Job Description
Join Horizon Labs at the forefront of technological evolution as we pioneer solutions for 2026. We're seeking a visionary Futurist Innovation Strategist to decode emerging trends, architect transformative roadmaps, and lead cross-disciplinary teams in creating tomorrow's breakthrough innovations. This role blends foresight with execution, requiring you to anticipate paradigm shifts while building actionable frameworks that position our company as an industry pioneer.
At Horizon Labs, we thrive at the intersection of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable systems. You'll collaborate with Nobel laureates, startup founders, and government agencies to shape the future of human-machine collaboration. Our Austin campus features state-of-the-art labs, collaborative workspaces, and a culture that celebrates calculated risk-taking and intellectual curiosity.
Responsibilities
- Anticipate global technology and societal shifts through horizon scanning, trend analysis, and scenario planning
- Develop 5-year innovation roadmaps aligning with emerging AI, quantum computing, and climate tech trajectories
- Lead cross-functional teams in prototyping breakthrough solutions for 2026 market needs
- Establish strategic partnerships with research institutions, VCs, and policy think tanks
- Translate foresight insights into product development priorities and R&D investment strategies
- Deliver executive briefings and thought leadership presentations at global tech forums
- Mentor innovation teams in futures thinking methodologies and agile experimentation frameworks
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Futures Studies, Innovation Management, or related field (PhD preferred)
- 7+ years in strategic foresight, R&D leadership, or emerging technology innovation
- Proven track record of developing and implementing future-oriented roadmaps
- Deep expertise in at least two of: AI ethics, quantum computing applications, or climate tech
- Exceptional systems thinking with ability to connect disparate trends into coherent narratives
- Experience with scenario planning tools and foresight methodologies (e.g., Delphi, STEEP analysis)
- Portfolio demonstrating published research on emerging technologies or future trends
- Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders from engineers to C-suite executives