Branch Lead - Biosystems

CFD Research is seeking an accomplished scientific leader to serve as Branch Lead for its Biosystems Branch, providing strategic, technical, and organizational leadership for the development of advanced biological systems, New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), and human-relevant in vitro technologies. The Branch Lead will build and lead a multidisciplinary team, establish the technical vision for the Biosystems capability, direct a portfolio of research and development programs, and identify new opportunities to advance CFD Research’s capabilities and impact. The position will provide leadership across complex in vitro and computational approaches, including organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms, organoids, microphysiological systems, advanced tissue models, biological assays, and integrated experimental–computational systems. The Branch Lead will foster collaboration across experimental biology, bioengineering, computational modeling, data science, and software engineering to develop predictive, human-relevant technologies. This individual will serve as a senior technical representative for CFD Research, working with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to understand emerging needs and translate them into innovative research programs and technology solutions. The Branch Lead will also play a key role in strategic growth, proposal development, customer engagement, talent development, and technology transition. The ideal candidate is an established scientific leader who combines expertise in complex biological systems and NAMs with a demonstrated ability to build teams, integrate multidisciplinary capabilities, lead complex R&D programs, develop new technologies, cultivate external partnerships, and translate scientific innovation into mission-relevant solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Branch Leadership & Development

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Biosystems Branch, setting technical priorities, managing resources, and building a high-performing multidisciplinary team spanning biology, bioengineering, computational science, and software engineering.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Technical Vision & Innovation

• Define the Branch’s technology roadmap for New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including organ-on-chip, organoid, microphysiological, tissue, assay, and computational modeling capabilities.
• Integrate experimental and computational disciplines to develop predictive, human-relevant platforms that advance understanding, accelerate development, and improve translation.

Program & Portfolio Leadership

• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary R&D programs, translating customer needs into executable strategies while overseeing technical risk, resources, milestones, and deliverables.
• Drive cross-disciplinary integration of experimental data, computational modeling, simulation, and data science across programs.

Business Development & Scientific Growth

• Identify and shape new business opportunities aligned with CFD Research’s Biosystems, NAM, and computational capabilities.
• Develop strategic partnerships, support capture and proposal activities, and represent CFD Research with government, industry, and academic stakeholders.
• Guide technology maturation, validation, transition, and commercialization while mentoring personnel and advancing the Branch’s scientific capabilities.

Qualifications

Required

• MS with 10+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent) in Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in developing fit-for-purpose, preclinical in vitro models
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and troubleshoot complex experimental challenges
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred

• Experience developing multi-organ or integrated in vitro systems
• Background in drug development or translational research
• Loose familiarity with bioinformatics applications and approaches
• Experience in product development environments
• Demonstrated success in grant or proposal writing

Location: This role is based at our CFD Research office in Huntsville, AL, and is 100% onsite.