Job Location: Aurora, Colorado. RMLEB Office -Anschutz Medical Campus. Some in-state travel required.
Job Description:
Lead the Future of Ocular Research in a Mission-Driven Nonprofit
We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused Associate Director of Research & Innovation to help lead and build our research program within a growing, mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocular science and eye banking innovation. This is intended to grow into a senior leadership role operating under delegated authority from the Executive Director, with responsibility for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive research and innovation strategy aligned with our charitable mission, governance framework, and long-term strategic priorities.
Position Overview
The Associate Director of Research & Innovation serves as the organization’s scientific leader, responsible for:
Establishing and executing a multi-year research and innovation agenda
Ensuring scientific rigor, ethical compliance, and operational accountability
Securing and managing grant funding
Developing strategic research partnerships
Building sustainable research infrastructure
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to:
Shape innovation in ocular science and eye banking
Drive translational impact in corneal and ocular surface disease
Lead with autonomy while contributing to a mission-driven nonprofit
If you are a strategic scientific leader ready to design and execute a bold, sustainable research vision — we invite you to apply. Application Requirements:
Initial concept outline (2–3 pages) for a 5-Year Research Program Plan. This proposal will outline strategic scientific priorities, funding pathways, infrastructure development, staffing projections, partnership strategy, and measurable outcomes aligned with organizational growth.
All these need to be completed by Wednesday, March 18, by 5PM. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
Strarting Salary Range: $90,000-$115,000 annually
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package:
Health, dental, vision, life, and accident insurance (employer-paid premiums for full-time employees)
Gap insurance for certain out-of-pocket health expenses
401k retirement savings plan with a matching funds component
Vacation and sick time
Mileage reimbursement
Cell phone stipend (certain job descriptions)
Payment of professional association dues (certain job descriptions)
RMLEB is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
The Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender variance, marital status, military status or physical or mental disability. This applies to all employment practices and personnel actions. The Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank is a drug-free workplace and may require pre-employment drug screening.
Associate Director of Research & Innovation Application