Senior Scientific Portfolio Manager (Translational Therapeutics)
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchJob Title: Senior Scientific Portfolio Manager (Translational Therapeutics)
Position Summary:
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.
Key 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
Qualifications & Skills:
- 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
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.
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.