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.

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

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