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 nearly $2B in research and is funding scientific research and clinical trials in 17 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.jdrf.org.

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 T1D.

The scientist will be responsible for building and actively managing a research portfolio of grants. A critical feature of the job is developing new scientific projects, which are often built collaboratively with grant applicants and in some cases even initially conceived of by JDRF scientists. A critical part of the scientist role is performing careful scientific diligence of proposals JDRF receives. Following grant approvals, JDRF scientists maintain regular contact with funded investigators to monitor progress and provide intellectual input to ongoing projects. While no longer in the lab, scientists in the JDRF office nonetheless employ creativity and scientific rigor in equal parts to advance the field. We accomplish this by working with diverse partners including academia, industry, federal bodies, and others in the United States and abroad. 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.

Another important aspect of the job is communication. The scientist will be responsible for communicating about JDRF research with various stakeholders, including internal and external scientists, board members, senior management, JDRF supporters, and others. JDRF scientists develop and deliver presentations for live audiences, and contribute to various sorts of written documents about the research we support.

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 expertise to strategic planning efforts across multiple project areas
• Analyze scientific and commercial landscapes to determine how JDRF can maximize our impact
• Contribute to the regular assessment, review, and presentation of the status of the research portfolio to the Board of Directors and external scientific advisors

Grant Development and Management

• Develop new research opportunities with internal and external stakeholders (academic scientists, industry partners, etc.)
• Collaborate with other JDRF scientists and non-scientific staff (program administrators, clinical trial managers, business development colleagues, regulatory and health policy experts) in development and management of funding opportunities
• Perform internal review and manage external peer review of funding opportunities
• Actively manage ongoing grants
• Participate in scouting, securing, and managing research partnerships with companies, other non-profits, governmental agencies, etc.
• Work closely with program administrators to plan, track, and execute on the research budget

Communication

• Generate and deliver presentations about JDRF research to lay and expert stakeholders
• Create content for public media outlets in collaboration with internal Marketing and Communications team

Note that experience performing the Specific Responsibilities listed above is not a prerequisite for the position, but an enthusiasm to learn is.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in biomedical sciences— biology, pharmacology, physiology, cell biology, metabolism, or similar field required.
• Post-doctoral experience desired.
• Working expertise in at least one of the following areas is desirable:
  • Metabolism, especially glucose control in T1D (preferably) or other types of diabetes
  • AP systems and their components
  • Diabetes complications
  • Psychosocial and quality-of-life aspects of disease, including behavioral health interventions, mental health, patient reported outcomes
  • Clinical trials and outcomes
• Ability to create, operate and innovate within highly connected team environments with a high level of independence
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience with product development and translational research is desirable but not required

Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a cover letter

To protect the health and safety of our employees, all employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have a COVID-19 booster shot regardless of location or position. This includes those with remote status. Requests for medical, religious, and other exemptions will be considered on an individual basis. JDRF will comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

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