Strategic Planning Senior Consultant

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/. The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), a premier interdisciplinary research institute within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge (ERIK), seeks a strategic-minded, results-driven, scientist-entrepreneur to serve as the IDI Strategic Planning Senior Consultant. The IDI community includes over 1,000 members (faculty, staff, students, external members) with over 150 core faculty members and spans 13 colleges, emphasizing the interdisciplinary depth of the institute. The IDI organizational structure includes five thematic programs (Antimicrobial Resistance; Ecology, Epidemiology, and Population Health; Host Defense and Microbial Biology; Microbial Communities; and Viruses and Emerging Pathogens), each with three faculty directors, in addition to a newly formed cross-cutting initiative, Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics. The IDI Strategic Planning Senior Consultant will maintain a strong understanding of the priorities of each thematic program, as well as the underlying science and research driving those priorities, and will collaborate frequently with the IDI Director, IDI Chief Research Officer, IDI Business Manager, and thematic program leaders to execute the scope and duties of this position. The IDI operates a comprehensive, fee-for-service laboratory, the IDI Genomics and Microbiology Services Lab (IDI-GEMS), which functions as a university earnings operation and includes multiple service areas to support both internal and external infectious disease communities. Current services include next-generation sequencing using Illumina NextSeq 2000 instruments; a bioinformatics and microbiome platform in partnership with the Center of Microbiome Science; tick-borne pathogen testing through Buckeye Tick Test; and the Bacillus Genetic Stock Center, home to more than 10,000 Bacillus strains and the only academic center of its kind in the world. The IDI-GEMS customer base spans academic, government, and industry clients, both domestic and international. This earnings operation is highly complex, not only operationally but also scientifically. To effectively perform the core duties of this position, the incumbent must possess expert-level understanding of the underlying science and technical processes underlying IDI-GEMS. This position drives organizational growth and sustainability by leading the development, measurement, and execution of institute-wide strategies in collaboration with the IDI senior leadership team. This position requires expertise in laboratory operations (BSL2 and BSL3), combined with an extensive understanding of Ohio State’s commercialization pathways, to develop innovative approaches and partnerships that align with the IDI mission. The IDI Strategic Planning Senior Consultant will leverage operational and computational insight to assess, measure, and report community needs while identifying entrepreneurial opportunities to expand revenue streams, particularly through private industry-supported research. The position incorporates skills in market trend analysis, forecasting, and strategic modeling to guide decision-making and translates these insights into actionable strategies with clear metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to create a foundation for scientific impact, financial sustainability, and diversified funding growth. In addition, the role supports student and trainee programming designed to cultivate the next generation of infectious disease educators and scientists, emphasizing a focus on entrepreneurship and commercialization as core competencies for future leaders in the field. The ideal candidate combines strategic foresight with entrepreneurial drive and excels at leading complex, cross-functional, and interdisciplinary initiatives in collaboration with the IDI Chief Research Officer and IDI Business Manager. They bring an understanding of artificial intelligence technologies and applications, experience with commercialization pathways, and the ability to leverage the strengths of the IDI community to advance industry and private sector partnerships. The role requires on-going collaboration and adaptability to reinforce the concept of “strategic doing” through rapid execution and adaptive decision making, supported by strategic planning tools such as dashboards, heatmaps, and other visual analytics.

Requirements

Doctoral/Professional degree in microbiology, molecular biology, infectious diseases, or a related field
At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, innovation management, commercialization, or related fields
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex strategies with measurable outcomes across interdisciplinary and cross-functional initiatives
Proven experience in industry engagement, commercialization pathways, and revenue generation, preferably within research or healthcare sectors
Strong understanding of artificial intelligence technologies and applications and their integration into research and operational environments
Entrepreneurship acumen
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex research concepts for
industry partners and simplify business models and terminology for academic audiences, ensuring clarity and alignment across diverse stakeholders to advance strategic goals.

Nice To Haves

12 years of relevant experience
Experience working within large research institutions or academic environments, with knowledge of commercialization landscape or similar ecosystems
Experience working within a government agency
Demonstrated success in building strategic partnerships with industry, government, and academic stakeholders
Ability to navigate complex internal and external political landscapes, influence diverse stakeholders, and drive consensus on sensitive or high-impact matters
Expertise in One Health principles, infectious disease innovation, and emerging technologies (including AI)
Track record of mentoring and guiding teams, fostering collaboration, and leading initiatives with significant long-term impact.

Benefits

Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

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