Scientist (Disease Modifying Therapies)

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with T1D better while driving toward cures. We invest in the most promising research to turn ideas into life-changing therapies and devices. We work with government, regulatory officials, and insurance companies to address issues that impact the T1D community -- breaking through barriers that limit access to care worldwide. We provide resources and guidance that makes it easier to live and thrive with T1D. This is more than a moment -- we're empowering a movement for the T1D community. Share your support and help educate and empower individuals facing type 1 diabetes.

Our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent and ultimately, cure T1D and its complications. Always, we are guided by a single purpose: As we drive towards curing type 1 diabetes, we help make everyday life better for the people who face it.

Are you a bold, mission-driven scientist ready to make a global impact on curing type 1 diabetes (T1D)? Breakthrough T1D is seeking an exceptional and experienced scientist to join our Disease Modifying Therapies (DMT) group, part of the Cures Research program, aimed at innovating and accelerating the development of therapies to delay, halt, and reverse T1D.

You'll be a key part of our mission by leading a dynamic portfolio of cutting-edge research projects. From supporting work toward the discovery of new therapeutic targets to initiating and overseeing clinical trials, this role offers the opportunity to directly shape the future of T1D research and treatment. As part of a highly interconnected and fast-moving team, you will contribute to setting and driving the global research agenda for T1D.

This is a hybrid position with 2+ days/week in office.

In this role, you will:

• Drive a high-impact research portfolio focused on academic and industry partnerships to advance disease-modifying therapies.
• Accelerate our mission to Cure T1D by identifying key opportunities and filling critical gaps in the scientific landscape.
• Serve as a scientific thought leader and subject matter expert across Cures Research areas- including Early Detection and Beta Cell Replacement.
• Guide and accelerate the progress of therapeutic development, from early discovery through clinical translation.
• Represent Breakthrough T1D in strategic discussions with researchers, biotech/pharma partners, donors, and international collaborators.

What you bring:

• Deep expertise in immunology, autoimmunity, biomarkers, cell biology, and/or targeted drug delivery.
• A collaborative spirit and the communication skills necessary to engage diverse stakeholders- from scientists and clinicians to board members and supporters.
• A track record of strategic thinking and scientific leadership in advancing therapies through research and development.

Why join us?

At Breakthrough T1D, you'll have the rare opportunity to work at the nexus of science, strategy, and impact. You'll gain valuable exposure to clinical trial design, regulatory science, and therapeutic development. Be part of a dedicated and passionate team that is focused on turning groundbreaking science into real-world cures. If you're ready to leverage your research experience and expertise toward making a daily impact on the future of T1D research, we want to hear from you.

Primary Responsibilities

• Field Landscaping and Scouting

• Continuously monitor and analyze the global research landscape in T1D and related areas to identify novel opportunities.

• Maintain a current understanding of T1D-related research efforts globally through academic literature review, conference attendance, and direct investigator/company engagement.

• Bring new immune-focused research areas of interest to current portfolio.

• Cross-Project area Collaboration and Scientific Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert to the other internal research projects to ensure aligned strategies and shared learnings.

• Actively contribute to the identification, development, and activation of research opportunities across programs, particularly projects in the Beta Cell Replacement Therapies program.

• Contribute to the innovation and evolution of Breakthrough T1D's research strategy, grant mechanisms, and strategic initiatives.

• Collaborate with program administration, clinical trial management, and business partnerships teams in the development, activation, and review of projects.

• Portfolio Development and Management

• Oversee the end-to-end grant lifecycle, including drafting RFAs, facilitating internal review for strategic alignment, managing peer review, proposal scoring, and final funding decisions.

• Work with funded investigators and companies to overcome barriers and roadblocks in research progress.

• Industry Engagement and Partnerships

• Identify promising industry partners and assets and proactively assess and facilitate the development of partnerships aligned with the research strategy and organizational goals.

• Facilitate and maintain an active portfolio of industry partnerships.

• External Networking

• Prepare and present documents to lay and/or expert stakeholders.

• Generate and present content for public media outlets in collaboration with the internal Marketing and Communications team.

• Regularly lead or contribute to the publishing of perspective and review articles to address needs in the field and guide T1D research priorities.

• Presentation of Breakthrough T1D research priorities and special topics to both lay and expert audiences.

• Represent Breakthrough T1D at key scientific and industry meetings, workshops, and conferences.

• Develop and facilitate scientific workshops to address pressing questions in the field or explore collaborative efforts to overcome barriers and roadblocks.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, or related biomedical science.
• Postdoctoral training (2-3 years) in disease focused or product development areas highly desired.
• Deep understanding of autoimmune mechanisms, immune tolerance, cellular immune biology, and/or biomarkers of immune disease progression as evidenced by publication history.
• Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate scientific proposals and strategically develop and maintain a research portfolio.
• Ability to create, operate and innovate within highly connected team environments with a high degree of independence.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines demonstrated by strong organizational skills and a detail-oriented nature. Must be a fast-learner and able to establish priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional collaboration and relationship-building skills, including an ability to interface with stakeholders of highly diverse backgrounds (such as experts, staff, and volunteers), and an ability to develop, maintain, and cultivate working relationships to drive progress toward goals.
• Demonstrated creativity and an ability to think strategically regarding scientific and technical opportunities, overcoming roadblocks, and the development and execution of projects.
• Ability and strong interest in developing expertise in new and emerging scientific areas.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of translational research, from discovery through clinical development.
• Experience in grant management, peer review processes, or scientific program design.
• Proven ability to build cross-sector collaboration and maintain high-level scientific networks.
• Familiarity with clinical trial design and regulatory considerations for novel therapies.
• Familiarity with drug development, including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic assessments.

Target Salary - $90k - $105k

Essential Functions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and infrequently up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Additional information:

Requests for medical, religious, and other exemptions will be considered on an individual basis. Breakthrough T1D will comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Breakthrough T1D supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Breakthrough T1D is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.