing and executing ATCC’s scientific strategy aligned with the enterprise strategy. This role leads a world-class scientific and development organization, defines and executes scientific vision and priorities across emerging areas of biology, identifies portfolio gaps and determines optimal paths (build, partner, or acquire), and ensures delivery of scientifically robust, future-ready capabilities.

The CSO serves as ATCC’s external scientific voice and listener, builds advanced model platforms, and aligns scientific innovation with commercial, operational, and quality priorities to translate capabilities into impactful offerings. This role is onsite. Join ATCC and be part of a team that supports the global scientific community with trusted, authenticated biological materials.

Direct applicants only. ATCC conducts hiring through its internal Talent Acquisition function and does not accept unsolicited submissions from third parties., * Scientific Vision & Strategy: Define and execute ATCC’s scientific strategy underpinning the enterprise strategy, evolve products and services, and advance priorities across emerging areas of biology while championing reproducibility and scientific standards.

• Platform Development & Innovation: Lead the build and scale advanced model platforms including 3D systems, organoids, organ-on-chip technologies, spatial biology, stem cell-based systems, and integrated computational/in silico models aligned to research and industry needs.
• Organizational Leadership & Delivery: Lead and scale a multi-disciplinary scientific organization, establish an operating model across research, development, and programs, and ensure disciplined delivery aligned to strategy, timelines, and budgets.
• External Scientific Leadership: Serve as a credible scientific spokesperson, build relationships across biopharma, academia, and government, and represent ATCC in forums, partnerships, and collaborations to elevate scientific impact.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner with Commercial, Operations, Quality, and data science teams to align priorities, integrate experimental and computational capabilities, and translate scientific assets into scalable offerings.
• Portfolio & Program Management: Identify scientific and portfolio gaps, determine optimal execution paths, and advance high-impact programs with clear prioritization and accountability.

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree and 18 years of experience, or equivalent experience (Master’s degree and 16 years, PhD and 11 years, or HS Diploma and 22 years).
• Demonstrated leadership of complex scientific organizations, operating with autonomy to drive strategy, execution, and transformation in evolving environments.
• Proven track record of building and scaling scientific organizations within biotech, life sciences tools, or innovation-driven environments.
• Expertise in cell biology and/or advanced biological systems, including next-generation model platforms (e.g., 3D systems, organoids, spatial biology, stem cell-based systems).
• Experience in applied or translational settings with strong understanding of data integrity, standardization, and reproducibility.
• Experience working in cross-functional environments with computational biology, product, or commercial teams, and delivering programs with scientific rigor and business maturity.
• Preferred: Established external scientific presence and strong professional network across biopharma, academia, and government.
• Preferred: Experience in entrepreneurial or high-growth environments and scaling laboratory environments and scientific infrastructure.

• Comprehensive medical coverage and company paid Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, AD&D, and paid parental leave
• Work life balance with Paid Holidays and PTO
• Fitness and cell phone subsidies, and additional benefits such as legal services, pet insurance and additional supplemental coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program offering around-the-clock counseling
• Financial security:
• 401(a) (6% employer contribution) and 403(b) (2% match) retirement plans
• Exceptional career advancement opportunities, recognition, and rewards
• Corporate bonus program
• Mission Focused:
• Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research
• We give scientists the tools they need to make discoveries that improve and save lives
• Contribute to community involvement and social responsibility

ATCC is a private, nonprofit, global biological resource center and standards organization. We provide the scientific community credible biological products, advanced model systems, and high-quality services that support complex research in a variety of innovative applications resulting in incredible achievements in basic science, drug discovery, translational medicine, and public health.

We support the scientific community with the world’s largest and most diverse collection of human and animal cell products, as well as molecular genomic tools, microbe products, and biological materials. We offer a host of services, as well, including cell and microbial culturing and authentication, development and production of controls and derivatives, proficiency testing, and biomaterial deposit services. Through our ATCC Federal Solutions initiative, we lend our expertise to federal agencies in areas that include global health and infectious diseases, biodefense, and noncommunicable diseases.

We’ve developed a quality commitment, which includes ISO accreditations and standards, that has allowed ATCC to evolve from a traditional culture collection founded in 1925 to a biological resource center with an infrastructure that supports the future of life science and biotechnology.

Our newly expanded headquarters and bioproduction facility is located in Manassas, Virginia, near Washington DC, and a recently renovated research and technology center of excellence in Gaithersburg, Maryland.