Director of Cell and Molecular Biology

JOB OBJECTIVE:

To support the Science function of Hevolution Foundation by leading, in coordination with the VP of Geroscience and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), the development and implementation of Hevolution Foundation’s vision and strategy for grants and partnerships funding in the area of cellular and molecular aspects of aging biology and Geroscience, to advance longevity research and to achieve the foundation’s goals in both long, medium, and short-term plans.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Research and Analysis:

• Conduct periodic analyses relevant to trends in funding, particularly by similar non-for-profit funding institutions and prepare reports for VP of Geroscience and CSO to help guide decision making. Remain abreast on science developments, current research, studies, activities, trends in the fields of molecular and cellular approaches to longevity and extension of the human life span, with an emphasis on new studies, and research opportunities.

Scientific Expertise:

• Support the VPs and the CSO, and other units of Hevolution Foundation on complex technical/scientific areas of expertise through research and analysis, to identify solutions and provide insight on effective and efficient resolution of any problem that might arise.
• Identification of gaps or opportunities in specific scientific areas, and development of potential calls for grant applications to be presented to Directors, VPs, and CSO.
• Provide technical expertise to all units within Hevolution Foundation, in order to support explorations and field development opportunities.

Strategy:

• Lead the formulation and implementation of the funding and development strategy in the field of competence, in line with Hevolution Foundation's short, medium, and long-term objectives globally.
• Assist the VP of Geroscience and CSO to develop and periodically review the strategic frameworks and channels to achieve a diversified portfolio in the field of competence, in response to stakeholder feedback, Hevolution Foundation's performance and/or identification of new needs or opportunities.
• Translate the strategy into operational business plans, practical actions, and objectives for the short, medium, and long term within the Cell and Molecular aspects of Aging Biology and Geroscience field and ensure that performance is monitored, reported, and delivered through the development of appropriate KPIs. Ensure that any necessary corrective actions are taken to achieve the strategy and plans.

Portfolio Management:

• Effectively manage a portfolio of grants and partnerships, in support of research and development in the field of aging biology/ Geroscience, to achieve the organization’s goals of driving progress in the fields of longevity and extension of healthy human lifespan.
• Support the VP and CSO in the development and execution of effective grants and partnerships management systems, including plans and timelines, as well as staff communication, testing, troubleshooting, documentation, and training.
• Oversee the evaluation of potential grant recipients to ensure that applications are processed timely and objectively in terms of both the science and their relevance to Hevolution Foundation's goals and objectives.
• Monitor and assess the impact of the portfolio, and ensure it aligns with Hevolution Foundation's vision, mission, and objectives.
• Oversee the documentation of the grantmaking workflow processes, forms, templates, reports and data, to assure full compliance with internal controls and legal requirements.
• Monitor grants and partnerships for legal, financial, and program compliance, including but not limited to ensuring that requirements are correctly documented in the grant files and database.
• Oversee the reputational review of potential grant recipients, in collaboration with the communications office and PR function; ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, in collaboration with the legal office.
• Ensure, in coordination with the Ethics and Financial Departments, that all fund disbursements comply with Hevolution Foundation's policies, procedures and applicable rules and regulations.
• When appropriate, oversee the transfer of grants to other relevant functions within Hevolution Foundation and ensure they reach the right beneficiaries, in alignment with the agreed upon standards and rules.
• Ensure alignment and collaboration with the investment office, to capitalize on possible synergies.

Leadership:

• Facilitate and enable Hevolution Foundation’s strategic plan, in coordination with the VP of Geroscience and CSO.
• Identify and maintain strong relationships with relevant institutes and organizations to advance research and education in the fields of aging biology and Geroscience, to ensure reliable information gathering and sharing to shape Hevolution Foundation's strategies with an emphasis on the specific area of scientific expertise.
• Identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for creative scientific investment.
• Engage with a large network of scientists within the local and global research community to gather reliable information in order to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for creative scientific investment, and to shape Hevolution Foundation’s strategies.
• Lead the Science Function into novel lines of research and novel ideas within the cell and molecular aspects of the aging field that advance Hevolution Foundation goals and strategy.
• Provide technical expertise in the area of aging biology/geroscience research to all other functions within Hevolution Foundation, in order to support new explorations and identify field development opportunities.

Budget and Financial Plans:

• Assist the VP of Geroscience and CSO in the management of the budget, by striving to achieve a balanced set of grants and partnerships within the Unit.
• Monitor financial performance versus the budget so that the VP of Geroscience and CSO are aware of anticipated costs, areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified, and potential areas of performance improvement are capitalized upon.

People Management:

• Manage and effectively achieve the objectives of the Science Function through setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing, and motivating subordinates, and providing them with ongoing guidance to maximize the subordinates’ and the departmental overall performance.
• Oversee the communication of Hevolution Foundation's strategy to employees and provide input as necessary, in order to enable clear linkages between their work and the goals of HF.
• Liaise with function/ department heads and Hevolution Foundation's international hubs to ensure alignment of grants and partnerships plans and objectives.

Continuous Improvement:

• Lead and direct the continuous improvement of systems, processes, and practices within the Science Function while considering international best practices, changes in international standards, and any changes in the business environment that demand proactive action plans.
• Demonstrate vision and values in work and practice, motivate and work with all members of the foundation to create a shared culture and positive climate.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures:

• Review and direct amendments to the Science Office policies and procedures to ensure consistency of practice and compliance with the government and legal regulations.

Reports:

• Ensure that all reports of the Aging Biology/Geroscience are prepared timely and accurately and meet Hevolution Foundation's requirements, policies, and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or similar fields
• A minimum of 4 years Postdoctoral training
• Experience leading a senior group of researchers and/or science-focused enterprise
• Experience leading an academic research team as PI, including preparation, submission, and obtainment of a grant award.
• Excellence in science as demonstrated by scientific publications, speaking engagements, and similar academic activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the aging and longevity fields
• Experience in life sciences grant-making with a clear track record in grants management

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of total post-degree experience with a strong scientific background in Academia, business, and/or government.
• 8-10 years at a Senior / Leadership level
• Experience in a funding institution of a similar size and nature is desirable
• Deep scientific knowledge
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment and alignment to the mission and values of Hevolution Foundation, passion for impact

Competencies:

• Scientific and Technical Expertise
• Strategic Thinking and Vision
• People Management
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
• Innovation and Problem Solving
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Communication Skills