JDRF's mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF

The Director position requires the skills, vision, and desire to explore and implement novel approaches that will accelerate research and development leading to curative and preventive therapies for T1D. The successful candidate can look forward to interesting and challenging work by building strong relationships with fellow staff and a network of volunteers that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of everyone affected by T1D. The ideal applicant will have a strong background in immunology, pharmacology, cell biology or endocrinology in the context of diabetes, autoimmune or metabolic diseases, and have demonstrated capabilities in translating discoveries into therapeutic concepts or products. The Director will 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 the Cures program with a major focus on the disease modifying therapies portfolio.  The Director position will report to the AVP Research and will take part in all aspects of the JDRF scientific and clinical programs which include providing expert 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.  https://grantcenter.jdrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/JDRF-Cures-Research-Strategy-1.pdf

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Work closely with the AVP of Research to enhance and manage the research strategy and portfolio in disease modifying therapies.
• Develop in-depth scientific knowledge in T1D-relevant areas of research and technology for scouting new opportunities.
• 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 a 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 Regulatory and Health Policy, 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

• Strong scientific knowledge of diabetes, immunology and cell biology.
• Previous laboratory experience and skills 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 a 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. or M.D. in the area of research related to Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology or Endocrinology

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