About CureSearch for Children's Cancer

CureSearch for Children’s Cancer has been a driving force behind childhood cancer research for more than 35 years. Recognizing a broken system, growing obstacles, and unmet needs in drug development, we’ve launched an innovative and unique strategy to address the urgent, critical need for new and better childhood cancer treatments. By supporting CureSearch, you’re funding research that’s on the path to quickly becoming a drug accessible to the children who so desperately need new treatment options, and you’re providing innovative platforms that allow stakeholders to work smarter, faster, and more collaboratively.

Together, we're changing the drug development landscape from within and accelerating the development of safe, effective treatments for the 42 children diagnosed with cancer each day.

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About the Position

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Research & Programs will play a critical role in implementing CureSearch’s groundbreaking initiatives to move us closer to ending childhood cancer.

You’ll lead the department and work alongside best-in-class volunteer researchers and physicians from renowned academic institutions globally to set the scientific research agenda and direction for the organization. To ensure that the organization continues its standards of scientific excellence, the Director will administer and manage its Request for Applications (RFA) process and engage at a high level with the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership councils.

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Responsibilities

Scientific Strategic Planning

● Drive the organizational research strategy and scientific initiatives relevant to pediatric cancer drug development
● In conjunction with the CEO and advisory councils, develop and execute CureSearch’s annual Pediatric Early Development Symposium (PEDS)
● Lead the Scientific Advisory Council and facilitate quarterly meetings to address major obstacles or opportunities in pediatric cancer drug development and foster industry/academia collaboration
● Present scientific direction and research project updates to staff and the CureSearch Board of Directors, as requested

Administration of CureSearch’s Research Grant Portfolio

● Initiate and develop, in concert with leading scientific experts, requests for applications in pediatric cancer research utilizing Proposal Central’s platform
● Identify, evaluate, and prioritize translational and clinical research grant applications in pediatric cancer drug development and oversee all aspects of the grant application scientific review process, including coordination of the Scientific Review Committee, Scientific Advisory Council, and Industry Advisory Council evaluations of grant applications
● Actively engage with funded researchers to monitor progress and manage milestones, presenting researchers’ reports to the councils
● Foster connections with industry and regulatory agencies

Support of Impact Communications

● Work closely with internal teams to provide necessary information to support partnerships and fundraising
● Provide information for quarterly research progress reports and bi-annual impact reports for donors, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders
● As requested, collaborate with the Communications department and experts in the field to develop educational content on pediatric cancer research progress and drug development
● Serve as liaison to pediatric cancer advocacy groups
● Attend relevant scientific research conferences, forums, and panels

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Qualifications

● A MS, PhD, or equivalent degree in a relevant biomedical discipline
● Research experience in cancer biology or a related field. Knowledge of the drug discovery process in translational and/or clinical research is preferred
● A minimum of two years experience with research grant applications and peer review
● Strong project and time management skills with attention to detail. Proposal Central experience a plus
● Able to effectively present and communicate to both scientific and lay audiences and customize information for constituents
● Experience working with and able to influence volunteers, key opinion leaders, partner organizations, donors, and team members
● Able to work cross-departmentally in a small organization with a large impact
● Donor-focused; has prior experience working with development teams to connect research milestones and donor interests

Work Hours, Travel & Other Requirements

● CureSearch offers a flexible work environment in a remote setting.
● The incumbent will work at home and while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to: regularly spend long hours sitting and using a phone and computer; regularly present to others and attend meetings and be able to clearly communicate information that is scientific; occasionally lift 5-10 pounds.
● Attend CureSearch meetings and scientific forums as required. Other travel may be required depending on activities related to the role.

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Salary & Benefits

$100,000 - $110,000

We offer an autonomous and flexible remote work environment with a team that is welcoming, supportive, and connected. We’re scattered across the U.S., but we feel like we’re sitting next to each other (when we need to be). We do our best work laughing and learning from each other. CureSearch offers fair and competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, wellness, medical, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability, and retirement with match. As a remote team, we also offer equipment and phone.

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Location

Remote (United States)

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How to Apply

Send your resume to careers@curesearch.org by clicking on Apply for Job.

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