Senior Science Officer, Preclinical Development

Background

General Statement

The mission of the Preclinical Development team is to attract and rapidly advance the most promising stem cell-based and genetic therapies through preclinical development into early-stage clinical trials for diseases affecting Californians.

Job Functions

Portfolio & Award Management

• Manage a portfolio of preclinical stage awards from early development through IND-enabling activities
• Ensure projects are aligned with CIRM's mission, milestones, and timelines
• Identify scientific, technical, regulatory, and operational risks early and implement mitigation strategies

Advise grantees on:

• Experimental design and data robustness
• CMC development and manufacturability considerations
• Regulatory strategy and IND-enabling requirements
• Stage-appropriate access strategy
• Support progression of projects toward key milestones (e.g. pre-IND, IND clearance, trial startup)
• Program Development & Execution
• Contribute to the development and implementation of funding programs that support preclinical development of stem cell-based and genetic therapies
• Help define program scope, eligibility, and success criteria in collaboration with Review, Operations, and leadership
• Support continuous refinement of PDEV programs based on portfolio insights and field evolution
• Mentor team members in program design and applicant engagement
• Provide scientific and portfolio insights to inform continuous refinement of PDEV programs and funding strategies

Cross-Functional Integration

• Collaborate with Clinical Development and/or external partners to facilitate transition of promising programs into clinical development
• Collaborate with Discovery to identify and shape high-potential projects for translation
• Collaborate with Patient Access to incorporate early considerations of feasibility, delivery, and eventual patient access and impact
• Coordinate with R&D Data Infrastructure on data standards, DSMP expectations, and translational data quality
• Help break silos and ensure continuity across the full development pipeline
• External Engagement & Thought Leadership
• Represent CIRM in scientific, industry, and regulatory forums
• Engage with external experts, partners, and stakeholders to identify emerging opportunities and challenges
• Provide insight on ecosystem gaps (e.g., manufacturing, delivery, regulatory pathways, technology platforms)
• Contribute to shaping CIRM's role as a leader in translational and preclinical development in regenerative medicine

Qualifications

• PhD, MD or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline
• Minimum 6 years of experience beyond doctoral degree, in preclinical/translational development in biotech, pharma, or academia
• Demonstrated experience advancing programs through key preclinical and translational milestones (IND-enabling stages), preferably in cell and/or genetic therapy
• Strong understanding of:
  • Preclinical development strategy
  • CMC and manufacturing considerations
  • Regulatory pathways (FDA, IND process)
• Experience evaluating scientific data, development plans, and program risks across multiple therapeutic programs
• Ability to identify scientific, technical, regulatory, and operational challenges and develop practical solutions
• Experience working in multidisciplinary and cross-functional environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills

Desired Skills/Abilities

• Direct experience interacting with regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA pre-IND/IND meetings)
• Strong knowledge of drug development, manufacturing process and regulatory for stem cell-based therapies andgenetic therapies.
• Proven track record of collaborating cross-team collaboration to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Ability to effectively manage, organize and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to make clear, concise and impactful presentations.
• Ability to embrace change and a desire to learn.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid environment, required to work two days in the South San Francisco office and three days remotely. In-person attendance of organizational meetings and board, subcommittee, and working group meetings as required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be willing to work in a high-rise building.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Be available to work outside of normal business hours.
• Require occasional travel for work-related events.

Supervision Received

TheSenior Science Officer Ireports directly to theSenior Directorof Preclinical Development.

Supervision Exercised

None

Compensation

This position is expected to pay$154,891 - $176,976, which fits within the full salary range of $154,891 - $207,480 for the Senior Science Officer job classification. It is uncommon for an individual to be offered a salary close to the upper end of the full range for a position. Salary for this position will reflect the final candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, in addition to being aligned with the internal leadership peer group.

Benefits

https://benefits.calhr.ca.gov/state-employees/

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the interview process should inform the interview scheduler at the time of scheduling.