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Job Profile Title

Director D

Job Description Summary

The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented opportunity with the great potential to reshape the face of medicine as we know it. Our discoveries have set the stage for successful treatments and possibly even cures for devastating genetic diseases.

The laboratory of Dr. Jim Wilson, at GTP of the University of Pennsylvania, has been a leader in the development of innovative vector technology for close to three decades. We have emerged as the “go-to” organization for public and private partners, who want to participate in the gene therapy space. Currently, we are positioned to lead another round of vector innovation and establish pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept in therapeutic applications of in-vivo genome editing.

Continuation of all GTP positions is contingent upon funding.

Job Description

Due to significant growth in both the Translational and Discovery research programs, GTP is seeking a Senior Director, Research Portfolio Management to operate from a position of senior leadership to develop and direct strategic planning for all research programs.

As the Senior Director, Research Portfolio Management, you will report to the Director of the Gene Therapy Program. You will act in an advisory capacity to the Director, GTP, provide strong collaboration with GTP senior scientific leaders, and provide leadership and feedback to relevant functional areas, as needed.  You will be responsible for keeping the Director, GTP informed and act as an escalation point for the organization with respect to the workflows outlined below.  Key responsibilities include:

Research Portfolio Management

• Act as the Director, GTP’s designee on scientific matters including attendance of formal governance committee meetings
• Evaluate and appraise early-stage projects across both Translational and Discovery Research programs
• Review ongoing projects and programs to ensure overall quality and that the projects and programs are on-time
• Maintain a working knowledge of the status of sponsor relationships and expectations
• Provide collaboration and leadership to GTP teams and functional areas to anticipate and identify complex project issues which pose a challenge to achieving strategic research-related project/program goals; propose and implement plans to resolve such issues and execute corrective action

New Initiatives

• Serve as a bridge between Business Development and Research Leadership
• Collaborate with Business & Strategy on the assessment of science and commercial endeavors
• Contribute to the development of work plans and budgets with regards to new business concepts

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in related field required; PhD strongly preferred.
• High scientific acumen and natural passion and curiosity for the gene and advanced therapies field.
• 5+ years of experience in project management in gene and advanced therapies for rare diseases, with a focus on AAV gene therapy, spanning both for profit and academic sectors with associated deep understanding of preclinical, clinical, manufacturing, regulatory and commercial aspects.
• Knowledge of the competitive dynamics and business landscape in gene and advanced therapies, with a focus on AAV gene therapy.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills required.
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills, demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with C-level management.
• Thrives in a rapidly evolving environment, with ability to lead in parallel strategic and tactical tasks.
• Strategic mindset, including the ability to prioritize tasks, identify the most relevant parameters driving a business decision and to focus the work accordingly.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$88,861.00 - $168,837.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.