Work for AAPS

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

Job Description 

Job Title: Chief Science Officer 
Reports To: CEO or designate
FLSA Status: 
Salary: To be negotiated

Position Summary

The Chief Science Officer (CSO) manages AAPS’ organization-wide portfolio, including all scientific content developed in-person, online, and through publications. The CSO develops and fosters a strategic view of AAPS’ scientific direction, positioning, and reputation. The CSO represents AAPS in external scientific, policy, and business engagements. The CSO assists in identifying and developing partnerships that expand AAPS’ scientific, business, and mission-driven portfolio. The CSO oversees and analyzes the performance of AAPS’ scientific content through various data sources, and guides all of AAPS’ science-focused committees. The CSO works closely with AAPS staff Science Team and AAPS’ volunteers, advising leadership, including the Scientific Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors, on key developments impacting the association’s business and strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Collaborates with the Senior Management Team to develop strategic and business plans and to implement projects and programs in support of those plans.
  • Strategically directs the following committees: Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and its subcommittees and task forces, especially the Foresight Subcommittee and Regulatory Review Subcommittee; all Scientific Programming Committees; all Abstract Screening Committees; all Scientific Programming Advisory Committees.
  • Supports the Journal Editors Committee and Editorial Content Committee and manages the scientific strategy dialog with publishing partners.
  • Supports relations with key partners and VIPs.
  • Leads the development of the scientific reporting structure and scientific architecture in new symposia system.
  • Develops and executes the assessment of all AAPS scientific content presented online, in-person, and in publication.
  • Responsible for AAPS’ Executive Track programming.
  • Secures high-level speakers for plenary programs and Designer Track.
  • Reports quarterly to the Board of Directors on AAPS’ scientific portfolio.
  • Assists the Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) in identifying new exhibiting/sponsorship partners and developing revenue-generating or other strategically important relationships.
  • Participates in identifying potential organization-level partners and supports the development of agreements with these partners.
  • Travel to AAPS events and competing events. 

Anticipated Milestones

  • 30-day: Present analysis of AAPS scientific portfolio to Board of Directors and SAC; articulate areas that should be targeted for growth; meet all key AAPS partners (INTERPHEX, important exhibitors, etc.)
  • 60-day: Identify a list of targets for partner engagements either in Business Development or at the organizational level.
  • 90-day: present a longer term, directional scientific growth strategy, both at the member and organization level
  • Year 1: 1-2 new organizational-level partnerships; comprehensive understanding of AAPS scientific portfolio shared with Board of Directors and SAC; Strategy for growth clearly articulated and refined

Additional Responsibilities 

  • Other responsibilities as appropriate and necessary to achieve department and AAPS goals and objectives. 
  • In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to:
    • Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
    • Interact professionally with other employees, members, volunteers, and vendors.
    • Work effectively as a team contributor in all assignments.
    • Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees, members, and organizations. 

Supervision Exercised 

This is initially a non-supervisory role

Qualifications 

  • This is a strategic leadership position that requires significant experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology drug development arena
  • Wide field view and understanding of the drug development process from R&D to licensure and beyond required
  • Understanding of the business context and type of players in the pharma environment, including global supply chain complexities, is helpful
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated in oral and written contribution history across a wide range of outlets
  • Strategic, organizational thinking required

Education and/or Experience 

  • Ph.D., Pharm.D., or M.D. with significant experience in pharmaceutical science, biotechnology, or allied disciplines. M.S. with additional experience may be sufficient after review of career background. Peer-reviewed publication experience a must
  • Significant experience in a volunteer-driven leadership environment essential
  • Demonstrated experience with positions that require leadership through influence
  • Diverse experience in background in industry, academia, and regulatory highly desirable

Physical Demands 

Majority of work is performed on a personal computer sitting at a desk for long periods of time throughout the day. May be expected to lift boxes up to 15 pounds. Travel could be up to 15%. Travel to AAPS Annual Meeting (PharmSci 360) and National Biotechnology Conference (NBC), and other in-person events as needed. Evening and weekend work may be required.  Standing for long periods of time and walking at meetings is required. Ability to remain professional in stressful and crisis situations is critical. 

Work Environment 

Remote work environment. Work is fast-paced, high in volume, and demands attention to detail. Travel to annual conferences and workshops is required.    

Complete online application

  • An AAPS profile is necessary to complete your application. If you don’t have an AAPS account, you will need to create a free account at members.aaps.org.
  • AAPS membership is not required.