Platform & Portfolio Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Platform & Portfolio Lead role is situated within the Enterics, Diagnostics, Genomics, & Epidemiology (EDGE) Team, which is focused on improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through the development of products, tools, and platforms. This position is crucial for managing the pipeline and portfolio of diagnostics and devices aimed at addressing enteric and diarrheal diseases. The role involves collaboration with technical teams to ensure that product strategies align with overall program objectives and scientific advancements. The Platform & Portfolio Lead will be responsible for maintaining a balanced portfolio of product candidates, ensuring readiness for launch, and managing funding considerations. This position is designed to facilitate discussions around product candidates and the necessary portfolio mix for the next 10-12 years, ensuring that the organization’s strategies are effectively implemented and communicated.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Platform & Portfolio Lead include collaborating with technical teams to develop and optimize R&D portfolio strategies, maintaining a comprehensive view of decision points and resource needs across the product pipeline, and implementing target product profiles (TPPs) and integrated product development plans (IPDPs). The role also involves leading stage gate reviews of partner programs, liaising with internal experts to co-develop R&D strategy implementation plans, and maintaining awareness of related efforts within the organization. Additionally, the Platform & Portfolio Lead will identify and assess key risks at both the portfolio and product levels, propose analyses to manage acceleration opportunities and risks, and conduct quantitative analyses to guide strategic decision-making. The position requires maintaining a portfolio of investments aligned with the strategic direction of the foundation’s diagnostic, device, and vaccine programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a STEM field, with an advanced degree (PhD, MPH) or equivalent experience being preferred. A minimum of 10 years of experience in pharma and life sciences R&D strategy and operations is required, with a focus on product development stages including clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory approval, and launch. Familiarity with industry practices such as TPP development and stage-gate decision-making is essential. Candidates should demonstrate critical thinking skills, the ability to work independently in unstructured environments, and effective communication and relationship management skills. The role also requires the ability to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates holding advanced degrees such as a PhD or MPH. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, which is essential for understanding the complexities of product development in the health sector.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry, specifically in R&D strategy and operations. This experience should encompass a comprehensive understanding of the product development lifecycle, including clinical trials, manufacturing processes, regulatory pathways, and market launch strategies. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working collaboratively across various disciplines and managing complex projects.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the organization’s global focus. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the regions served by the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is a 12-month limited-term employment (LTE) backfill role. The salary range for this position is between $186,400 to $288,800 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The organization emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven focus. New hires typically fall within the range minimum and midpoint, with actual placement depending on the candidate’s skills and experience. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US without visa sponsorship. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices.