Senior Officer, Life Sciences

Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Established with the mission that everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The Foundation is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) of the Foundation, established in 2009, aims to enhance the Foundation's philanthropic mission through innovative investment strategies, including equity, debt, and guarantees. The SIF collaborates closely with the Foundation’s Program Strategy Teams to pinpoint opportunities where investment capital and private-sector capabilities can expedite progress towards the Foundation's strategic goals. This role, based in Seattle, Washington, involves serving as a Senior Officer in Life Sciences, focusing on identifying, developing, executing, and managing investments and strategic partnerships that align with the Foundation’s global health priorities. The successful candidate will leverage their scientific expertise and investment acumen to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including Foundation scientists, program officers, and external partners, to translate scientific innovations into impactful health solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Officer will be responsible for partnering with Foundation teams to develop investment strategies that align with their scientific and impact objectives. This includes originating and developing high-impact partnerships with biotechnology and healthcare companies, evaluating emerging science and technology, leading investment evaluations and executions, and helping to create and build companies. The role requires the individual to drive value creation across the portfolio by collaborating with management teams and boards, supporting portfolio governance, and serving as a thought partner in life sciences. Additionally, the Senior Officer will contribute to SIF strategy and team development by sharing insights and mentoring junior colleagues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a distinctive combination of life-sciences expertise, investment experience, and entrepreneurial orientation. A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience is required, with a proven track record in life-sciences investing, scientific innovation, and company building. Ideal candidates will have backgrounds in life-sciences venture capital, biotechnology investing, or corporate development. Advanced scientific training, such as a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent, is strongly preferred, along with strong scientific judgment and investment experience across various financial structures. Experience in early-stage biotechnology or healthcare companies is also highly desirable, as is the ability to operate effectively in a collaborative environment and communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires advanced scientific training, ideally a Ph.D., M.D., PharmD, or a Master’s degree in life sciences, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline. Candidates with equivalent demonstrated scientific depth and relevant experience will also be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate can engage credibly with scientists and assess emerging technologies effectively.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, particularly at the intersection of life-sciences investing and scientific innovation. Experience in venture capital, corporate development, or company creation is crucial, as well as familiarity with early-stage biotechnology or healthcare companies. The candidate should also have a strong understanding of the practical realities of building life-sciences companies, including direct involvement in company formation and launch.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the Foundation and with external partners. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions where the Foundation operates, to enhance collaboration and understanding of local contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Seattle, Washington, and requires regular collaboration with the SIF team and other Foundation colleagues. Some flexibility regarding location may be considered for exceptional candidates, provided they can maintain a regular presence in Seattle. The role will involve periodic domestic and international travel to engage with portfolio companies and partners. The salary range for this position is between $267,000 and $413,800 USD, with higher ranges for candidates in Seattle and Washington, D.C. The Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role, and candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the United States. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in all employment practices.