Background
The mission of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is to rapidly accelerate the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease utilizing a venture philanthropy model. Founded in 1998, the ADDF is the only nonprofit dedicated solely to developing drugs and diagnostics for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
The ADDF focuses on translating the knowledge we have gained about the causes of Alzheimer's disease into drugs to conquer it. The venture philanthropy model combines deep disease- focused expertise with funding for high-risk/high-reward translational programs from academia and biotechnology companies worldwide. By assuming the risk and bridging this critical gap in funding, the ADDF enables leading scientists to pursue pioneering ideas to cure Alzheimer's disease that would otherwise go unexplored. A full 100% of every dollar donated to ADDF goes directly to fund research. To date, the ADDF has invested more than $168 million to fund over 650 drug research programs at academic centers and biotechnology companies in 19 countries.
Position Description
The Scientific Program Officer is a motivated scientist seeking to accelerate the translation of research into therapies for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with a focus on late stage preclinical and clinical stage drug development. As part of a venture philanthropy model that funds academic and biotechnology programs, this individual will serve as a subject matter expert on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, working with a team of scientists that is integral in supporting the management of the ADDF research portfolio and strategic partnerships with industry, investors, and other funding agencies.
The Scientific Program Officer will report directly to the Senior Director for Drug Development and will be overseen by ADDF’s Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer. Title will be commensurate with experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Scientific and strategic management of the ADDF research portfolio
- Source and evaluate high-impact therapeutic and biomarker approaches for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
- Perform in-depth scientific due diligence on mechanisms of action, drugs, and biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease
- Conduct research to proactively identify potential investment opportunities
- Provide scientific guidance to applicants on the development of robust scientific workplans.
- Assist funded investigators to streamline workplans and budgets.
- Foster connections between researchers, consultants, and contract research organizations through ADDF’s scientific network.
- Monitor funded program progress by ensuring projects meet established timelines and milestones, and work with investigators to troubleshoot when issues arise.
- Management of key partnerships that leverage funding and resources for ADDF supported programs.
- Develop scientific agendas for ADDF conferences and coordinate strategic advisory panels that address major obstacles or opportunities in Alzheimer’s drug development.
- Author peer-reviewed scientific publications that advance the mission and educational objectives of the ADDF.
- Contribute to the authoring of proposals and scientific reports for donors and family foundations in collaboration with the Development Team and promote ADDF’s scientific programs and initiatives by speaking at donor events.
- Contribute to generation of scientific content for general audiences in collaboration with the Communications Team. This includes annual clinical trial reports, blogs, and website content.
Requirements
This position requires a PhD, PharmD or equivalent degree in a relevant biomedical discipline. The ideal candidate will have:
- Research experience in neuroscience, neurology, or a related field in academia or industry (either biotechnology or pharmaceutical) with general knowledge of drug discovery and development for CNS diseases. Translational or clinical research experience is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to strategize, conceptualize, plan, and analyze projects critically.
- Strong project and time management skills with the ability to manage competing requests.
- Excellent oral communications and writing skills with demonstrated ability to communicate to both scientific and lay audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with key opinion leaders, partner organizations, donors, and the ADDF staff across all disciplines.
ADDF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services and is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
Application Procedure
Please email cover letters and resumes to Jill Krumholz (hr@alzdiscovery.org) with “Scientific Program Officer, Drug Development” in the subject of the email. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. Only applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.