Stacy Chin says a principal investigator should own the research narrative, but if they're focused on business development, a technical lead needs to run day-to-day operations. This matters most when projects mix engineering, biology, and software.
Also, this person must own the R&D narrative, whether it is a biomedical engineer developing a new implant or computer scientists building a novel AI algorithm. Next is a co-investigator or a technical lead. If the PI is more focused on business development or high-level strategy, you must include a strong technical lead as a second in command to lead the day-to-day science. And this role is especially important for projects with complex engineering or biology or software components.
Applying for NIH SBIR in Jan 5, 2027? You Should Be Starting NOW. Here's why...
How to Get Invited to Apply for $305K in NSF SBIR Funding || Step-by-Step Guide
