Chief Scientific Officer

Accelerated Cure Project (ACP) is a nonprofit organization with a mission of accelerating research for faster diagnosis, more effective treatments, and a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).  In collaboration with people affected by MS, researchers, healthcare providers, funders, and others, we develop centralized resources that can be accessed by researchers worldwide.

Our resources include the ACP biospecimen and data Repository, to enable basic science research on the causes and mechanisms of MS; iConquerMS, a virtual people-powered research network that enables and conducts research on topics that matter most to the MS community; and our inclusive engagement resources including both the MS Minority Research Engagement Partnership Network and the RIDE (Research Inclusion Diversity and Equity) Council, formed to understand and address the issue of underrepresentation in MS research.

 Position Summary: The Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) will be responsible for leading the development and execution of ACP's scientific strategy, with a specific focus on our biorepository and iConquerMS initiatives. The CSO will play a crucial role in driving research, securing funding, and fostering external partnerships to further our mission.

 Key Responsibilities:

●      Develop and implement a comprehensive scientific strategy aligned with the organization's mission and goals.

●      Provide scientific expertise and guidance to support the utilization of our biorepository, contributing to strategies that ensure its efficient operation and active promotion to the research community to increase its use and impact on MS research.

●      Contribute scientific expertise and leadership to support and enhance iConquerMS's position as the premier source for people-powered research in MS, with an emphasis on advancing the field of patient-reported outcomes to better capture and integrate the experiences and perspectives of the MS community in research and care.

●      Lead and contribute to current and future research projects and studies related to MS, both as a principal investigator and a collaborative team member, including ACP’s ongoing clinical trial (4 year, $4.5M) clinical trial for fatigue interventions.

●      Secure funding for research initiatives by identifying and pursuing grant opportunities, as well as cultivating relationships with potential donors and sponsors.

●      Foster and maintain partnerships with external organizations, including other MS nonprofits, academic institutions, research centers, and industry partners, to promote collaboration and advance MS research.

●      Provide scientific expertise and guidance to the organization, staff, and stakeholders on matters related to MS research.

●      Communicate research findings and updates to various audiences, including the scientific community, donors, and the general public.

●      Stay current with the latest developments in MS research and related fields, identifying new opportunities for the organization to contribute to the field.

Qualifications:

●      Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (e.g., neurology, neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology, data science, epidemiology, public health) with a strong research background in MS or related areas.

●      At least 10 years of experience in a research leadership role.

●      Demonstrated success in securing research funding through grants, sponsorships, and other sources.

●      Proven track record of leading and contributing to impactful research projects and publications.

●      Strong network within the MS research community and a history of successful collaborations.

●      Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

●      Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

●      Passionate commitment to advancing MS research and improving the lives of those affected by the disease.