Clinical Research Lead (Biology Informed Drug Development)

Job Title:  Clinical Research Lead (Biology Informed Drug Development)  

Position Summary:   

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Clinical Research Lead (Biology Informed Drug Development) position.  You will play a critical role in shaping and executing strategic programs that accelerate the development of Parkinson’s disease treatments.  This role will provide scientific leadership across clinical-stage pharmacologic programs and biologically informed initiatives, while serving as a critical bridge between Translational Research and Clinical Development.   Success requires strong curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to connect scientific, clinical, and market insights to advance innovative therapies.  

This position may be hybrid-flex with the opportunity to work from the Foundation’s office in NYC or based remotely from anywhere within the U.S.  

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:   

Strategic Leadership: Lead and execute strategic programs that align with the Foundation’s patient-centered priorities and therapeutic research vision, ensuring a de-risked and patient-centric clinical development approach  

Program and Portfolio Management: Manage research and clinical program portfolios at all stages—from concept development, review, and grant contracting to milestone management and troubleshooting during execution. Evaluate and establish mechanisms for sourcing and supporting clinical-stage therapeutic programs, including grants and strategic partnerships  

Clinical Development & Strategy: Develop new initiatives to clarify clinical, regulatory, and commercial development paths for novel Parkinson’s treatments. Proactively monitor emerging trends to position the Foundation for maximum impact in the Parkinson’s clinical landscape  

Patient Integration: Ensure the voice of the patient is integrated into all the Foundation’s therapeutic strategies. Leverage patient experience data to inform clinical development and decision-making  

Resource Allocation & Prioritization: Manage resource allocation and prioritization to meet clinical development goals with urgency. Ensure efficient use of resources across internal and external teams to achieve high-impact results  

Executive Communication & Reporting: Develop and deliver executive-level communications to highlight the impact of the Foundation’s therapeutic funding programs. Track and report program progress, milestones, and risks to ensure strategic alignment and cross-functional coordination  

Stakeholder Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including biopharma companies, KOLs, regulatory bodies, and patient advocacy organizations, to drive strategic collaborations  

Collaboration & Cross-functional Leadership: Serve as a thought leader and accountability partner to cross-functional initiatives, driving alignment and ensuring progress against department and business unit Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)  

Strategic Planning Support: Contribute to annual strategic planning for the Clinical Research department, including resourcing, prioritization, and assessing performance against scientific and funding goals  

 

Qualifications and Skills:   

Advanced scientific (PhD, MD) or business degree (e.g., MBA) is strongly preferred  

Proven experience in clinical research, biopharma or healthcare consulting, including managing cross-functional teams, developing therapeutic programs, and driving strategic initiatives in biopharma, academia, or non-profit sectors  

Proven ability to lead complex programs, manage resources effectively, and ensure accountability for deliverables. Ability to independently identify program needs, formulate strategies, and execute plans  

Proven record of success at both strategic and tactical levels, with the ability to execute initiatives while maintaining a focus on patient-centric outcomes  

Demonstrated success in driving collaboration across diverse teams and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders  

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence, motivate teams, and clearly articulate complex strategies to a variety of stakeholders  

Core Values Alignment: Strong alignment with the Foundation’s core values of Optimism, Tenacity, Collaboration, Boldness, Adaptability, and Curiosity  

 

#LI-DNI Compensation & Benefits Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws.  In addition to salary, the Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

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) and a summer holiday week over July 4 

Flexible work environment.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.   

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.    

Salary Range $140,000 — $160,000 USD

How to Apply:  Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.  

  About Us:   The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.  

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.  

    Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.