Chief Scientific Officer

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a pioneer in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) research and has funded $140 million in the laboratories of key thought leaders around the world. The Foundation is committed to building on the findings of decades of research and developing therapies that bring meaningful solutions to people with SCI. The new focus will be on initiating a continuum of spinal cord injury research and business support infrastructure to accelerate, streamline and support the path from discovery through clinical trial testing.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Conceptualize and implement the Reeve Foundation research strategy designed to deliver real-world solutions for people living with spinal cord injuries;
• Work directly with the Chief Executive Officer to optimize the research portfolio;
• Chair the Reeve Research Committee, members include third party consultants plus 4-6 Board Members;
• Develop comprehensive scientific assessments for a newly established Reeve Foundation venture capital (VC) fund;
• Establish a reliable scientific rigor that provides scientific guidance to leadership team, Board of Directors and VC Fund;  
• Provide oversight to external research consultants and a Scientific Advisory Committee;
• Oversee the North American Clinical Trials Network (NACTN) and work with PIs to provide vision/goals for the future, including ongoing funding strategy;
• Ensure coordinated and collaborative approaches to research program in alignment with Foundation and departmental organizational goals;
• Manage research program and portfolio progress; recommend proposals, prepare submissions of programs/projects and other consultants;
• Identify potential projects suitable for translation to preclinical and clinical development; and
• Catalyze partnerships, as appropriate, with for-profit scientific/research/ medical entities and other nonprofit organizations to further the Foundation’s impact.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a vision regarding the scientific, clinical, and technical challenges in broad areas within SCI;
• Serve as scientific spokesperson on behalf of Reeve Foundation to media; work with Marketing and Communications to coordinate media efforts related to research program (e.g., participating in news release development, confirming data publications, etc.);
• Oversee contract negotiations, including establishment of budget, crafting payment-related milestones and royalty-sharing;
• Participate in Foundation’s strategic planning committee, representing research program planning and evaluation;
• Participate in site visits of supported research and medtech programs and provide constructive feedback;
• Organize scope and content of scientific conferences and meetings including identification of chairs/co-chairs of meetings and speakers; attend scientific conferences and give talks/seminars about SCI translational opportunities and, when appropriate, Reeve- funded companies; and
• Work closely with Fundraising, Communications and National Paralysis Resource Center teams to generate scientific content for the website, donor updates, newsletters, blog, social media channels and community engagement platforms.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced degree(s): Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent, required;
• 10+ years of prior experience related to central nervous system and/or spinal cord injuries (SCI); and
• Previous experience managing scientists and/ demonstration of ability to develop and motivate scientific teams (e.g., Science Advisory Council and support staff) to excel in job function.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Collaborative: Ability to establish partnerships, strategic alliances and collaborations within the SCI community;
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills required with an ability to distill scientific findings to audiences of various educational backgrounds and ability to interface with all levels of personnel and volunteers;
• Visionary: Ability to keep a broad perspective on how to recognize and fill gaps in scientific understanding and to accelerate development of clinical outcomes; and
• Manager: Ability to manage cross-functional interactions and managing in a matrix environment.

Travel:

15-20% travel required

Please submit cover letter and resume to HR@christopherreeve.org.