IVB Team Lead-Senior Scientist

The IVB Team Lead - Senior Scientist will lead the cattle stem cell and advanced reproduction program within the Innovation group, providing both strategic direction and hands-on scientific leadership. This role oversees a team of 4–5 scientists and drives the development of robust, reproducible protocols for cattle stem cell culture, embryology, and cloning systems. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in stem cell biology, embryology, and experimental design, along with strong mentoring skills. This position plays a key role in translating innovative research into scalable solutions that advance the company’s commercial breeding initiatives. 

This position reports to the Chief Scientific Officer, Recombinetics (URUS Innovation Group) and will be based in Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area (onsite collaboration required).  

RESPONSIBILITIES  

Program Leadership 

• Lead the cattle stem cell program by defining the experimental strategy, roadmap, milestones, and key readouts.  

• Contribute to long-term research planning and innovation strategies, aligning program goals with company priorities. 

Experimental Execution & Team Guidance 

• Lead execution of stem cell experiments while maintaining high standards of rigor, documentation, and operational pace.  

• Mentor and support scientists, providing guidance on troubleshooting, experimental design, and best practices. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Collaborate closely with genomics, data science, and reproductive biology teams to coordinate priorities, workflows, and timelines.  

• Ensure smooth integration of cross functional inputs into experimental plans and program decision making. 

Data Analysis & Reporting 

• Analyze and interpret complex datasets—including sequencing and multiomics—and synthesize insights for technical and nontechnical audiences.  

• Communicate progress, risks, and scientific findings clearly and proactively. 

Documentation & Quality Systems 

• Develop and maintain robust documentation practices, including tracking systems, data records, and SOPs.  

• Ensure all workflows support reliability, reproducibility, and efficient technology transfer. 

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Embryology, Computational Biology, or related field. 

• Deep hands-on expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture, ideally in cattle or other mammalian systems. 

• Strong proficiency in advanced reproductive technologies (e.g., cloning, IVF). 

• Solid understanding of reproductive biology, molecular biology, and organoid culture systems. 

• Experience with bioinformatics tools, databases, and genomic/proteomic data analysis. 

• Working knowledge of probability, statistical modeling, and algorithm design (preferred). 

• Experience modeling biological processes and molecular dynamics. 

• Experience with implementation of artificial intelligence for biological modeling and predictions (preferred). 

• Ability to translate biological questions into computational analyses (e.g., multiomics integration to identify genotype–phenotype links). 

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments. 

• Strong troubleshooting instincts and evidence-based decision-making. 

• Experience mentoring or leading others with a high standard of scientific rigor. 

• Excellent communication skills for effective interdisciplinary collaboration and reporting. 

• Adaptable, curious, and eager to learn new tools and methods in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong work ethic and team-first mindset, including willingness to perform hands-on work and support team needs.