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Head of Research Location: Chicago, IL (On-site) Compensation: $125,000–$200,000 base salary + up to 1% equity stock options Benefits: Health insurance, PTO, parental leave, equity. Orion Group is partnering with a life sciences startup to fill their Head of Research role, with a focus on leveraging gut microbiome technologies (GutLab and MetaBiome) to advance personalized medicine. Role Summary This is a hands-on scientific leadership position responsible for leading laboratory operations and research while scaling the company's sample-to-answer multi-omics platform. The Head of Research reports directly to executive leadership and is accountable for research strategy, laboratory execution, and operational scalability across metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics. Key Responsibilities • Design, validate, and optimize molecular multi-omics pipelines for fecal samples. • Build scalable laboratory and sample-handling workflows. • Lead laboratory operations and scientific research initiatives. • Translate research findings into strategic priorities for executive leadership. • Drive scientific input into product development and roadmap planning. • Present complex scientific concepts to executives, investors, and business stakeholders. • Mentor and develop scientists and research associates while building a high-performing research organization. • Ensure scientific rigor while balancing operational execution in a startup environment. Required Qualifications • PhD or MS in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline. • 5+ years of industry experience (not purely academic). • Deep expertise in one or more of: • Metagenomics • Meta-transcriptomics • Multi-omics technologies • Hands-on experience with: • Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) • Molecular biology workflows • Data interpretation • Prior experience leading or mentoring scientific teams. • Strong execution mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. • Strategic thinking combined with operational leadership. People are our business worldwide Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.