Biomedical Research Division Director

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations around the globe. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other public and private organizations. 

 

Benefits We Offer: 

• 100% Medical Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees​
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth​
• Paid Time Off (Including Holidays) ​
• Employee Referral Bonus ​
• 401K Matching​
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

 

Axle is seeking an experienced Biomedical Research Division Director to lead and oversee the division’s operational growth strategy in Rockville, MD. The ideal candidate will ensure that business activities are well-organized, productive, and aligned with strategic objectives by developing program managers and growth components. The role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, requiring an understanding of translational science, business operations, and the ability to plan and implement diverse growth initiatives. 

The Division Director will provide management and professional support across the division, with a focus on planning, performance management, and development. He/she will be responsible for developing long-term strategies in close collaboration with executive management, ensuring efficient workflows that drive productivity, performance, client satisfaction, and division expansion. The role demands strong independent judgment, analytical skills, and clear communication, as well as the ability to navigate complex challenges and foster cross-functional collaboration. The successful candidate will be a results-driven problem solver, capable of multitasking and representing the division in key executive initiatives. 

 

Responsibilities 

Program Operations 

• Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of division operations, ensuring efficient workflows and alignment with strategic goals for growth and expansion. Program areas include but are not limited to vaccine and gene therapy research, data analytics, Phase 1 and 2 clinical testing, and scientific advisory services.  
• Regularly evaluate and improve business procedures to optimize performance, enhance productivity, and meet organizational objectives. 
• Supervise staff across various program areas, providing constructive feedback and ensuring high-quality delivery and operational efficiency. 
• Manage customer support processes to enhance client satisfaction, ensuring a seamless and customer-centric approach in all program activities. 

Business Development 

• Identify and assess new business opportunities, developing strategies to expand the company’s market presence and grow the division’s project base. 
• Cultivate and manage relationships with external clients, stakeholders, and partnering companies to secure new contracts and expand collaborations. 
• Develop responses to requests for proposals (RFPs), contracts, and technical documents, positioning the division for continued growth and profitability. 
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and meetings, promoting the division’s capabilities and devising marketing campaigns tailored to client needs. 

Leadership 

• Collaborate with executive management to set strategic goals and make high-level operational decisions, ensuring alignment with broader company objectives. 
• Lead and mentor Program Managers and staff, fostering a culture of high performance, innovation, and professional development across the division. 
• Review financial information and growth projections, developing actionable plans to ensure profitability and sustainable expansion within the division. 
• Formulate, revise, and implement policies to support the division’s operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and objectives. 

 

Qualifications 

• Ph.D. in Life Sciences or similar programmatic discipline, or a Master of Science degree with 6 years of comparable technical training. 
• Minimum 10 years of direct, relevant experience managing federal government contracts and program operations. 
• Proven experience as a leader in biomedical research driving programs, projects, and initiatives.  
• Experience working with private sector biotech businesses is preferred.  
• Experience developing, proposing, and winning new business opportunities with clients.  
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills; ability to prioritize and multitask. 
• Strong decision-making ability and attention to detail. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship skills with an ability to maintain and grow a network client base. 
• In depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g., finance, human resources, business development, contracts, project management, etc.). 
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information. 
• Proactive, results-oriented, creative problem solver. Candidate should be seen as a solution architect to clients and internal stakeholders. 
• Outstanding oral and written communications, analytical, and negotiation skills. 
• Ability to work with a diverse set of staff and clients at various levels of advanced education and expertise.  
• Advanced knowledge and experience with technology and the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project. Experience with document management systems, portals, and database applications is desirable.