CARB-X ALLIANCE DIRECTOR (REMOTE)

CARB-X is seeking an expert in the research and development of therapeutic products to join our team at Boston University. This role will provide scientific leadership and direct the project management activities for a diverse portfolio of R&D projects across the entire life-cycle of CARB-X projects: managing the process of review and governance decision-making on applications for funding; negotiating contracts with appropriately risk-mitigated project plans and budgets; monitoring and supporting projects as they advance through milestones; and managing their graduation from the scope of CARB-X. There will be one or more peer leaders in this position, aligned with one of three divisions within CARB-X, e.g. therapeutics, preventatives, and diagnostics. As the incumbent of this role will be interacting with C-suite level scientific and drug development representatives from companies and much of the work will be done in coordination with internationally recognized scientific experts, these roles require significant scientific and drug development credibility. Some activities will be completed by managing internal staff, some will involve leadership of external scientific experts, and some will be performed directly. The Alliance Director will report to the CARB-X Chief of R&D and will provide leadership and coordination for a small external support team. Essential functions include:

Lead project selection process

Description: Oversee communication of the funding cycle to appropriate communities. Manage the application review process with experts from the CARB-X Advisory Board, due diligence, and investment decision process with CARB-X Executive Team. After selection, lead the negotiation of project budget, scope and milestones for funding contracts (approximately 10-20 per year) with each selected applicant involving external experts and CARB-X accelerators as appropriate.

Lead CARB-X Advisory Board Processes

Description: Define the composition of CARB-X Advisory Boards based on the nature of the project and the nature of the review: application reviews, project milestones assessment, adjustment of timelines or scope, terminations, or other transitions. Act as the CARB-X leader with the Advisory Boards, briefing them on the project background and the nature of the interaction. Provide direction and guidance to business process experts both in advance of the meeting and through execution of outcomes. In partnership with the Chair of the Advisory Board and R&D Chief, prepare recommendations to the CARB-X Investment Committee based on the outcomes from the interactions.

Leadership of Program Monitoring and Support

Description: Lead a team of scientific and business experts on CARB-X Support Teams aligned with individual companies in the portfolio to create and manage a support plan based on the project plans, milestones, and risks agreed with the CARB-X Investment Committee. Plan and implement a monitoring process including kick-off meetings, review meetings, information management tools, compliance requirements, progress reporting and milestone reviews. Define metrics and recommend corrective measures as required to keep planning.

CARB-X Scientific and Organizational Leadership

Description: Contribute to planning and strategic review of overall program performance and operational effectiveness. Recommend alignment of resources to improve outcomes to meet goals. Supervise external subject matter experts or consultants as appropriate, establishing tasks and priorities, assuring a balanced workload and effective support for companies. Lead recruitment of new staff as appropriate.

Presentations and Outreach

Description: Serve as an expert spokesperson for CARB-X at various scientific conferences and other outside forums, demonstrating mastery of scientific and business elements. Present CARB-X program results. Occasionally visit project sites, accelerators and other partners. Support preparation of CARB-X communications, in coordination with communications lead and CARB-X team. Stay current with cutting edge developments in literature and with stakeholders in the field. Some domestic and international travel will be required. The position can be entirely virtual, but the successful candidate must be able to work (at least partially) in US Eastern Time and Central European Time zones.

Required Skills

Education and Experience:

• Doctoral degree required.
• 8+ years in infectious diseases research and antibiotic product development from early discovery through initial clinical trials required.
• 8+ years of interdisciplinary antibiotic drug project leadership in biotech or pharma required.
• 5+ years in a leadership role related to a relevant scientific discipline (i.e., chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, microbiology), drug discovery or drug development desirable. Additional Capabilities and Proficiencies:
• Strong communication skills in written documents, graphical presentation of information, and oral communication are required.
• Experience in leading/managing a team of direct reports supporting both organizational goals as well as individual team members career objectives is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance aspects of antibiotic drug discovery and development (animal and/or human subject) is desirable.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.