Senior Scientific Portfolio Manager (Translational Therapeutics)

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

11d•$100,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its Senior Scientific Portfolio Manager position. Reporting to the VP, Head of Translational Therapeutics, this role is responsible for shaping and executing the scientific strategy for therapeutic portfolios across the preclinical pipeline, from target discovery and validation through preclinical development. This position oversees complex portfolios and programs across all stages of the grant lifecycle, including opportunity sourcing, proposal development, review, contracting, milestone management, and closeout. The role integrates emerging scientific insights and therapeutic approaches to inform funding priorities, collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders, and communicates portfolio strategy and scientific progress to leadership, partners, and donors. It also contributes to donor stewardship and partnership development.

Requirements

PhD with relevant work experience in biotech or biopharma or healthcare consulting
Demonstrated experience in therapeutic development and translational research, with specific expertise in PD research preferred
Strong track record of scientific management of programs and portfolios, with the ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels
Ability to synthesize complex scientific, technical, and business information across programs and portfolios, and translate it into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate portfolio and program vision and ensure alignment among team and department leadership on strategy, status, and risks
Demonstrate initiative and independence to identify short- and long-term portfolio needs, incorporating input from cross-functional stakeholders at the foundation

Responsibilities

Develops and articulates a differentiated, solutions-oriented scientific perspective for assigned portfolios and programs, integrating insights from emerging scientific trends, internal teams, and external advisors, and consistently communicating progress
Manages assigned portfolio(s) through all stages of grant-making and funding (opportunity sourcing, proposal development, review, contracting, milestone management, and close-out), troubleshooting and problem-solving as needed
Conceptualizes and implements departmental RFAs and RFPs, communicates learnings and makes suggestions for improving processes through discussions with team members
Supports department management with operational and budgetary planning around assigned portfolios and/or programs
Develops and maintains strong positive relationships with research community and key opinion leaders in assigned programs and/or portfolios
Serves as organization point person for internal and external communication of progress in assigned programs/portfolios/cross-functional strategies
Represents research strategy at internal and external meetings and takes an active role supporting more significant donor/fundraising stewardship
Supports research management in new team member onboarding, mentoring, and coaching (on portfolio and program level)
Educates self on current key scientific advances and challenges relevant to Parkinson’s disease, helps identify gaps in assigned portfolio/programs and recommends strategies to address these gaps through by working closely with team and department lead

Benefits

15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
Competitive dental and vision plans
401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
Flexible spending accounts
Employer paid life and disability insurance
18 Vacation Days
12 Well-Being (Sick) Days
2 Personal Days
summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm)
a summer holiday week over July 4
Flexible work environment
discretionary bonus on an annual basis
staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events