Description

Opportunity
We are seeking a hands-on Applied Research Manager to help build and lead GenNext’s applied research and contract research capabilities. This is a foundational scientific leadership role—a player-coach—where you will personally design and execute impactful application studies while building the infrastructure, team, and strategy needed to scale applied science and commercial research services into a core business function.

The Applied Research Manager will be responsible for expanding GenNext’s fee-for-service business, delivering customer-driven insights, and establishing the scientific credibility of our platform across industry and academic sectors.

You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and collaborate cross-functionally with executive leadership, R&D, product, sales, and marketing teams.

If you thrive on translating cutting-edge science into real-world impact—and enjoy building from “0 to 1” while rolling up your sleeves—this is your opportunity. “Professional Executives” who need layers of staff to delegate the work to need not apply.

Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership & Execution

Design and conduct radical protein footprinting studies using Fox® technology across internal R&D and customer-driven projects.

Lead development of application protocols, workflows, and proof-of-concept studies that demonstrate platform capabilities.

Deliver contract research services (fee-for-service), including experimental design, execution, customer communication, and reporting.

Act as the scientific lead on key customer engagements, serving as a technical liaison for the commercial team.

Strategic Growth & Department Development

Build and grow GenNext’s Applied and Contract Research function from the ground up.

Define service offerings, operating procedures, quality systems, and scalability models for the research services business.

Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing team as the department grows.

Implement processes for client management, project prioritization, and technical reporting.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate with R&D and product teams to ensure application development aligns with customer needs and platform evolution.

Support Marketing with scientific content development, presentations, publications, and conference materials.

Contribute to Sales enablement by translating technical results into commercial value propositions and insights.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

PhD + 5 years of experience in biochemistry, biophysics, analytical chemistry, or structural biology.

Hands-on expertise with LC-MS(n) in proteomics or structural biology applications.

Experience executing and managing applied or translational research within commercial, CRO, or academic-industry environments.

Strong organizational and communication skills, including direct customer engagement and scientific reporting.

Demonstrated success in fast-paced, early-stage environments with shifting priorities and high accountability.

Preferred

Expertise in radical protein footprinting (HRPF, HDX, Crosslinking, etc.), LC-MS/MS   operation and computational analysis.

Experience with Cryo-EM, NMR, or X-ray crystallography.

Prior involvement in building scientific services, core labs, or fee-for-service operations.

Familiarity with product development in scientific tools or instrumentation.

Proven ability to mentor scientists, define structure, and scale scientific operations.