Imprint - Chief Operating Officer (COO)

IMPRINT is an early-stage biomedical Focused Research Organization (FRO) building and applying experimental and computational tools to identify the hidden causes of chronic disease, especially autoimmune and psychiatric disorders.

Our work involves cutting-edge research at the intersection of immunology, machine learning, neuroscience, and disease.

Focused Research Organizations are impact-driven moonshot initiatives, supported by philanthropic funding, with startup-like operations and agility.

FROs are both tight-knit teams and part of the larger Convergent Research ecosystem, along with other deep-tech inaugural FROs.

FROs are nonprofit precommercial entities with the potential to spin out technologies.

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will be responsible for driving Imprint’s commercial strategy, product development, go-to-market (GTM) execution, and overall operational health and scalability.

This role requires a strategic leader with deep experience in biotech and/or software, with proven experience scaling a company from seed stage to Series A, B, or beyond.

The COO will work closely with the CEO, internal leadership team, advisors, and external stakeholders to define and execute key business strategies, including IP, partnerships, fundraising, operations, and business development.

Primary Responsibilities

Product Management & Strategy – Own and drive all aspects of the company’s product strategy, including licensing, data management, and security.

Partner and User Discovery & Engagement – Build the community of early users and partners around Imprint’s initial software tools and future products.

Strategic Leadership – Lead roadmap planning and high-level OKR setting. Collaborate with Lab & Computational leads on technical OKRs.

Go-to-Market Readiness & Oversight – Ensure overall readiness for market entry and expansion.

IP Strategy – Work with stakeholders, advisors, and leadership to define and execute intellectual property strategies.

Business Development & Negotiations – Lead external relationship management, negotiations, and strategic partnerships.

Fundraising Strategy & Execution – Partner with the CEO to develop and execute fundraising initiatives.

Data Strategy & Platform Development – Define and oversee data strategy, platform tools, and technical support.

Management of Non-Technical Team Members - Imprint’s Sr. Operations Manager, outside consultants, and potentially future hires will report to the COO.

This role requires a bold, strategic, and rigorous thinker who successfully balances the process of scientific execution with an industry-focused mindset and ability to deliver results. The successful candidate will have exceptional communication, organizational, and collaboration skills and make sound, data-driven decisions about risks, priorities, and scientific projects. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives to the team.

Qualifications

Proven biotech, hardware, or software background with experience as a VP, SVP, or C-level executive leading a company during seed stage or Series A.

Familiarity with startup, moonshot, or advanced R&D environments.

Demonstrated cross-functional leadership across technical and operational domains.

Experience defining product requirements and driving team execution from concept through delivery/ launch.

Track record of successful go-to-market planning and execution across channels and geographies (or experience navigating clinical trial challenges).

7+ years of direct people/team management experience.

Bachelor’s degree; MBA or MS preferred.

Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative team environment.

Proven expertise in negotiating with technical vendors and contractors.

Exceptional organizational and communication skills and process-oriented thinking.

Preferred Qualifications

Machine Learning (ML) or biologic platform experience is a plus.

Immunology, biologics, or computational biotech experience.

IP strategy expertise with a strong understanding of biotech intellectual property strongly preferred.

PhD, MD, or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Immunology, or a related field is a plus.

Benefits

Competitive salary: $200,000 - $250,000 a year (salary commensurate with relevant experience and adjusted for location)

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Generous time off and paid holidays

Company 401(k) match up to 6%

Wellness allowance

Location

Imprint is headquartered in New York City with additional team members in Europe. The COO position is a full-time role and must work in the NYC office. Occasional travel to Europe will be required.

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Full Time