Senior Officer, Drug Discovery

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for community engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a thriving workplace for personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Officer, Drug Discovery, plays a crucial role within the Accelerator team, overseeing a portfolio of investments and partnerships as the primary technical partner for the HIV Frontiers program. This position requires deep expertise in drug development and the ability to engage across various scientific and development domains. The officer will ensure that grantees receive the necessary scientific and operational guidance to advance their biologics and gene therapy candidates from discovery through to IND and first-in-human studies, maintaining high standards of quality and regulatory readiness. This role is integrative and externally facing, demanding both technical knowledge and strategic leadership to add value to grantees' programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with team leadership to develop and implement the strategy for the HIV Frontiers program.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of grantee companies and institutions at various development stages.
• Serve as the primary technical interface for grantees, providing actionable scientific and development guidance.
• Lead portfolio reviews and governance meetings, assessing progress and making funding recommendations.
• Evaluate grant proposals and investment opportunities, providing rigorous analyses for leadership.
• Negotiate scopes of work and contractual milestones with grantees.
• Provide expert guidance on CMC for biologics and gene therapy candidates.
• Oversee IND-enabling preclinical studies and advise on integrated product development plans.
• Engage with regulatory strategies for advanced therapy products. 1
• Monitor the manufacturing landscape for gene therapy and ensure cost considerations are integrated into development plans. 1
• Represent the Foundation at scientific conferences and maintain relationships with key investigators. 1
• Contribute to cross-program efforts in CMC, regulatory affairs, and global health access. 1
• Travel up to 20% domestically and internationally as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering, immunology, chemistry, or a closely related field. An MD/PhD or equivalent clinical-scientific training is also welcome. A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in preclinical drug development within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CDMO industry is required, with a proven track record of advancing biological or advanced therapy products toward IND and first-in-human studies. Candidates should have substantial hands-on or supervisory experience in CMC for biologics, including process development and regulatory filing strategies. Familiarity with FDA regulatory strategies for biologics and advanced therapy products is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple complex partnerships and demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
A doctoral degree (PhD or MD/PhD) in a relevant scientific field such as pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering, immunology, or chemistry is required. This educational background is critical to ensure the candidate has the necessary scientific knowledge and expertise to fulfill the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 12-15 years of experience in preclinical drug development, particularly in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CDMO sectors. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to advance biological or advanced therapy products through various stages of development, including IND and first-in-human studies. Direct experience with IND-enabling study design and execution is also necessary, along with familiarity with regulatory strategies for biologics and advanced therapy medicinal products.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the role and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions where the Foundation operates, such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require travel up to 20% domestically and internationally. The salary range for this role is between $233,600 to $362,200 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The Foundation emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven goals. New hires typically fall within the range minimum and midpoint, depending on their skills and experience. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience and offers accommodations for candidates with disabilities.