Director, Research

WHO WE ARE:

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.

This position supports the acceleration of MS cures through global leadership of the Pathways to Cures Research Roadmap. The incumbent will have responsibility for scientific review and management of research fellowship and training awards as well as investigator-initiated biomedical research grants and new initiatives supported by the Society. They will also have responsibility for organizing and administering specialized research task forces/work teams, ongoing and new.

This position reports to the AVP, Research.

This Director, Research will have the ability to work remotely from home, anywhere in the US.

Essential Function/Responsibility

Manage a portfolio of fellowship and training Awards (55%).

• Manage an active portfolio of fellowship and training awards designed to create a pipeline of scientific talent focused on answering critical questions in MS research. This includes pre-award and project management responsibilities for fellowships and training awards, as well as planning, leading, and executing a bi-annual scientific meeting of fellows (Tykeson Fellows Conference). Key activities for fellowship peer review may include: (1) reviewing and approving pre-applications, (2) coordinating peer review, (3) providing applicants with guidance, (4) reporting outcomes to executive leadership, (5) managing and monitoring research progress & financial reporting, and (6) proactively engaging and guiding fellows about appropriate fellowship programs and to ensure intellectual property protection.

Manage special projects and ongoing initiatives (25%).

• Management of an active portfolio of undergraduate summer training awards. This includes leading the application process, managing and monitoring awardees and mentors, assessing outcomes, managing a budget, and reporting progress to executive leadership. Co-leadership of the community engagement process for research application review. Key activities include: (1) managing committee members during roll-on and roll-off processes, (2) interpreting MS research in plain language to the committee for all scientifically meritorious applications, (3) running committee meetings for 2-3 review cycles per year, and (4) providing feedback about committee outcomes to applicants, Society science team, and EVP of Research.
• Other projects as needed. This can involve working closely with the VP of Research and Research/Fast Forward staff colleagues as well as other Society leadership.

Manage a portfolio of biomedical research grants (10%).

• Manage a small active portfolio of Society-funded biomedical, translational or rehabilitation research grants, pilot project grants, and other initiatives as needed. Key activities may include: (1) reviewing and approving pre-applications, (2) coordinating peer review, (3) providing applicants with guidance, (4) reporting outcomes to executive leadership (5) managing and monitoring of research progress & financial reporting, (6) proactively engaging with researchers to ensure intellectual property protection, (7) and facilitating Community Engagement in Research application review.

Provide information and education to people affected by MS and support research-related fundraising activities (10%)

• Convey MS research developments in plain language to staff, media, donors, and the public. This may include writing for social media audiences and public speaking at functions, donor events, or annual meetings. In addition, the incumbent will be called upon to participate in a variety of chapter and donor activities (receptions, calls, etc.) to help the Society raise funds in support of research efforts.
• Represent the Society with the scientific community, scientific meetings, and conferences. These activities are coordinated in partnership with the Individual Giving team, public affairs, and other staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Preferred related field for degree: Neuroscience, Immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or another MS-related biomedical field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years postdoctoral research experience (laboratory or clinical) in an area directly relevant to MS.
• A strong scientific background in MS research or other relevant inflammatory/ neurodegenerative disease, immunology, neuroscience, and rehabilitation science are highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal, people management, problem-solving, and public speaking skills.
• Research administration and/or experience with research grants are desirable.

Technical/Other

• Experience and proficiency with computer software, specifically Microsoft office is required for this position.
• Understanding modern biomedical research technology and procedures required, prior exposure to issues relevant to MS is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10-15% of work time.

The Society has a career framework that is our foundation of a clear, consistent structure for growth and careers. It is comprised of career bands and career levels, as well as functions and disciplines, that together, capture the Society's positions and work.

This position is in the Professional career band and a level of 4 (P4)

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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