Scientific Director

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research seeks a Scientific Director to help build, shape, and direct the Foundation’s portfolio of innovative cancer research projects.  Reporting to the Vice President, Scientific Research, the successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of cancer biology, discovery, and translational science to inform the Foundation’s strategic direction, ensure early awareness of opportunities, and establish research programs to enable breakthroughs that can transform the lives of patients.  The Scientific Director will oversee multiple projects across diverse areas of cancer research such as disease mechanism elucidation, model systems development, biomarker identification, and therapeutics discovery, with responsibility to select and initiate projects, track progress, assess impact, communicate results, and plan next steps for ongoing efforts.

Based in New York City, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to accelerating cures for cancer by integrating discoveries in biology with innovative technology.  We fund a global portfolio of groundbreaking research carried out by individual investigators, multi-investigator teams, and inter-institutional collaborations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize global opportunities in basic, translational, and clinical research, and innovative technologies, seeking to accelerate value to cancer patients
  • Work closely with the scientific team to help develop the Foundation’s scientific strategy and implementation of new funding programs
  • Direct a portfolio of scientific projects aligned with areas of focus, including engagement with investigators; evaluation of project concepts and proposals; progress assessment for ongoing projects; and communication of results
  • Work closely with scientific program officers, project managers, and business development personnel to ensure selected projects are initiated in a timely manner
  • Guide projects from inception to completion, identifying opportunities for new projects, collaborations, and ventures that may arise throughout the lifecycle
  • Connect research partners to expertise within the Foundation’s network and beyond to help advance solutions to challenges and accelerate the pace of discovery
  • Engage with a diverse group of external partners and collaborators in academia, industry (pharma, biotech, and CRO), and other nonprofit organizations to sustain and advance the Foundation’s high-impact portfolio of research programs
  • Identify new external partners and collaborators who provide differentiated capabilities and perspectives, and identify win-win opportunities to work together
  • Work closely with the scientific team to stay abreast of the latest discoveries and trends in cancer research and strategic areas of focus such as immuno-oncology
  • Serve as a scientific spokesperson for the Foundation, including representing the Foundation at scientific meetings and conferences
  • Build and maintain key relationships for the Foundation with global thought leaders
  • Collaborate with internal and external team members, including workstreams to address business, legal, and communication requirements necessary to advancing the Foundation’s mission

Requirements:

  • Doctoral degree in life sciences (PhD, MD, or equivalent)
  • Minimum five years of experience as an independent scientist working in cancer research or a cancer-related area (e.g., immunology / immuno-oncology)
  • Demonstrated track record of accomplishment, including notable contributions to science and authorship of high impact scientific publications
  • Familiarity with state-of-the-art technologies, platforms, and scientific methodologies as applied to cancer research
  • Demonstrated ability to work well in cross-functional teams
  • Proven problem-solving skills and creativity
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Experience working at the interfaces between cancer biology and other relevant disciplines such as immunology, genetics, pharmacology, or data science is preferred
  • Experience leading complex projects, partnerships, and alliances is preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse and comprehensive workforce based on merit and experience. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion or similar philosophical beliefs, disability, marital and civil union status, age, genetic information, veteran status or any personal attribute or characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

Job Type

Full-time

Job Location

10 E. 53rd St., New York, NY 10022

Contact

Send cover letter and CV to careers@themarkfoundation.org