We are in the search of an exceptionally talented Senior Program Officer (SPO) to join the Therapeutics team, with primary responsibility for contraceptive drug discovery. Development of innovative new contraceptive technology is a growing priority within the Foundation’s Family Planning team, with the ambitious goal of developing a portfolio of transformative, cost-effective contraceptive technologies established to better respond to user needs and preferences, reduce side-effects, and improve continuation and increase adoption. The SPO will work closely with the Therapeutics Deputy Director, other team members and with members of the Family Planning team in Global Development, to shape and execute launch of a new contraceptive drug discovery programs. These programs will identify and evaluate new contraceptives with significantly improved side-effect profiles to existing products. Non-hormonal approaches will be a critical focus of the work. You will have depth and breadth of experience and knowledge in the field of reproductive biology and physiology and preferably demonstrated ability to translate this understanding into the development of product concepts. You will help to create a productive and collaborative culture of innovation and translation of basic research into practical health solutions. Preferences of contraceptive products is diverse for different user-groups within our priority markets. You will work with Family Planning team to understand the needs and preference of individuals in low and middle incomes countries.
Conceptualize, articulate and shape priorities in specific drug discovery areas:
- Monitor and track science and technology trends relevant to contraceptive drug discovery with a focus on non-hormonal methods to improve side-effects. Provide analysis of opportunities based on the latest and most innovative thinking in the field and related fields which could be translated into the contraceptive space.
- Collaborate with Deputy Director of the Family Planning team in strategic planning and initiation of projects/programs, within the foundation’s overall Family Planning goals and objectives, including understanding critical attributes needed for new contraceptives technologies for low and middle-income countries.
- Provide technical expertise for the drug discovery program area and have ability to represent the foundation both internally and externally.
Develop and manage grants and contracts portfolio to meet strategic objectives:
- Identify and select partner institutions and shape scope and strategy for selected grants and contracts to meet selected strategic objectives.
- Develop strategies and contribute to review of grant proposals and write proposal summaries.
- Apply and evaluate milestone-based performance objectives and help to make go/no-go decisions about specific projects and product candidates.
- Review interim and final reports; write final evaluation.
- Work with product development partnerships and other key external partners to enhance implementation of program strategy and tactics.
- Serve as a partner and resource to grantees to facilitate accomplishment of objectives.
Contribute to foundation knowledge capture, evaluation, learning, and dissemination:
- Keep manager and colleagues informed of progress of grant portfolio.
- Synthesize and document learnings across related grants and contracts.
- Develop reviews, summaries and informative reports for team, program and foundation leadership (e.g. Presidents, CEO, Co-Chairs and other foundation leadership) that summarize key activities, progress and issues, around grant portfolio.
- Partner with various programs to share learnings and expertise.
- Support monitoring and evaluation activities as defined within Therapeutics, the Global Health division and the Foundation.
Represent the foundation and program to the external world related to position responsibilities:
- Speak and participate in public events, forums and meetings.
- Serve on boards and working groups.
- Leverage opportunities to disseminate the knowledge and products developed by grantees to extend their impact.
- Represent foundation interests in building networks for the program.
The role will report to the Deputy Director, Discovery Therapeutics, and will work closely with dotted line management with the Deputy Director, Family Planning.
We are looking for people who enjoy the challenge of working on complex projects, problem solving and collaboratively creating solutions that have the potential for transformational change. We seek an experienced professional with a deep understanding of reproductive biology and familiarity with the principles of drug discovery.
Education and Experience
The ideal candidate should have an M.D., and / or PhD with deep knowledge, expertise and experience in:
- Reproductive biology, reproductive physiology or fertility
- Minimum 10 years of basic research experience in this above field.
- Strong record of scientific achievement as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Coupled with experience in one or more of the following areas preferred:
- Strong research, analytical, critical thinking skills as well as the ability to organize and synthesize information are required. Proactive and flexible nature with reliable follow-through and great attention to detail.
- Demonstrated outstanding written and oral communication skills in positions requiring communications to a broad and diverse audience on a range of complex technical issues.
- Experience in establishing and leading collaborative programs of fundamental scientific research linked to reproductive biology in the Academic, Pharma or Biotech sector.
- Product development, preferably gained in the Pharma or Biotech sector.
- Experience in women’s health programs preferred
Additionally, you will have:
- Experience in a role requiring collaboration as well as a demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency and diplomacy both individually and as part of a team effort; ability to work in a cooperative and collegial fashion.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully assemble, coordinate, and manage inter-group collaborations and partnerships, guiding such programs to meet programmatic and strategic goals. This is particularly important as the role will interface between Global Health and Global Development’s Family Planning team.
- Experience in the execution, conduct and/or management of performance-based contracts or cooperative agreements.
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to solve problems with energy and positive attitude.
- Ability to organize/prioritize work and meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment with multiple and competing demands.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and build relationships to gain the respect and trust of others.
- Solid understanding of the realities and complexities of matrix-based organizations.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
- A sense of humor.
- Demonstrated passion for the foundation’s values with a commitment to deliver results against the foundation’s mission and the contraceptive technology goals
- Scope of work will require primary residency in the Seattle, Washington area.