SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER/DIRECTOR (Focus: Biotech Governance)

The Nuclear Threat Initiative is seeking a Senior Program Officer or Director (title to be determined based on candidate experience) to join the Global Biological Policy and Programs team. This position reports to the NTI Vice President for Global Biological Policy and Programs. This is a full-time hybrid position, working a minimum of three days a week in our Washington, DC office.   

NTI is a non-profit whose mission is to transform global security by driving systemic solutions to nuclear and biological threats imperiling humanity. The NTI | bio team is focused on reducing catastrophic biological risks, and we are working toward this goal by strengthening biotechnology governance; bolstering biosecurity in countries around the world; strengthening international capabilities to uphold the norm against bioweapon development and use; driving progress in Global Health Security; and building the biosecurity field.

This selected candidate will help lead NTI | bio efforts to strengthen biotechnology governance. This will include:

• Shaping innovative efforts to strengthen biosecurity and biotechnology governance, including work to reduce risks associated with AI-enabled capabilities to engineer living systems 

• Leading and overseeing research and writing focused on development of practical, innovative risk-reduction approaches that can be applied throughout the bioscience and biotechnology research and development life-cycle

• Managing projects, budgets, and staff to meet strategic objectives

• Convening international events and managing relationships with global stakeholders

• Drafting internal leadership memos and briefing documents

• Providing support to other NTI | bio projects, as needed

What are the requirements for the position?  Preferred candidates will have:

• A graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., biophysics, bioengineering, computer science, biology, chemistry, biosecurity, international affairs, public health, or a related field) and 

• At least 5 to 7 years of policy, research, and/or project management experience, including in biosecurity, international security, global health, or international affairs. 

What would make you stand out?  

• You can demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding modern bioscience and biotechnology to guard against misuse and abuse.

• You have deep technical expertise in biotechnology as well as demonstrated capacity to think creatively about biosecurity and to develop and execute new, innovative projects.

• You have strong written and oral communication skills.

• You are familiar with key biosecurity concepts and approaches, including the evolution of the field as biotechnology advances.

• You have experience engaging international and/or domestic stakeholders to drive toward actionable policy outcomes. 

• You can juggle multiple projects with competing deadlines, and you have strong interpersonal skills and experience managing staff. 

• You have a Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., biophysics, bioengineering, computer science, biology, chemistry, biosecurity, or a related field)

This position will require regular domestic and international travel.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. 

How do I apply:  For consideration, please send a resume and a cover letter to Kaufman@nti.org. Use subject line “NTI BIO Biotech Governance”. The position will remain open until filled. Early application is encouraged.  

NTI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of all backgrounds and identities to apply. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, or any other quality or circumstance protected by Federal or D.C. law. 

Medical Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability - short-term and long-term disability coverage 

401(k) Retirement Plan & Profit-Sharing Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program(s) - EAPs

Transportation - up to $300 in SmartBenefits for public transportation 

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Vacation Leave

Paid Holidays + paid time off between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Maternity/Paternity Leave