Who we are at Osmo:

Osmo is a digital olfaction company, on a mission to give computers a sense of smell to improve the health and wellbeing of human life. Why? Our sense of smell both enriches and saves lives, and has a deep and direct connection to our emotions and memory. Vision and hearing have been digitized, but not scent. It’s time we solve this. We’re bringing an unprecedented combination of software, data, hardware and capital to the historic challenge of giving computers a sense of smell.

We believe in the power of automation and carefully applied AI/ML to solve problems that are beyond what the unaided human mind can tackle on its own. In the first phase of our development, we are using our map of odor along with cutting-edge generative AI to create the next generation of aroma molecules (e.g., the ingredients in the fragrances we wear and the products we use). Beyond fragrance machine olfaction has application across many industries, including manufacturing, military, medicine, and more. Working for Osmo means solving problems using digital olfaction for these customers. We're a hybrid company with a laboratory and center-of-mass in New York, NY and offices in Somerville, MA.

Osmo is seeking a Senior Vice President of Research Operations who will work with colleagues across all disciplines to drive discovery and data generation for our unique Scent Platform that can read, map, and write the world of scent. You will build and operate the physical and interpersonal infrastructure of the laboratory including, synthetic, analytical, formulation, applications, regulatory, safety, and perfumery. You will utilize internal and external partners to develop new molecular matter and enlarge our AI/ML modeling capabilities. Collaborating closely with our amazing AI team, you will provide chemistry guidance for all Scent Platform capabilities and contribute to the implementation and maturation of organizational structures that facilitate smooth goal setting, governance and execution. Finally, you will participate in the operation and evolution of the company, as well as in the management of an emerging portfolio of diverse partnered and wholly owned fragrance ingredients and data generation capabilities.

Your Responsibilities

• Continuously strengthen team leadership and demonstrate sharp, decisive decision-making skills.

• Respond swiftly and be proactive in all levels of communication.

• Empower your team for success through mentoring and coaching, while supporting them by resolving interdepartmental obstacles and ensuring a smooth outcome.

• Oversee the development and deployment of productionized laboratory workflows and processes along the value chain that contribute to pipeline advancement.

• Manage a team that includes, synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry and formulation/compounding which includes robotic/manual liquid handling.

• Oversee our lab and facilities operations, including oversight of existing space and future build.

• Identify workflow gaps and needs as the company grows, and develop clear, strategic plans to address them. Upon C-suite approval, promptly implement new hires and procedures.

• Ensure that chemistry efforts are aligned with our goals and with fulfilling business deliverables to partners, even in the face of scientific uncertainty.

• You will join an exciting biotech startup that has long-term stability due to significant funding, while maintaining a culture of innovation.

• You will work on-site in our NYC lab with a very accomplished team, learn a broad range of skills, and help shape Osmo’s culture, strategic direction, and impact on outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Education: PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or equivalent experience.

• Experience:

  • 15+ years of practical work experience in biotech/pharma/chemical specialty industry.

  • Have considerable familiarity with high throughput chemical lab environments involving extensive data collection.

  • Demonstrate affinity to the use of computational methods to accelerate compound development; exposure to AI/ML methods a very, considerable plus.

  • Have a documented history of success in the rapid development and introduction of complex technology products, which are integrated at the systems level.

  • You understand how to both manage and interact in a work environment that is dynamic, and characterized by expansion.

• Skills:

  • Be the scientific expert and people leader whose reputation, effort and personality will attract top talent to the team.

  • Be an operational builder and leader with the ability to envision the big picture and translate it into detailed, operational execution.

  • You will approach decisions with data-driven rigor, in a way that integrates information from multiple partners.

  • Work cross-functionally to create agreement across diverse internal partners.

  • Stay intent on meeting deliverables while effectively communicating needs to peer groups to achieve goals.

  • Enthusiasm for bold goals and a passion for stepping into the unknown.

Expected Salary: $265,000 to $350,000

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k and more.

If this role inspires you we’d encourage you to apply. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining an incredible team optimized for a diversity of thought, background, and approaches. All employment decisions and responsibilities are determined based on current ability and your ability to grow, without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Osmo does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Osmo or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Osmo Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Osmo and Osmo will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.