Location: Carlsbad, CA or NY, New York
Position OverviewThe Director, Research provides enterprise leadership for GIA's global Research function, the scientific foundation that underpins all of GIA's laboratory and education services. The role is accountable for research strategy, scientific programs, innovation in analytical methods and technologies, and the stewardship of research talent, budgets, facilities, and equipment across GIA locations.
The Director ensures GIA's research on gemstone identification, treatments, origin determination, and laboratory-grown materials is accurate, reproducible, and ethically conducted, and that findings are translated into improved testing procedures, instruments, and educational content. As GIA's senior scientific leader, the role advances the Institute's credibility through publications, conferences, and partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry organizations, and builds the scientific pipeline needed to anticipate future market and technical challenges.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesGlobal Research Strategy and Scientific Innovation (25%)- Define and execute a multi-year global research strategy and annual research plan aligned with GIA's mission, GIA FIRST priorities, and the current and future needs of laboratory and education services.
- Lead GIA's scientific programs in gemstone identification, treatments, origin determination, and laboratory-grown materials; set research priorities and allocate resources based on scientific merit, service impact, and risk.
- Advance analytical methods and technologies that improve gemological research and testing, including emerging techniques, data science, and advanced analytics; anticipate industry developments and new materials that require a research response.
- Maintain a global roadmap for research capability, technology, equipment, and facilities; prioritize investments using business cases and risk analysis.
Research Programs, Quality and Scientific Integrity (20%)- Oversee the global portfolio of research projects; establish governance, milestones, and review processes that ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to scientific standards.
- Ensure scientific accuracy, reproducibility, and ethical research practices; establish standards for experimental design, data management, documentation, and peer review across research teams.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, and institutional standards for research activities, laboratory operations, data, and intellectual property.
- Review research findings for validity and readiness before publication or transfer into services, and resolve significant scientific questions or disputes.
Translation to Laboratory, Education and Instrument Development (20%)- Partner with Identification leaders to translate research findings into improved, validated testing procedures, and provide the scientific evidence that informs methodology decisions for GIA's identification services.
- Provide scientific support for complex identification cases, emerging treatments, and new materials, and coordinate a rapid research response to industry developments that affect GIA's services.
- Collaborate with GIA's Instrument Development team to define requirements and develop and validate innovative, reliable instruments that meet GIA's needs and advance the global gem and jewelry industry.
- Partner with Education leaders to ensure GIA's curriculum and learning materials reflect current research and scientific standards.
Global Research Leadership, Talent and Resources (20%)- Lead research scientists and technical staff across GIA locations through research managers and principal scientists; set clear accountabilities, operating rhythms, and expectations for scientific and leadership behavior.
- Own the global research budget, forecasts, workforce plan, and resource allocation, including laboratory facilities and equipment; explain variances and implement corrective action.
- Build succession depth for critical scientific and leadership roles through talent reviews, development plans, mentoring, mobility, and targeted recruitment of scientific talent.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and responsible innovation aligned with GIA values; lead change with clear communication and disciplined adoption planning.
External Collaboration and Scientific Communication (15%)- Build and maintain partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry organizations that extend GIA's scientific capability and reputation, with appropriate agreements and protection of GIA's interests.
- Review and approve research findings for publication; publish scientific papers and ensure GIA's research is communicated through peer-reviewed journals, GIA publications, and other appropriate channels.
- Present research results at professional conferences, trade shows, and related events, and represent GIA with credibility in scientific, industry, and institutional forums.
- Serve as a scientific advisor to GIA executives, Business Development, and Marketing, ensuring external claims accurately reflect GIA research and capabilities.
Job Competencies- Accountability: Owns decisions and outcomes, defines measurable expectations, establishes research governance, and holds leaders accountable for timely, high-quality, and sustainable results. Acts as a guardian of GIA's mission, values, scientific integrity, and culture.
- Scientific & Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of gemology, mineralogy, and analytical science across multiple disciplines, with broad knowledge of related fields. Keeps current with emerging technologies, research, and trends affecting the global gem and jewelry marketplace.
- Strategic Thinking & Insight: Applies a global and enterprise perspective to scientific, operational, financial, talent, and market decisions. Uses industry knowledge, research trends, financial indicators, business cases, and risk analysis to advance long-term priorities.
- Innovation & Change Leadership: Creates an environment where scientists and leaders challenge existing approaches, share ideas, navigate ambiguity, and pursue responsible innovation. Leads transformation through disciplined execution, stakeholder engagement, and sustained adoption.
- Decision Quality & Problem Solving: Makes informed and ethical decisions under ambiguity. Evaluates scientific evidence, tradeoffs, dependencies, enterprise risk, and impacts beyond the immediate function.
- Collaborative Relationships: Builds trusted internal and external networks across academia, industry, and GIA functions, reconciles competing perspectives, and prioritizes enterprise needs to advance GIA's mission.
- Optimizes Talent Experience: Builds scientific and leadership depth, sponsors critical talent, manages succession, and creates diverse talent pipelines while fostering an inclusive environment where people can contribute and grow.
- Effective Communication: Communicates vision, strategy, complex scientific information, risk, and business priorities with clarity and credibility to technical and non-technical audiences. Represents GIA effectively in scientific, industry, and executive forums.
- Service Mindset: Prioritizes GIA's mission and advocates for the Institute's role in serving the gem and jewelry industry and protecting the public trust. Ensures research remains responsive to the needs of laboratory services, education, and clients while protecting scientific integrity.
Minimum QualificationsRequired Qualifications- Ph.D. in geology, mineralogy, gemology, physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related scientific field.
- Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressively responsible research experience in gemology, mineralogy, materials science, or a closely related scientific field.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of people leadership experience, including demonstrated success leading scientific leaders and geographically dispersed or comparably complex research organizations.
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional conferences, with recognized standing in the gemological or related scientific community.
- Expertise in analytical techniques used in gem research and identification, such as spectroscopy, trace element analysis, and imaging, as well as developing and validating new methods and instruments.
- Demonstrated accountability for a significant research budget, laboratory facilities and equipment, and a portfolio of multiple research programs.
- Demonstrated success building partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry organizations, and influencing senior stakeholders across Identification, Education, Instrument Development, Quality, Finance, and related functions.
Preferred Qualifications- Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) credential, FGA diploma, or comparable recognized gemological qualification.
- Experience leading globally distributed research teams and scientific collaborations.
Additional Requirements- Regular on-site presence is required, with hybrid flexibility consistent with business and leadership needs.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, generally 20-30% of the time, to GIA locations, conferences, trade shows, and partner institutions.
- Ability to work across global time zones and respond to significant scientific, operational, or stakeholder issues outside standard local business hours.
- Must handle confidential scientific, intellectual property, employee, financial, and business information with appropriate discretion.
Work Environment / Physical Demands- Work is performed in research laboratory and professional office environments. Laboratory equipment may include lasers, X-ray sources, ultraviolet light sources, and cryogenic materials such as liquid nitrogen. Must follow GIA safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment as required.
- When performing research or technical review, must be able to grasp and manipulate small objects (gems) using tweezers, stone holders, microscopes, and analytical instruments, requiring fine motor skills and eye-to-hand coordination.
- Extensive use of computers and office equipment, including scientific software, data systems, laboratory technologies, and other business applications.
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
- The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.
Pay Range: $150,000 - $205,000 annually
Carlsbad LabCarlsbad Lab
