Senior Director of Technology (Bio-Sustainability Innovations)

This position is based on Stanford’s main campus, with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational needs. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. This is a 2-year fixed term with the possibility of renewal based on programmatic need.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA.

About Us
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS) strives to create a future where humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

For more information on the school, click here .
The Stanford Sustainability Accelerator is seeking a Senior Director of Technology (Bio-Sustainability Innovations) who will report to the Accelerator Executive Director and work in partnership with the Accelerator leadership team and Stanford faculty. The Senior Director will lead an effort to accelerate the development of emerging technologies in the areas of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing. Responsibilities will include working with faculty and other accelerator leaders to define the landscape, whitespaces, and barriers across Flagship Destination focus areas, contributing to the grantmaking process, and providing ongoing support and guidance to Accelerator-funded research teams. The Senior Director will also develop Stanford’s connections with the global bio-sustainability ecosystem and must have existing relationships and experience working with a wide range of stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and other organizations. We seek someone highly motivated, excited about building a new organization, and comfortable with a dynamic, start-up-like environment. 

Successful candidates will have extensive experience and a proven track record in science, engineering, and technology R&D. They will also have an understanding of the University’s core mission and how to work effectively within an academic setting to advance technology projects and support research teams. Ideal candidates should hold an advanced or terminal degree in their field. Critically, this position requires an ability to interact with a wide variety of experts across many different disciplines on campus and to help guide their efforts in cultivating a work environment within the Accelerator that can benefit the broad group of innovators within the Stanford ecosystem.

Responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with senior faculty leadership on long-term objectives for the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator.
• Develop strategies to ensure effective achievement of objectives for overall direction of all technology issues relating to the Accelerator’s programs and assists with program/project development.
• Develops, prioritizes, and manages relationships with stakeholders including industry, technology adopters, investors, and innovators for optimum global impact
• Performs deep technical analysis soliciting input from the R&D community to identify, define, and recommend the most impactful sustainability projects to be funded by the Accelerator
• Identify, clarify, and resolve complex issues with strategic impact and substantial significance using advanced technical and professional knowledge.
• Project management involving extensive, hands-on oversight of project awardees and regular project reviews with the teams.

To be successful in this position, you will need:

• Master’s degree and six years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience leading, managing, motivating and developing technical staff.
• Experience leading complex scientific, engineering or technical research projects or programs.
• Detailed understanding of relevant business and technical knowledge and problem resolution.
• Ability to synthesize and articulate technical and scientific methodologies, specifications, and information.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, and resource management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
• Exceptional customer relationship and consensus building skills.
• Ability to influence and establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment.
• Ability to resolve complex issues quickly and make decisions that meet university objectives in a collaborative culture.

In addition, our preferred requirements include:

• Advanced degree in biological sciences.
• Extensive experience in science, engineering, and technology R&D.
• Experience working effectively within an academic setting to move projects forward.
• Expertise in building a network of relationships and external partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with a wide variety stakeholders & experts across many different disciplines and guide efforts towards results.
• Technical depth and strong record of technical accomplishments/contributions, as evidenced by publications, patents, awards/recognition, and demonstrable commercial impact.
• Possess intellectual curiosity and independence, constant learning, deep technical knowledge, and the willingness to take risks to enable immediate and future impactful global sustainable technologies.
• Ability to be a credible leader and organizer of R&D communities, as evidenced by past relevant roles

The expected pay range for this position is $172,000 to $230,000 per annum. 

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

How to Apply 
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. 

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.