Division and Unit Overview

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is the world’s largest scientific membership association and one of the top ten peer-reviewed science publishers in the world. The Publications Division of ACS has all the characteristics of a medium-sized commercial STM publishing company: its primary competitors for authors, market-share, and talent are Elsevier, Wiley, and Springer/Nature. It is one of two ACS divisions charged with serving a dual function: generating substantial revenue – currently over $200M - to support the Society’s programmatic activities and fulfilling a core mission of the Society by advancing knowledge in the field of chemistry and the chemical enterprise.

ACS Publications is passionate about supporting the mission of ACS through products and services that meet the most critical needs of researchers and the scientific enterprise. We are ambitious for our customers and believe transformative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) will drive the transformation of our industry, accelerating the dissemination of the scientific discovery needed to address Earth’s greatest challenges.

The Foundry is the newly established innovation hub of the American Chemical Society’s Publications Division, dedicated to exploring transformative tech opportunities that advance the Society’s mission and strengthen its position as a global leader in scientific publishing. By identifying and investing in high-potential internal initiatives, partnerships, and external opportunities, The Foundry serves as a catalyst for growth and innovation. Its mission is to bridge bold ideas with actionable outcomes, leveraging cutting-edge technology, customer insights, and market trends to shape the future of ACS. Joining The Foundry means being part of an entrepreneurial team  building a foundation for innovation in a fast-paced, dynamic, and experimental environment.

We are seeking a dynamic Innovation Discovery Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ACS. As a key member of The Foundry, you will be responsible for identifying, researching, and validating new opportunities that align with ACS's strategic goals. Reporting to the Director of Innovation, you will be the driving force behind our exploration of emerging trends, technologies, and market signals, providing the critical insights and strategic recommendations that inform our innovation pipeline. You are passionate about using data, research, and a deep understanding of user needs to uncover transformative opportunities and guide strategic decision-making. Your work will directly influence the direction of ACS's innovation efforts, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the scientific landscape.

Role Description

At The Foundry, speed is key. The biggest risk for any innovation hub is inaction. This role is essential in providing the data and insights needed to make quick, informed decisions and move forward with purpose. While failure is part of the process, it's what we learn, adapt, and improve that truly matters. Your expertise in grounding bold ideas with rigorous analysis will empower us to act decisively and minimize risks while staying agile and innovative. You will be working with a team that embraces experimentation, values continuous learning, and is passionate about making a significant impact on the scientific community.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead opportunity discovery and validation: Spearhead research efforts to uncover emerging trends, user needs, market signals, and technological advancements that could shape the future of ACS. Develop and execute research plans: Design and conduct a variety of research methodologies, including user interviews, surveys, competitive analyses, and market assessments, to validate hypotheses and de-risk potential opportunities. Generate actionable insights: Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify key insights, translating research findings into clear, concise, and compelling strategic recommendations for The Foundry and ACS leadership. Champion a data-driven approach: Advocate for the use of data and research to inform decision-making throughout the innovation process, fostering a culture of evidence-based exploration. Stay ahead of the curve: Continuously monitor the evolving landscape of science, technology, and publishing, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative methodologies to The Foundry. Collaborate and communicate: Work closely with other members of The Foundry team, as well as stakeholders across ACS, to share insights, gather feedback, and ensure alignment on strategic priorities. Foster a startup mentality: Embrace experimentation, rapid iteration, and continuous learning, contributing to a dynamic and agile work environment.

Required Skills:

Proven ability to design and execute comprehensive research studies, from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting, with a focus on generating actionable insights. Strong understanding of various research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) and when to apply them to achieve desired outcomes. Experience with tools and platforms for user research, market analysis, and data visualization (e.g., UserTesting, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Lookback, or similar). A passion for emerging technologies and their potential to transform industries. A naturally curious mindset, eager to challenge assumptions, explore new ideas, and push boundaries. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where agility, adaptability, and a growth mindset are essential. A strong understanding of the scientific publishing landscape and the challenges and opportunities facing organizations like ACS is a plus.

Required Education:  5+ years of experience in innovation research, market insights, strategic foresight, or a related role, ideally within innovation hubs, startups, or technology-focused environments.

Travel Expectations:  Occasional regional and international travel is required. Estimated travel expectations are not to exceed 10%.

DC-based: This role is based in our Washington, D.C. office. A reasonable rate of compensation for this position is between $109,000 and $147,000 per year.

ACS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account or health care savings account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, and 4-week work from anywhere; each benefit is subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply based on skills, experience, and location.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of ACS. ACS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.