Senior Program Officer, Discovery & Drug Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Oversee and manage a portfolio of grants and investments centered on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes, from sourcing and due diligence to structuring, execution, monitoring, and reporting.

• Create and enhance investment strategies within this disease area, identifying gaps, priorities, and high-potential opportunities throughout discovery, development, and introduction phases.

• Provide scientific and clinical expertise on the biology, risk stratification, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of preeclampsia, other hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes.

• Collaborate with grantees and external researchers to design and supervise studies, ensuring scientific integrity, ethical standards, and alignment with foundation and national priorities.

• Assist in budgeting, risk management, and the sequencing of investments within the portfolio, ensuring responsible stewardship of foundation resources.

• Monitor and report on portfolio advancements, milestones, and outcomes, translating evidence into strategic recommendations for leadership.

• Promote collaboration among discovery, clinical, and implementation partners, linking initiatives to related MNCNH programs and the broader maternal morbidity agenda.

• Support the translation of evidence into policy and implementation pathways, working with internal teams and external stakeholders to scale effective interventions.

• Represent the Foundation in external settings, including scientific conferences, technical advisory groups, and engagements with partner governments, consortia, and industry.

⛳️ Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD, DrPH, MD, OB/GYN or equivalent) in a relevant clinical or scientific field; specialized expertise in obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, endocrinology, or a related discipline is highly preferred.

• Extensive subject matter knowledge in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including preeclampsia) and/or gestational diabetes, covering underlying biology, clinical management, and product or intervention development.

• Significant relevant experience in research, drug or product development, clinical practice, or grantmaking, preferably with familiarity in low- and middle-income country environments.

• Proven experience leading research programs, portfolios, or investments, with the ability to establish strategy and make informed funding and prioritization decisions.

• In-depth understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research ethics, and translating evidence into policy and practice.

• Exceptional cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across institutions, ministries, industry, and international partners.

• Established track record of managing partnerships with multiple stakeholders across academia, governments, and implementing organizations.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums.

• Generous paid time off.

• Paid family leave.

• Foundation-funded retirement contribution.

• Regional holidays.

• Opportunities to participate in various employee communities.