Position Summary:
The Director of Drug Discovery & Development works to carry out the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to discover and develop new therapeutics for all people with cystic fibrosis (CF). This individual will work as part of an integrated team and alongside the VP of Biopharma Programs to identify, evaluate, and develop programs in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that will fulfill unmet medical needs and enhance the well-being of CF patients. The Director of Drug Discovery & Development will evaluate new opportunities, lead exploratory discussions and project-specific advisory groups, and together with the CF Foundation’s general counsel and VP for Biopharma Programs contribute to securing mutually beneficial agreements that enhance opportunities for success.
The Director of Drug Discovery & Development should have a significant working knowledge and track record in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology drug discovery and development, including structuring complex partnerships, and contract negotiation. This individual is expected to contribute in-depth knowledge in one or more of the following areas as they relate to cystic fibrosis drug discovery and development: antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, nutritional support, ion channel modulation, mucus active agents, gene delivery, gene editing and stem cells. In addition to experience in partnering with industry and/or academic research institutions, the Director of Drug Discovery & Development will possess superior analytical, strategic and communication skills. Well organized, detail oriented, with a strong sense of urgency, this individual will be a team player who is comfortable exerting leadership through consensus building and identification of innovative solutions.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Work with Medical team to seek out, identify, critically evaluate, and cultivate partnerships with academic and for-profit commercial entities, with the goal of developing improved treatments for CF.
- Assess and prioritize programmatic opportunities including: risk/benefit for CF population, technology potential, financial resources, scientific merit, and management structure. Coordinate review and decision-support for therapeutic development opportunities.
- Survey advancements in basic / clinical research, understand their applicability to cystic fibrosis and identify and shepherd opportunities for assisting CF research and therapeutic development.
- Monitor and maintain advancement of currently funded programs.
- Provide regular assessments and recommendations to the senior management and Board members regarding potential partnership opportunities.
- With input from medical team and legal counsel, manage the end-to-end process of partnership development by aligning needs, coordinating requirements, building internal consensus, structuring and negotiating contracts and leading advisory teams.
- Together with Grants and Contracts team, ensure payment terms are met, monitor predicted and actual expenses, and assist in budget assessment and projections.
- With Medical team Compliance Officer, ensure that contract terms meet internal and external compliance standards.
- Ensure that appropriate royalty payments are made.
- With Project Management staff, track project status, archive and summarize correspondence, and monitor and update progress.
- Assist in preparing annual reports, progress reports, and budget projections, as needed.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent level of training required. Chemistry or life sciences discipline preferred.
- Strong knowledge and minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in facilitating drug discovery and development from preclinical studies to clinical approval. familiarity with medicinal chemistry, while not critical, is desired.
- Strong aptitude to quickly understand new scientific approaches and evaluate emerging technologies relevant to clinical therapeutic development.
- Demonstrated experience in partnership/business development.
- Problem-solving, strategic and analytical capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks and meet stated deadlines.
- Creative thinker, resourceful, team player, self-starter.
- Excellent networking and interpersonal skills
- Highest degree of integrity and honesty.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated high competency for organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate and be creative with a professional and positive approach.