R & D Scientists - Parasitic Worms Program

About the Department

The R&D organization drives therapeutic innovation from the lab bench to the patient bedside. It develops DNDi’s portfolio of drug candidates from the onset (with the design of target product profiles) to the end point (enabling patients’ access to the new treatments). With members located in various DNDi offices worldwide, R&D teams are key enablers of DNDi’s virtual research model which relies on collaborative partnerships with industry and science partners worldwide, fully inclusive of LMICs clinicians and researchers. Projects are run by project leaders and team members regrouping needed expertise from all DNDi functions, beyond R&D.

The R&D organization includes three clusters of Diseases expert teams: NTD/Mycetoma and Leishmaniasis, NTD/Chagas-Filarial-HAT and Viral Diseases. Integrated Clinical Development Sciences (Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance, Clinical Quality Assurance and Translational Sciences), Regulatory Sciences, Global Clinical Operations, R&D Portfolio and Planning, Discovery and Pharmaceutical Development teams complement the R&D expertise. Projects review, science and strategy is managed by the Scientific Internal Review Committee (SIRC); The R&D Coordination team leads the R&D organization for all other topics.

About the Office

Together with more than 200 public research and industry allies worldwide, we use the power of partnership, innovation, open science, and advocacy to find solutions to a great injustice: the lack of medicines for life-threatening diseases that disproportionately impact poor and marginalized people. Driven by collaboration, not competition, and by patients’ needs, not profits, we promote equitable access, foster inclusive and sustainable solutions, and advocate for a more effective global biomedical R&D system that meets the needs of neglected patients.

Location for these roles: Europe or Africa

Overview

This portfolio, previously known as the “filarial program,” has now expanded beyond onchocerciasis and covers other parasitic worms, including schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and soil-transmitted helminths. The expansion of the portfolio prompted a reorganization and strengthening of the programs.

To expand our Parasitic Worms (Helminths) Program further, we are seeking two scientific professionals with complementary expertise to work together in shaping and advancing this critical research area. Together, these roles will form a dynamic and balanced team, ensuring the success of the Parasitic Worms Program by combining strategic oversight, scientific depth, and hands-on research expertise.

Responsibilities

We are seeking two individuals with distinct yet complementary skills to form a well-rounded program team.

• One role will focus on strategic leadership, program development, and external partnerships, bringing expertise into:
  • Defining the diseases strategy amongst the stakeholders involved in parasite worms clinical research and health policy.
  • Strategic development and overall programme management & coordination.
  • Accountability for the Clinical program and oversight at both global and regional levels.
  • High-level stakeholder engagement and policy influence.
  • Budget management and funding acquisition.
• The other role will emphasize hands-on scientific and technical expertise, providing:
  • Strong scientific inputs and support in interactions with clinical teams, stakeholders, investigator teams, and the DNDi R&D team.
  • Clinical program planning, Clinical research, and trial execution support.
  • Scientific guidance, collaboration, and communication between the experts/consultants and Project Teams.
  • Expertise in data interpretation and regulatory compliance.

Both these positions will focus on:

Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB):

• Validating the DSMB composition and the documentation related to the DSMB.
• Reviewing and validating any major recommendation made by the DSMB (such as stopping a treatment arm or a study).
• Attending open sessions of DSMB meetings, as described and agreed by all parties in the DSMB charter.
• Assuming the medical responsibility for the clinical trials within the programme.

Support and enable review of projects by:

• Producing and coordinating materials and presentations for the SAC project reviews.
• Developing/reviewing the progress reports at interim and formal management reviews.
• Overseeing the budget plans for the programme.
• Providing advice on appropriate external experts to enhance the review process as required.

As Members of the Core Management Team and the Medical Forum and:

• Participate in the monthly core team meeting and contribute to discussion and decision-making on the NTD portfolio.
• Participate in the regular forum meetings and contribute to discussion on medical and scientific topics that have an important influence on the progression of the portfolio as well as key decisions to be made on future direction.
• Manage the budget for the Filarial Clinical, and Filarial and Helminths Platform.

Fundraising, Advocacy and Communication through:

• Providing strategic inputs and support for developing grant proposals and report writing.
• Participate in the presentations of the program during advocacy meetings/activities.
• Contribute to DNDi reputation by scientific publications at various levels (originals, reviews, concept papers, etc.), leading role in congresses.
• Contributing to major projects/platforms/initiatives involving various stakeholders or relevant organizations.

Reporting line & Interactions

This role has frequent interaction with DNDi staff and external stakeholders to coordinate provision of work or to advocate, persuade and gain support or commitment. This role represents DNDi for a program/service area and develops and maintains relationships with current and future partners.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in clinical research, drug development, or public health.
• Strong ability to manage research projects and external collaborations.
• Excellent collaboration and leadership skills.
• Advanced degree (Master’s, Ph.D. or MD) in a relevant field.

Experience and Education

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and global health advocacy.
• Excellent technical writing and public speaking skills.
• High ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies.
• Excellent communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments; ability to convince and represent DNDi at high-level events.
• Knowledge of managing global multicultural teams.
• Highly organized and structured.
• High analytical skills.
• High ability to lead large strategic projects.
• High ability to manage large size projects with budget management.
• Very strong strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Excellent management, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• High ability to exercise a high degree of independence to ensure program delivery and explore new areas of activities.
• High ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• High ability to lead and motivate a team for optimum performance.

• R& D Technical Skills

  • Knowledge of drug discovery and clinical development.
  • Experience in clinical research and regulatory science.
  • Expertise in parasitic diseases and infectious disease research.

Other requirements

• Fluency in English (additional languages are an asset).
• Willingness and ability to travel globally.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

DEI Statement

DNDi is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other attribute protected by applicable law. DNDi is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful. Our values reflect who we are and who we aspire to be.

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