Program Officer, Diagnostics for Family Health

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 employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
As the Program Officer for Diagnostics for Family Health, you will be responsible for designing and managing a portfolio of investments that focus on diagnostics related to maternal, neonatal, and women's health, as well as nutrient biomarker tools for populations with high health burdens. This role encompasses the entire product development arc, from initial biomarker research and assay development to clinical validation, regulatory navigation, and public health deployment. The position prioritizes several diagnostic areas, including antenatal diagnostics for conditions such as anemia and gestational diabetes, neonatal and infant diagnostics, women's health diagnostics including STI detection, and micronutrient biomarker tools for nutrition surveillance. You will leverage your expertise in the diagnostic product lifecycle to make informed investment decisions and engage with various stakeholders, including scientists, product developers, and regulators, to ensure the successful scaling of diagnostics within India's public health system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your core responsibilities will include designing and managing grants and contracts for diagnostic innovations in family health, conducting technical due diligence on potential investments, and applying performance metrics to facilitate decision-making. You will provide ongoing technical and strategic support to grantees and contractors, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's priorities. Additionally, you will identify and manage partner institutions, build relationships with key government bodies and academic institutions, and engage with global product development partnerships to strengthen the diagnostic ecosystem. You will also analyze emerging science and innovation in family health diagnostics to identify new investment opportunities and represent the Foundation at various technical forums and public events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in a life-science, biomedical science, clinical science, or biomedical engineering discipline. Alternatively, candidates with an advanced degree such as an MD or MTech, along with equivalent translational or product development experience, will also be considered. A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in diagnostic product development, translational research, or regulatory science is required, with direct involvement in assay development and regulatory submissions. Familiarity with the full diagnostic product lifecycle and understanding of how diagnostics are integrated into national health programs is essential. Experience engaging with Indian regulatory and research agencies in a technical capacity is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline is required, with consideration given to candidates holding advanced degrees such as MD or MTech, provided they have substantial translational or product development experience. The educational background should include a strong foundation in life sciences, biomedical sciences, or related fields, equipping candidates with the necessary knowledge to navigate the complexities of diagnostic product development and regulatory processes.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in diagnostic product development, including direct involvement in assay development, analytical or clinical validation studies, and regulatory submissions. Experience in the family health diagnostic space, particularly in maternal health, neonatal health, STIs, or nutrition biomarkers, is highly desirable. Grant or project management experience, particularly in structuring and overseeing large-scale investments, is also important.

Languages:
While the job does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders in India.

Additional Notes:
This position is not remote and requires the selected candidate to work from the New Delhi office. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in India without the need for visa sponsorship. The role may involve domestic and international travel up to 33%. The hiring process will include a background check, and the organization is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates, offering accommodations as needed. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and practices.