Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD, Pharm D, or MPH, PhD in the life sciences with prior research experience and a solid understanding of the fields of basic, clinical, and translational research.
• 10 years+ years of relevant work experience in senior leadership positions in health-related fields and/or research.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, including strong presentation skills and the ability to translate complex technical language for the public.
• Experience in developing, managing, and evaluating grant programs and grantmaking practices and/or philanthropy strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in developing, leading, and supervising complex projects and high performing teams.
• Knowledge of emerging trends, challenges, and best practices in melanoma research, knowledge of health equity, philanthropy, and public health.
• Demonstrated experience writing, reviewing, and editing grants, journal manuscripts, practice briefs, and/or conference abstracts and presentations.
• This role requires a sophisticated generalist understanding of the medical sciences and a strong understanding of melanoma research.
• Ability to work and collaborate with a broad range of staff and stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Reflects the specific competencies required for job performance. 

• Strength in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Dedication and a passion for achieving health equity, and a commitment to advancing biomedical research to benefit melanoma patients.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. 

JOB SUMMARY: The Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) will be a key driver of science/research strategy, trusted resource and leader of the Melanoma Research Foundation’s (MRF) science and peer-reviewed research grant program. They will have a deep understanding of navigating research systems and landscape that enables them to shape the effective design of opportunities to advance melanoma research, registries, prevention and early detection, health equity and wellness.

• DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Indicates the action or outcomes required to fulfill each major responsibility of the position.  

  The CSO will:

  • Lead and collaborate with the organization’s grantmaking team to spearhead and maintain the organization’s innovative research award program services, enhance program impact, and further diversify the Foundation’s offerings.
  • Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with the science and research community, grant applicants/awardees, scientific reviewers, funders, and research and medical society leadership.
  • Act as the Foundation’s key spokesperson on topics related to melanoma research, recent scientific breakthroughs, FDA approvals and other key advancements in the field.
  • Display strong communication skills and the ability to bring stakeholders together to accomplish a common goal.
  • Work with staff to lead science and research philanthropy consulting projects including scans of specific research and funding landscapes; evaluation studies to assess award program impact; recommendations for future research investment.
  • Engage with the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), Melanoma Research Foundation Breakthrough Consortium (MRFBC), CEO and Leadership team to design the scientific focus, eligibility, and size of the awards to maximize the impact of philanthropic investments.
  • Provide scientific oversight to longstanding grant programs and new investment strategies throughout the pre-award, application review, and post-award process.
  • Work to continually improve grants administration in alignment with the needs of the field and translate complex biomedical research reports into lay language for donors and other stakeholders.
  • Facilitate review panel meetings for funding determinations and staff several board committees.
  • Organize and convene scientific workshops with the goal of producing and submitijg publications to help advance the field.

  Finally, the person in this position will further the thought leadership of the organization in melanoma grantmaking and scientific topic studies that bolster Foundation’s role as a leader in the field and across the country. This is a full-time, senior-level position reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.

   

  LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

  • Contribute to shaping a vision for the medical research grantmaking services portfolio that aligns with the organization.
  • Serve as the technical lead on medical research grantmaking projects and publications, including project planning, implementation, evaluation, and other related administrative responsibilities.
  • Identify and implement departmental goals, budgets and objectives in collaboration with the senior leadership team.
  • Collaborate with staff to implement strategies to advance the organization’s priorities related to health equity.
  • Work to identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration between the foundation and community health grantmaking teams. Implement best practices to ensure high-quality grantmaking services.
  • Establish new and maintain existing relationships with key stakeholders, and other foundation funders, ensuring that deliverables align with project activities. Work with and advise grantmaking leadership team on internal and external opportunities and challenges.
  • Maintain active membership in relevant biomedical research grantmaking networks and societies.
  • Attend and present at relevant scientific and medical society meetings regarding projects and programs.
  • Submit and/or contribute to publications (e.g., journal manuscripts, practice briefs, etc.) and/or conference abstracts, presentations, and workshops.
  • Document and share knowledge and best practices across the organization and field to replicate success.

   

  PROGRAM & PROJECT WORK

  • Lead the coordination and management of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), Research and Science Subcommittee, Melanoma Research Foundation Breakthrough Consortium (MFRBC) and other scientific initiatives and workshops.
  • Supervise a Scientific Grant Assistant and consultants and vendors as needed.
  • Contribute subject matter and/or technical expertise to projects and teams, including designing investment strategies that advance and innovate research and align with current trends in the field and translating research reports into lay language for board reports and presentations.
  • Manage technical content of multiple grants programs including updating the eligibility sections, application requirements, and review criteria in the application guidelines, identifying new members for the Scientific Review Committees, and ensuring funded projects align with programmatic research goals.
  • Collaborate with staff to plan and implement scientific workshops and draft publications for submission that align with the Foundation’s priorities.
  • Work with the staff in preparing in-depth life stewardship reports about the current state of specific fields of research, grant evaluations, and other reports commissioned by donors.

   

  FUNDRAISING & PR

  • Provide scientific content for proposals for funding opportunities.
  • Work with the Development and Fundraising team to develop, manage, and track project deliverables and reports.
  • Develop and provide content for websites, newsletters, and/or other methods of marketing Foundation’s science work and impact.
  • Act as a key opinion leader and spokesperson for the organization related to PR opportunities.
  • Respond to RFIs and provide support for committee report language, sign on letters with the Director of Advocacy.

   

ADA PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• The position requires being seated for several hours a day.
• The employee must frequently speak and hear as well as utilize the telephone, computer keyboard and monitor, pen and paper.
• The employee is required to walk and/or travel by car, train or plan