Director of Scientific Programs

Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization driving the next generation of cancer treatment by accelerating the development of breakthrough immune therapies to turn all cancers into curable diseases. Founded in 2016 through the vision of Sean Parker, PICI unites the nation’s top cancer centers into a collaborative consortium that fuels high-risk, high-reward science with shared goals, data, and infrastructure. Unlike traditional research models, PICI goes beyond discovery by actively advancing promising innovations through clinical testing, company formation and incubation, and commercialization. PICI has supported more than 1,000 investigators across its network and has a portfolio that includes 17 biotech ventures with over $4B raised in capital. PICI is uniquely positioned to close the gap between scientific discovery and patient access. By integrating scientific excellence with entrepreneurial execution, PICI is reimagining how cures are made, and accelerating their path to the people who need them most. The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) is seeking a highly organized and experienced individual to oversee the strategic and operational execution of key research initiatives, who will also be responsible for data gathering, reporting, and compliance for grants, clinical trials, and portfolio investments. This role will ensure the seamless progression of high-impact cancer immunotherapy projects across the PICI network, accelerating the development of breakthrough therapies.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD and/or MD preferred) in biomedical sciences (especially cancer or immunology), public health, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of project management experience in an academic, biotech, pharmaceutical research, or venture capital setting.
Experience in data gathering, analysis, interpretation, and reporting for funded research projects, grants, or clinical studies.
Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce or a similar databases) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel/Google Sheets), or willingness to learn these skills.
Analytical Aptitude: Demonstrated ability to integrate data, generate clear reports, and derive actionable insights.

Nice To Haves

Experience in immunology, oncology, or cancer immunotherapy preferred.
Experience in data management and the operations of collaborative networks (clinical or pre-clinical) preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer to develop and communicate PICI’s scientific strategy
Lead the strategic planning, execution, and monitoring of complex cancer immunotherapy research projects within the network, including both preclinical and clinical studies, ensuring deliverables are met on time and within budget
Serve as the primary point of contact and facilitate effective communication between PICI researchers, network partners, and internal departments (e.g., Finance, Legal, Research Operations)
Serve as liaison for partnerships with portfolio companies and network investigators with clinical trials by understanding trial data and clinical milestones
Develop project management tools to ensure efficient workflow, consistency, and adherence to quality standards across multiple research sites/collaborations
Lead the preparation and submission of comprehensive data reports, collaborating closely with sites and Principal Investigators (PIs) to ensure scientific accuracy and compliance
Monitor project budgets ensuring appropriate financial stewardship and resource allocation within and between the PICI sites located at various institutions
Provide summaries and data-driven insights on portfolio pipeline health