Senior Science Officer, Clinical Development

CIRM•South San Francisco, CA

9d•$154,891 - $178,416•Hybrid

About The Position

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is a California state agency dedicated to accelerating stem cell and gene therapies for people with unmet medical needs. The Clinical Development Team supports innovative, high-quality clinical projects and aims to advance regenerative medicine therapies from first-in-human studies through readiness for marketing approval applications. The Senior Science Officer, Clinical Development, manages a portfolio of clinical trial project awards, provides clinical operations expertise across CIRM programs, and works with the Patient Access Team on clinical infrastructure support. The position collaborates across Clinical Development, Preclinical Development, Patient Access, Grants Management, and Review Teams. It calls for scientific research expertise—preferably related to stem cells, cell and gene therapies, or drug or device development—and extensive experience designing and operating clinical trials. The role oversees project milestones, contracting, progress, reporting, risks, resources, and portfolio development; supports competitive review and the use of CIRM clinical infrastructure; and helps communicate and advance the portfolio through stakeholder engagement, consultations, events, and funding-program development. The position reports to the Senior Director of Clinical Development and exercises no supervision. This is a hybrid position requiring two days per week in the South San Francisco office and three days remotely, with in-person attendance at organizational, board, subcommittee, and working-group meetings as required. The position involves prolonged periods sitting at a desk and using a computer, working in a high-rise building, operating standard office equipment, and availability outside normal business hours. The expected annual salary is $154,891–$178,416, within a full salary range of $154,891–$213,704.

Requirements

Doctorate (PhD, PharmD, MD/DO) in medicine, biomedical research, or a related area.
At least 5 years of work experience in a science-related discipline beyond the doctoral degree.
At least 3 years of demonstrated management experience leading preclinical development, clinical development, and/or manufacturing of stem cell-based or genetic therapies.
Extensive experience in the design and operation of clinical trials.
Expertise and experience in a scientific research discipline; preferably related to stem cells, cell and gene therapies, or drug or device preclinical and clinical development.
Ability to manage, organize, and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
Outstanding communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to make clear, concise, and impactful presentations.
Willingness to work outside normal business hours.

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of drug development, manufacturing processes, clinical operations, and regulatory matters for stem cell-based and genetic therapies.
Proven track record leading cross-team collaboration to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Ability to embrace change and a desire to learn.

Responsibilities

Work in a team environment to advance promising clinical-stage stem cell-based and genetic therapies for unmet medical needs.
Manage development of project milestones and contracting for awarded clinical trial-stage projects.
Monitor programmatic, scientific, and technical progress and support timely achievement of project milestones.
Assess projects using objective metrics and ensure portfolio reporting is complete and up to date.
Work with project teams to identify risks or deficiencies proactively and use internal and external resources to support project success.
Recommend appropriate action to suspend or discontinue projects when warranted.
Identify innovative ways to improve and accelerate therapies through clinical development.
Monitor project resources to ensure appropriate and efficient use.
Support a competitive review process so that promising, well-constructed projects are considered for the Clinical Development portfolio.
Collaborate with the Patient Access Team to increase patient access to CIRM-funded therapies and use CIRM Clinical Infrastructure Programs to accelerate their development.
Stay current on trends and key developments in stem cell and gene therapy research and seek innovative ways to improve the conduct of science.
Connect scientists with potential collaborators, resources, and programs that could advance scientific projects or directions.
Consult with potential applicants about application-process questions.
Collect data and track progress across CIRM-funded portfolios to inform priorities and current and future funding opportunities.
Create and maintain portfolio-reporting slides for stakeholders and CIRM leadership.
Contribute to planning and organizing CIRM-sponsored webinars, scientific workshops, and grantee and trainee conferences.
Support development and implementation of new funding programs and improvements to existing programs in partnership with the team lead and internal stakeholders.
Represent CIRM at appropriate scientific, medical, governmental, and industry meetings and events.
Engage scientific thought leaders, subject matter experts, patient advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to build support for and advance projects.
Promote, support, and disseminate information about the Clinical Development Team and related activities to the public and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Demonstrate commitment to CIRM's mission and collaborate to improve efficiency, productivity, and competencies.
Develop and organize internal guidance and SOP documents with other CIRM teams.
Support team decisions and work toward achieving team objectives.