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.

The research scientist will be responsible for building and maintaining an active research portfolio in the areas of beta cell regeneration and survival. The candidate will serve as an internal expert for this area and function as a knowledge resource internally and externally. Due diligence and landscape analyses activities are a requisite part of this active portfolio management. Our mission is highly translationally focused so the candidate should have a strong interest in public health and understand the basic concepts of drug development and translational research. The candidate will be expected to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with all stakeholders – scientists, board members, senior management, etc. 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 beta cell regeneration and survival portfolio.  The scientist position will report to a Research Director and will participate in all aspects of the JDRF research program including providing scientific input to accelerate the progress of therapeutic areas, contributing to future research strategies aligned with JDRF’s mission, and leveraging opportunities and optimize relationships within the US and international diabetes research communities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Strategy and Planning

• Contribute to the regular assessment, review, and presentation to the Board of Directors and external scientific advisors of the status of the research portfolio.
• Work closely with the program administrators to track and plan research budget.

Review and Oversight

• Generating requests for applications (RFA) to address specific needs and gaps of the portfolio.
• Management of external peer review of funding opportunities.
• Active management of ongoing funding opportunities towards early go/no go decisions.

Partnering

• Scouting, securing, and managing research partnerships with companies, other non-profits, governmental agencies, etc.
• Work closely with colleagues in the JDRF T1D Fund and JDRF Research Business Development to evaluate, establish, and manage new scientific partnerships with small and large companies.

Communication

• Preparation and presentation of due diligence materials to management and JDRF Board of Directors for governance approval purposes.
• Generation and presentation of summary documents to lay and/or expert stakeholders.
• Generation of content for public media outlets in collaboration with internal Marketing and Communications team.
• Presentation of JDRF Research and priorities and special topics to both lay and expert audiences.

• Experience in the mechanisms of human disease highly desired.
• Previous laboratory experience and skill sets in the areas of metabolism, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, or cell/molecular biology are desired.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines demonstrated by strong organizational skills and a detail-oriented nature. 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.
• Demonstrate creativity and ability to think strategically regarding scientific and technical opportunities or roadblocks.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Superior active listening, observation, analytical, problem recognition and solving skills.

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. in pharmacology, cell biology, nutrition/metabolism, or similar field required. Post-doctoral experience (1-2 years) in a disease focused or drug development laboratory desired but not required.

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