Regulatory Science Policy Specialist

Position Overview: Nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through ethical and effective scientific research seeks a scientist with a master's or doctoral degree in toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, or a related field and at least five years of experience in a nongovernmental organization, government, or industry position related to regulatory testing and/or compliance to promote alternatives to the use of animals in toxicological testing and research. This supervisory position may be performed remotely from any location in the United States (travel required).

About the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Industry: Non-profit organization

The Physicians Committee's Mission & Vision: The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. Our vision is to create a healthier world in which health and compassion are central values in science and medicine.

The Physicians Committee's Values:

• Compassion: We encourage compassion for people and animals.
• Health: We promote good health through good nutrition. We practice what we preach by having a vegan office environment, ongoing nutrition education, and a culture that supports health and wellness.
• Truth: We base our recommendations on evidence, not on biases or what is commonly accepted.
• Professionalism: We hold our work to the highest standards, down to the last detail. This shows up in our scientific publications, our campaign work, and our public communications, and also in our appearance, our work ethic, how we keep our workspaces and take care of our resources, our focus on professional development, and the courtesies we extend to others.
• Action: We speak out against unhealthful, dangerous and unethical practices. We push limits and persevere.
• Innovation: We bring new approaches to solving problems and continually seek ways to be more effective. We are not afraid to take risks.
• Urgency: Our problems are urgent, and so are our responses. We stay alert to issues that need our attention and stay in close touch with one another and with our members and partners so we're able to take immediate action whenever necessary.
• Dedication: This is a cause, not just a job. We go the extra mile to bring about a healthier, more compassionate world.
• Collaboration: Working together, everyone achieves more. We collaborate with each other, with our members, and with other organizations.
• Positivity: We approach our work with optimism. We plan with the end in mind and envision success.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Organization-Size: Approximately 100 employees

Employee Benefits: Primary health & financial benefits:

• Health insurance with 100% of the deductible and 75% of the premium paid by the Physicians Committee for full-time employees.
• Dental insurance available at a group discount.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with matching contribution of $0.50 per dollar up to 6% of salary.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses which allows paying for some expenses on a pre-tax basis.
• Pre-tax purchase of Metro fare.
• Long-term disability income protection insurance and life insurance fully paid for by the Physicians Committee.
• 20 days of paid time off to start plus 14 paid holidays.

Learn More About the Physicians Committee: We invite you to visit our website at PCRM.org or our YouTube channel.

About the Role

Position Title/Job Function: Director of Toxicology

Position Objective: Save human and animal lives by replacing the use of animals in science with modern, powerful, and effective human-focused methods. Set strategy and oversee department activities related to the reduction and replacement of animal tests required or conducted by regulatory agencies and companies.

About the Research and Regulatory Affairs Team: The Physicians Committee's Research and Regulatory Affairs team is composed of experts in human-relevant research, education, and testing methods. We collaborate with regulatory, industrial, and academic scientists to develop, assess, and promote alternatives to the use of animals in science. We engage decision-makers in government and industry to make change.

Essential Functions: Essential functions and specific duties will include:

Position the Physicians Committee as a trusted resource with expertise in nonanimal safety and efficacy testing, conducting, or overseeing the following:

• Travel to and organize scientific conferences and meetings.
• Organize training opportunities for regulators and industry.
• Present and publish literature-quality advisory comments, documents, and papers.

Affect government agency regulations and practices to facilitate the increased use of nonanimal test methods:

• Oversee the research and publication of findings to shed light on agency requirements/practices.
• Coordinate meetings, legislative work, legal petitions, and other activities to change regulations, policies, and practices.
• Interpret scientific literature and policy documents on toxicological research and testing and communicate its significance to a variety of audience levels.
• Work with the Physicians Committee's communications team to promote work through social, traditional, and trade media; author or review blogs and opinion pieces.
• Provide strategic direction and supervision to team members conducting congressional outreach and ensure they follow organizational lobbying policies and procedures; assist with lobbying and coalition building as needed.

Build collaborative relationships with other organizations to accomplish objectives:

• Work with Director of Research Policy and scientific team members to set strategy and oversee activities related to the International Council on Animal Protection in OECD Programs (ICAPO), the International Council on Animal Protection in Pharmaceuticals (ICAPPP), and other ongoing collaborative relationships.
• In coordination with Director of Research Policy, oversee laboratory testing efforts or other projects to demonstrate the scientific relevance of nonanimal methods.
• Attend meetings and events to gain contacts in the test method developer industries and relevant organizations.
• Find opportunities to collaborate on projects and presentations with external organizations.
• Support the development department in fundraising for our work on eliminating animals in regulatory testing.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 3-4 toxicology program team members

Required Physical Abilities: Office work; ability to travel to staff events and conferences

Work Location: This position may be performed remotely from any location in the United States.

Required Travel: Approximately quarterly

Work Schedule: This is a full-time exempt position (40+ hours per week). The Physicians Committee's core business hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, ET.

Position Level: Senior Specialist

Salary:

• Minimum: $100,000
• Maximum: $120,000

A salary offer will take into consideration education, experience, and skills along with internal and external reference points.

Reports To: Director of Research Policy

Qualifications

Education:

• Required: A master's degree in toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, or a related field
• Preferred: A doctoral degree in toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, or a related field

Work Experience:

• Required: Minimum of 20 years of relevant work experience, with at least five years of experience in a nongovernmental organization, government, or industry position related to regulatory testing and/or compliance
• Preferred: None

Additional Qualities:

• Required:
• Be passionate about alternatives to the use of animals in research, education, and testing.
• Have a thorough understanding of concepts in toxicology and pharmacology including in vivo, in vitro, and in silico test methods and familiarity with the laws, regulations, and practices related to toxicological testing.
• Be an excellent oral and written communicator.
• Be willing to travel, present, and network to further our message and build connections to facilitate progress.
• Have experience supervising a team.
• Preferred:
• Experience with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guidelines and regulatory requirements

If you do not meet these minimum qualifications but believe that you are capable of performing the essential functions, we invite you to apply.

How to Apply

Application Materials: We require a formal cover letter and resume to apply. In your cover letter, please tell us about your interest in our mission, your related experience and accomplishments, and your professional goals. You may also be asked to respond in writing to screening questions.

Application Deadline: Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.

For More Information: Contact the Physicians Committee's human resources department at careers@pcrm.org.

Application Process

• Step 1: 45-minute video interview with our Director of Research Policy
• Step 2: 3-hour working interview, including a sample project
• Step 3: 15-minute video interview with Physicians Committee President Dr. Neal Barnard
• Step 4: Reference checks with three most recent direct supervisors