Scientist

  • Full-time

Company Description

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, policy influence and a working plan to bring life-changing therapies from the lab to the community. As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF has invested nearly $2B in research over the past 45 years and is sponsoring scientific research in 17 countries worldwide.

Job Description

The successful candidate can look forward to interesting and challenging work by building strong relationships with fellow staff and network of volunteers, and having a meaningful impact on the lives of everyone affected by T1D. The ideal applicant will have a strong background in diabetes, understanding basic concepts for translating discoveries into therapeutic products, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with stakeholders and researchers in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment.  The qualified individual will directly contribute to the implementation, oversight, and advancement of research projects and activities in several programs with major focus on the cell therapy portfolio.  The scientist position will report to a Research Director and will participate in all aspects of the JDRF research program which includes providing scientific input to accelerate the progress of therapeutic concepts, contribute to future research strategies aligned with JDRF’s mission, and leverage opportunities and optimize relationships within the US and international diabetes research communities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Develop in-depth scientific knowledge in T1D-relevant areas of research and technology.
  • Be a critical and strategic thinker to maintain an active and successful research portfolio. Perform scientific and budgetary oversight. 
  • Oversee grant applications and contribute to the decision-making process. Serve as liaison for external scientific review panels.
  • Identify and coordinate the implementation of new opportunities to advance the JDRF mission.
  • Serve as liaison for other JDRF teams including Marketing and Communications, Industry Partnerships, and Clinical Trial Management.
  • Monitor and evaluate ongoing managed research grants, collaborative academic and industry grants, including the review and approval of project milestones. Convene evaluation meetings with external peer reviewers where necessary.
  • Liaise with researchers (from academia and industry), funding agencies, and JDRF’s lay community. Represent JDRF with various organizations to exchange information, develop collaborations, and address challenges of mutual interest where appropriate.  
  • Summarize results and progress from individual projects and overall portfolio in reports, blogs and presentations for senior management meetings and external research updates.
  • Participate in and organize workshops, meetings and briefings. Attend relevant scientific conferences and read relevant scientific publications to keep informed of scientific progress in T1D research.

Qualifications

  • Strong scientific knowledge of diabetes and cell therapy.
  • Previous laboratory experience and skill set in the area of immunology, metabolism, bioengineering, or cell/molecular biology. Expertise with in vivo or in vitro pharmacology desired.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Establish priorities in fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional collaboration and relationship-building skills. Ability to interface with all staff and volunteers. Must develop, maintain, and cultivate relationships.
  • Detail oriented and strong organizational skills.
  • Demonstrate creativity and ability to think strategically regarding scientific and technical opportunities or roadblocks.
  • Excellent written, oral and communication skills. Superior active listening, observation, analytical, and problem recognition and solving skills.
  • Aptitude for presentation delivery, conveying ideas, and instructing effectively. Ability to communicate with scientific peers and the public. 
  • Ability to work and make judgments independently and take initiative.  Well-disciplined and self-starter who is resourceful.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to successfully interface with all levels of personnel and volunteers.

EDUCATION:

  • Ph.D. in area of research related to diabetes, such as immunology, cell biology, genetics of disease, pharmacology, engineering. 
  • 3 or more years of postdoctoral research experience in diabetes-relevant field required. 
  • Must have published peer-reviewed articles.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.