Description

STXBP1 Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for STXBP1 Disorders while improving the lives of our patients and families. Founded in 2017, we are a parent-led 501(c)(3). STXBP1 Disorders are rare epileptic and neurodevelopmental disorders caused by changes in the STXBP1 gene. With an incidence of approximately 1 in 30,000 live births, STXBP1 Disorders are one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. Join us in our efforts to accelerate critical research and therapeutic development.

The Scientific Director is responsible for overseeing and advancing all scientific efforts for the organization, as well as research supported by the organization, including scouting potential research funding and evaluating proposals. Other key duties include research coordination, community outreach, and scientific outreach.

The position reports to the President of the Foundation.

• Develop and execute scientific roadmap, in collaboration with President and Scientific Advisory Board
• Work closely with President and Scientific Advisory Board on research strategy, engagement of scientific community and industry, and management of scientists
• Perform gap analysis to identify potential focus areas where programs need to be initiated to accelerate understanding of STXBP1 disorders and therapy development
• Expand and direct the Foundation’s portfolio of research projects, composed of collaborations with or grants to academic investigators and partnerships with industry/CROs
  • Manage and grow drug discovery and development projects
  • Develop funding opportunities (RFPs) and identify promising researchers to address roadmap and focus areas
  • Keep track of progress of each grant project while conducting regular meetings with researchers as project needs
  • Deliver quarterly summary and end-of-year research progress update to Foundation board and Scientific Advisory Board
  • Connect work being done at disparate labs into cohesive strategy
• Outreach, cultivate relationships and present to pharma, academic researchers and institutions, including NIH/NCATS, and other non-profit organizations
• Implement quantitative and qualitative metrics of milestones to evaluate progress and potential acceleration of therapeutic candidates
• Develop and execute FDA and EMA engagement strategy
• Organize and execute regular researcher meetings for STXBP1
• Identify areas of potential synergy both within the Foundation and broader network of NDD researchers/foundations
• Attend scientific meetings and conferences to represent the foundation and keep up with the field
• Identify, develop and manage scientific grant submissions 

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or other post-graduate 4 year degree in the science or medical field
• Experience working in the pharmaceutical, biotech or CRO, engaged in the preclinical drug development process
• Experience conducting research related to the understanding of neurological diseases (e.g. epilepsy, genetic disorders or developmental delay)
• Ability to communicate to and manage academic principal investigators
• Ability to present information clearly to industry partners, as well as to individuals without a scientific background

Commitment: 50% position

To Apply: Send your resume with a cover letter to research@stxbp1disorders.org