Sr. Director, Biopharma Programs (gene therapy)
POSITION SUMMARY:
The duties of this position are to carry out the mission of the CF Foundation to facilitate discovery and development of new genetic-based therapies that will benefit all people with CF. This individual will work as part of an integrated team and to identify, evaluate, and develop promising new programs with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The role will include seeking out and evaluating new opportunities, leading exploratory discussions, structuring complex partnerships, and participating in contract negotiation to secure mutually beneficial agreements that enhance opportunities for CF-relevant drug development programs. The successful candidate will have strong scientific knowledge and a track record in drug development in areas related to nucleic acid delivery, gene editing technologies, and/or stem cell therapies. Other areas relating to cystic fibrosis drug discovery such as, inflammation, infection, nutrition and mucocilary clearance, etc. are a plus. This individual is expected to contribute in-depth knowledge in these areas and exhibit superior analytical, strategic and communication skills. Well organized, detail oriented, with a strong sense of urgency, this individual will be a team player who is comfortable exerting leadership through consensus building and identification of innovative solutions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with Medical team to seek out, identify, critically evaluate, and cultivate partnerships with academic and for-profit entities, with the goal of developing improved genetic-based therapies for CF.
- Assess and prioritize Program opportunities including risk/benefit for CF population, technology potential, financial resources, scientific merit, and management structure.
- Coordinate review for therapeutic development opportunities.
- Survey advancements in basic/clinical research, understand their applicability to cystic fibrosis and identify and shepherd opportunities for assisting CF research and therapeutic development.
- Monitor and maintain advancement of currently funded CF programs.
- Provide regular assessments and recommendations to the senior management and Board members regarding potential partnership opportunities.
- With input from medical team and CFFT legal counsel, participate in the end-to-end process of partnership development by aligning needs, coordinating requirements, building internal consensus, structuring and negotiating contracts and leading advisory teams.
- Together with Grants and Contracts team, ensure payment terms are met, monitor predicted and actual expenses, and assist in budget assessment and projections.
- With Medical Group Compliance officer, ensure that contract terms meet internal and external compliance standards.
- Ensure that appropriate royalty payments are made.
- With Project Management staff, track project status, archive and summarize correspondence, and monitor and update progress.
- Assist in preparing annual reports, progress reports, and budget projections, as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent level of formal training required. Chemistry or life sciences discipline preferred.
- Strong knowledge and minimum of 3-5 years of experience in preclinical/clinical drug discovery and development, particularly in areas related to genetic-based therapies.
- Strong aptitude for investigating and identifying new scientific approaches and emerging technologies relevant to therapeutic development.
- Demonstrated experience in partnership building and business development.
- Problem-solving, strategic and analytical capabilities are required.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks and meet stated deadlines.
- Creative thinker, resourceful, team player, self-starter.
- Excellent networking and interpersonal skills.
- Highest degree of integrity and honesty.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated high competency for organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate and be creative with a professional and positive approach.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
- N/A.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- ~20% travel (to conferences and meetings with overnight stays, as necessary).
- Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust and temperature.
- No heavy lifting required.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.
The CF Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to being an employer of choice, not just a good place to work, but a great and inclusive place to work. We strive to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, physical or mental disability, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, genetic information or testing, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or any characteristic protected by law.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The CF Foundation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at HROps@cff.org.