JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our 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 in chapters across the United States and our six 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.

As a JDRF team member, you can look forward to interesting and challenging work, building strong relationships with fellow staff and our network of volunteers, and having a meaningful impact on the lives of everyone affected by this devastating disease. JDRF supports a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The individual will be responsible for reviewing discovery and preclinical drug development programs in T1D for all aspects of in vivo and in vitro pharmacology, and is expected to have a thorough understanding of design and implementation of PK-PD models, nonclinical safety, and toxicology programs required to support regulatory submissions.

The ideal candidate will provide advice and expertise on these topics to enhance projects both before and after they receive JDRF funding. The candidate will have the scientific knowledge to address questions related to target validation and mechanism of action of drugs in areas of metabolism and/or immunology. In this role, the candidate will perform competitive intelligence and due diligence reviews of new drug entities or products. As the Associate/Director of Research Strategy, the candidate will work with multiple teams leading the JDRF research portfolio.

This position is designed to drive the successful execution of JDRF’s strategic plan for the development and delivery of treatment and cure therapies for T1D.  The candidate is expected to possess the skills, vision, and desire to explore and implement new approaches that will accelerate the advancement of JDRF’s research and development portfolio.  The position requires an in-depth knowledge of human biology including pharmacology, physiology, immunology, cell biology and endocrinology in the context of diabetes or other autoimmune and metabolic diseases and have demonstrated capabilities in clinical translational research activities.  The candidate must have the ability to efficiently communicate and interact with an internal team of scientific and non-scientific staff toward the organizational objectives and be capable of conducting high level interactions with key opinion leaders, partners, and collaborators. The individual must possess the ability to communicate scientific concepts and information both in writing and formal presentations targeted to expert and lay audiences alike.

Responsibilities include:

- Working closely with the Assistant VP of Research to enhance the JDRF research strategy and portfolio.

- Supporting basic science and pharmacology/toxicology review of grant proposals in T1D areas such as novel insulins, adjunctive therapies to insulin, long-term diabetes complications, immunotherapies, cell regeneration, cell replacement therapies and transplantation.

- Reviewing pharmacology/toxicology and related nonclinical data to support the planning of clinical studies in different stages of T1D progression.

- Providing guidance for selection, monitoring, and reviewing CROs/vendors relative to quality, timelines and cost.

- Creating partnership-ready drug development projects from the active portfolio through critical review and strategic planning.

-5-10 years of relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience.

-Hands-on experience in supporting programs in preclinical development leading to clinical studies.

-Scientific and/or medical knowledge of diabetes, its current standards of care and knowledge of therapeutic landscape in immunologic, metabolic and (pancreatic) beta cell-based therapies.

-Excellent communication and public speaking skills and the ability to interface with all levels of personnel, volunteers and external organizations.

-Strong collaborative skills including the ability to manage cross-functional teams and external alliances.

-Ph.D. or M.D. (or equivalent) degree required preferably in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Endocrinology, or related discipline.

Target Salary: $140-$160K

Resumes without cover letters will not be considered

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 and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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