JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Through research, advocacy, partnerships and outreach, JDRF is racing to find cures for tomorrow while striving to improve the lives of those with T1D today. JDRF positions its scientific resources, policy influence and strategic working plan to bring life-changing breakthroughs from therapeutic concepts to the community. As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF has invested more than $2B in research and is funding scientific research and clinical trials in 17 countries worldwide.  For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF

JDRF is hiring a scientist to work primarily in the Improving Lives (IL) program and help us achieve our vision of a world where people with T1D live healthy and burden-free lives. (See the IL program’s scientific strategy here: https://grantcenter.jdrf.org/research-strategy/). The new IL program scientist will be part of a highly interconnected and fast-moving team that is responsible for setting and driving the global research agenda for type 1 diabetes.

The scientist will be responsible for building and actively managing a research portfolio of grants. Due diligence and landscape analyses activities are a requisite part of this proactive portfolio management. The scientist will serve as an internal expert in their specialty areas and function as a knowledge resource internally and externally. Experience with product development and translational research is desirable but not required. The scientist will work in multiple areas within the Improving Lives program—metabolic control, long-term complications, artificial pancreas (AP), and behavioral health—so an enthusiasm to learn new and diverse scientific areas is required.

The candidate will need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with all stakeholders – internal and external scientists, board members, senior management, JDRF supporters, etc. Creativity and ability to think strategically are also essential qualities for this position.

The scientist will report to an Associate 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 optimizing relationships within the US and international diabetes research communities.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Contribute to the regular assessment, review, and presentation of the status of the research portfolio to the Board of Directors and external scientific advisors.
• Work closely with program administrators to plan, track, and execute on the research budget.
• Contribute expertise to strategic planning efforts across multiple project areas.
• Perform ongoing landscape analyses in relevant areas.

Review and Oversight

• Development of new research opportunities with internal and external stakeholders (academic scientists, industry partners, etc.).
• Internal review and management of external peer review of funding opportunities.
• Active management of ongoing grants.
• Participation in scouting, securing, and managing research partnerships with companies, other non-profits, governmental agencies, etc.  

Communication

• Generation and presentation of summary documents to lay and expert stakeholders.
• Generation of content for public media outlets in collaboration with internal Marketing and Communications team.
• Presentation of JDRF Research priorities and special topics to both lay and expert audiences.

Note that experience performing the Specific Responsibilities listed above is not a prerequisite for the position.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in biomedical sciences— pharmacology, physiology, cell biology, metabolism, or similar field required.
• Post-doctoral experience desired.
• Working expertise in at least one of the following areas is highly desirable:
  • Metabolism, especially glucose control in type 1 diabetes (preferably) or other types of diabetes
  • Diabetic nephropathy
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • AP systems and their components
  • Psychosocial and quality-of-life aspects of disease, including behavioral health interventions, mental health, patient reported outcomes
  • T1D clinical trials and outcomes
• Ability to create, operate and innovate within highly connected team environments with high level of independence.
• Strong organization skills and detail-oriented nature. Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to learn quickly and establish priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional collaboration and relationship-building skills. Ability to interface with stakeholders of highly diverse backgrounds such as all staff and volunteers. Must develop, maintain, and cultivate relationships.
• Creativity and ability to think strategically regarding scientific and technical opportunities or roadblocks and to conceive and execute on projects.
• Interest in developing expertise in new scientific areas.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

JDRF supports a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Domestic and international travel may be required.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a cover letter.