Lovelace Biomedical is a not-for-profit preclinical research organization with a long-standing reputation for its contributions to the fields of biomedical research and toxicology. Established in 1947 as part of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lovelace Biomedical has evolved into a leader in preclinical research services, offering a broad range of capabilities to support drug development, safety assessments, and biomedical research. The organization's primary focus is on enhancing human health through innovative science and technology, providing critical data to drive forward advancements in medicine and public health.

The organization is recognized for its expertise in toxicology and pharmacology (areas such as inhalation toxicology, drug safety evaluation, and environmental health research), as well as a strong focus on neuroscience through its Mind Research Network division. Lovelace operates state-of-the-art facilities that allow for the conduct of complex studies in a variety of species, employing sophisticated techniques and methodologies to assess the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and medical devices, as well as the ability to perform cutting edge neuroimaging through multiple technologies. These capabilities have made Lovelace Biomedical a trusted partner for pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and academic institutions seeking to navigate the regulatory landscape and bring new therapies to market.

Lovelace Biomedical’s beginnings focused on pioneering research in respiratory health. The organization has contributed significantly to the understanding of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and infectious diseases. Lovelace’s work extends to the development and testing of novel therapeutics and vaccines, with an emphasis on pre-clinical and translational research that bridges the gap between laboratory findings and clinical application. The organization’s commitment to advancing respiratory health has positioned it as a key player in addressing global health challenges related to lung disease and respiratory pathogens.

In 2012 Lovelace Biomedical added the Mind Research Network division to focus on the advancement in a variety of neuroscience-focused research areas. This division utilizes state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging and magnetoencephalogram neuroimaging systems, among other technologies, to study mental illness, traumatic brain injuries and other areas of neuroscience research, and is an integral part of Lovelace Biomedical.

Lovelace Biomedical continues to be a vital contributor to the biomedical research community, offering comprehensive services and expertise to support the advancement of health sciences. Its long history, combined with its focus on innovation and quality, makes it a key partner for those involved in drug development, toxicology, respiratory health, and neuroscience research.

In 2022 Lovelace Biomedical became part of the Touro University System, along with Touro’s New York Medical College, and this partnership has brought the potential to conduct innovative clinical trials to impact the Institute’s overall mission to improve human health.

The Opportunity

The Chief Academic Research Officer (CARO) will play a pivotal role in guiding the scientific and operational direction of Lovelace Biomedical. As a key member of the organization’s leadership team, the CARO is responsible for spearheading the development and execution of all academic research activities, ensuring that the Lovelace's scientific operations are optimized for innovation, compliance, and revenue growth. By leveraging experience in academic research, the CARO will drive operational excellence, facilitates groundbreaking scientific advancements, and fosters an environment of collaboration and mentorship.

The CARO will play a crucial role in Lovelace’s growth through funding development by cultivating relationships with various stakeholders, including government agencies and broader life sciences companies, securing new funding and enhancing research revenue. The CARO will work closely with others on the organization’s leadership team to focus on strategic business development to ensure sustained growth for Lovelace.

In addition to their leadership responsibilities, the CARO serves as a Tenure-Eligible Faculty Member at New York Medical College. This dual role allows them to contribute directly to collaborative research efforts while shaping the Institute's strategic scientific direction.

The successful candidate will lead efforts to drive Lovelace Biomedical's mission by ensuring operational efficiency, fostering scientific innovation, securing funding, and leading teams toward excellence in biomedical research.

The CARO will play a critical role in driving the execution of research and business development initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and fostering innovation across Lovelace’s scientific functional areas.

Specifically, the new Chief Academic Research Officer will: 

The CARO position calls for a highly committed, scientifically accomplished individual who can further bolster Lovelace’s position as a premier research institute in the biomedical field. The successful candidate will be committed to driving forward advancements in medicine and human health by providing innovative and comprehensive research services and expertise. The CARO will be the scientific voice for the organization and will be an outstanding scientific leader who can build and foster relationships with key stakeholders, bring expertise in respiratory or neuroscience research and regulatory processes, oversee the spending and budgeting of research funds, and determine the focus of the organization’s funded research programs.