The Research & Development (R&D) team is seeking an Alliance Director with expertise in the research and development of infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance-focused in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products. This is a strategic role requiring both deep technical expertise and proven ability to establish, lead, and deliver strategic objectives for diverse partners.

The Alliance Director will provide scientific leadership and direct a diverse portfolio of CARB-X R&D projects to include 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 toward graduation; and representing CARB-X initiatives externally. Most work will be completed directly, though some activities are coordinated and completed with internal staff or with contributions from external experts.

The Alliance Director will report to the Chief of R&D and will interact with peer leaders within R&D (therapeutics, preventatives and diagnostics) as well as other CARB-X departments. As work will be done in coordination with a network of internationally recognized scientific experts and senior scientific and business leaders from companies and global organizations; the credibility that comes with deep knowledge and high standards is critical.

The position can be entirely virtual, but the successful candidate must be able to work (at least partially) with colleagues across all US time zones and CET.    

Essential Functions include

Lead project selection process

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

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

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

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

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. 

Position Requirements

Required: Doctoral degree

Required: Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications

CARB-X is aiming to round out the breadth of the current diagnostics R&D alliance team, seeking candidates with knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Diagnostics-capable biomarker and -omics research

• Rapid and low-cost point-of-care diagnostic technologies (e.g. LAMP and/or lateral flow immunoassays), especially for low-resource and LMIC settings

• Bioinformatics and practical AI/machine learning to aid biomarker discovery, assay and algorithm development, or data interpretation and integration challenges

Candidates without these specific qualifications are encouraged to apply if Required Qualifications plus Additional Capabilities and Proficiencies are met.

Additional Capabilities and Proficiencies

• Working knowledge of the global tiers of public and private health systems; laboratory and diagnostic capabilities and limitations in LMIC and low-resource environments; as well as diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship principles
• Demonstrated understanding of the global IVD regulatory and commercialization landscape and familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements for clinical studies (animal and/or human subjects research) and IVD development.
• Proven track record as an individual contributor, collaborative team member, and leader with integrity and accountability.
• Excellent time management, small group organization, and remote coordination via digital tools and in technical meetings and discussions.
• Intellectual curiosity; ability to stay current with field developments and scientific literature.
• An established professional network in global health, infectious disease antimicrobial resistance, clinical laboratory, and/or diagnostic innovation and development (including biology, regulatory, manufacturing, engineering and/or software and data science expertise) would be considered an advantage.

Additional Information

• Doctoral degree in a scientific discipline (e.g. microbiology, chemistry/biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, engineering, immunology, medicine). 
• 8+ years in infectious diseases research and diagnostic assay/product development, from concept and early feasibility through clinical evaluation, regulatory approval, and commercialization.
• 8+ years in an interdisciplinary project leadership role in biotech, a clinical laboratory, or a global public health organization Expert-level scientific knowledge of diagnostic assay development and evaluation (e.g. immunoassay, molecular, biochemical, or microbiological methods) 
• Working knowledge of the principles and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance; strong communication skills, both oral and written (includes technical scientific document drafting and review, graphical data interpretation and display, internal and external informational presentations)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 15%) 

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. 

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Doctoral degree in a scientific discipline; 8+ years in infectious disease research and diagnostic development; 8+ years in interdisciplinary project leadership; expert knowledge of diagnostic assay development; ability to travel up to 15% domestically and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• leading project selection
• overseeing advisory boards
• monitoring program support

Job Details

• Category: Project and Program Management
• Seniority: Senior Level
• Commitment: Full Time
• Workplace: Remote — North America or Europe
• Salary: USD 150,400 – 210,600 / year
• Languages: English

About Boston University

A university conducting research and education in infectious disease diagnostics. — Industry: Education