Blueprint Biosecurity is seeking a full-time Program Director to build and lead an ambitious program to accelerate the development and adoption of far-UVC technology, which we’re calling Project Airborne Infection Resilience (“Project AIR”). Project AIR is a coordinated research program inspired by ARPA-style initiatives and will build on Blueprint’s comprehensive evaluation of the far-UVC field.

 

Role Overview

Blueprint Biosecurity is seeking a full-time Program Director to build and lead an ambitious program to accelerate the development and adoption of far-UVC technology, which we’re calling Project Airborne Infection Resilience (“Project AIR”). Project AIR is a coordinated research program inspired by ARPA-style initiatives and will build on Blueprint’s comprehensive evaluation of the far-UVC field.

You will have a high degree of autonomy to design and steer a pioneering program. You will help shape the theory of change for advancing far-UVC from primarily a small scale, low-user technology with a highly promising evidence base to a widely trusted used technology. You will identify, hire for, and contract the teams necessary to bring your vision to fruition. You will report to the Executive Director and work collaboratively with other teams within and external to Blueprint Biosecurity.

We are seeking a proactive leader who thrives in a dynamic and evolving environment. The ideal candidate will be excited about advancing the vision for far-UVC that we have been developing while remaining willing to pivot and iterate to find ways for the program to succeed. Excellent interpersonal abilities and strong skills in project management, strategic prioritization, research, and analysis will be necessary to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute an ambitious plan for accelerating adoption of far-UVC through Project AIR
• Creatively explore and evaluate the impact and feasibility of different proposed far-UVC programs and make recommendations using quantitative assessment approaches
• Assemble and lead a multidisciplinary team of internal employees and external contractors to carry out Project AIR’s objectives
• Coordinate key stakeholders across academia, governments, industry and philanthropy
• Conduct semi-structured interviews with domain experts, plan and hold workshops, visit collaborators, conduct site visits, and attend conferences to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the current state of far-UVC research, innovations, markets, regulations, and adoption
• In partnership with Blueprint Biosecurity’s research team, oversee progress towards completing Project AIR’s research agenda, including adapting the program as new findings emerge
• Anticipate and mitigate program risks, including technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and public perception issues
• Develop white papers, reports, presentations, and other compelling communications materials to disseminate findings and advance Project AIR
• Other duties as required

Our Ideal Candidate

• Wants to build solutions to prevent pandemics
• Possesses a deep passion for research and collaboration
• Is a fast learner and gets up to speed in new fields quickly
• Has a proven track record of initiating, navigating, and taking diverse projects to completion
• Is excited about building relationships with domain experts, nonprofits, industry leaders, policymakers, and other key stakeholders
• Is humble and ambitious, curious and analytical
• Thrives in ambiguity
• Is prepared to ask clarifying questions to acquire the information they need
• Appreciates the value of teamwork and regularly includes others in planning, decision-making, and execution
• Delivers results in high-energy settings without compromising on quality
• Demonstrates resilience in overcoming challenges
• Seeks out fresh opportunities and perspectives

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven ability in leading and managing projects effectively, coupled with the skill to achieve outcomes by leveraging the capabilities of others
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills: you will be required to build and maintain partnerships with external organizations, leading academics, government bodies, and other key stakeholders
• Proficiency in leveraging emerging AI tools to streamline workflows, enhance deliverable quality, and drive productivity gains across various aspects of the role
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor language to different audiences
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with an ability to anticipate and adapt to change swiftly
• Comfortable reading and summarizing published scientific research in unfamiliar domains
• A passion for innovation and a commitment to making a significant impact in the field of biosecurity and pandemic prevention
• At least 5 years of relevant experience
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience field building, leading large programs, and/or scaling technologies
• At least 3 years working in management, project management, or leadership roles
• Experience with cost-benefit analyses and/or investment cases
• An advanced degree

What We Offer

Compensation: The salary for this position ranges from $140,000–$193,000. We consider a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to the role and responsibilities, work experience, education/training, skills, expertise, and internal equity.

Benefits: Our benefits package for full-time employees includes:

• Unlimited PTO + paid holidays
• Generous health and wellness benefits through an Individual Coverage Health
• Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for you and your family
• Fully paid family leave
• Annual 401(k) contributions equal to 10% of your base salary
• Support for productive remote work

Equitable adjustments will be made for staff members outside of the United States hired through Employers of Record. Adjustments will be made in accordance with local laws and employment regulations in the primary location where the work is performed.

How to Apply

Submit your application here.

Here’s a summary of the application process for a successful candidate. We might make adjustments.

• Complete this application form by April 6, 2025 11:59 PM EDT
• Attend an initial screening call
• Complete 1–2 paid work tests designed to simulate the work you would do if hired and evaluate key skills important for success in the role
• Attend two remote interviews
• Submit references
• Receive an employment offer!

Application Details

Applications Due: April 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Location: This position will be a remote position, with a preference for candidates living in (or willing to relocate to) Washington, DC. Remote staff must be able to work between 10 am and 2 pm Eastern Time. Due to the nature of this role, competitive candidates will have the ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours and travel up to 25% of the time.

Start Date: We’d like a candidate to start as soon as possible after receiving an offer, though there is some flexibility.

Workplace Inclusion & Accessibility: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all employees have the opportunity to succeed. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Please let us know what accommodations you might need when applying or if asked to be interviewed by emailing us at recruiting@blueprintbiosecurity.org.

Referral Bonus

We offer a referral bonus of up to $5,000 to individuals who refer successful candidates for this position:

• If the candidate receives a job offer from us, you will receive $1,000;
• If the candidate is still working with us after three months, you will receive a further $4,000, for a total of $5,000.

To receive these bonuses, we must reasonably believe that you were responsible for referring the candidate to us (e.g. due to you introducing them to us when we didn’t previously know them, or them mentioning you on their application as the reason they heard about the position). You can use this form to submit potential candidates.