Research program coordinator

About Kestrel Neuroscience

Kestrel Neuroscience is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the discovery, translation, and preclinical development of therapies for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related neurodegenerative diseases by bringing together world-class investigators in focused, collaborative research.

About the role

We’re hiring a Research Program Coordinator who will serve as a key partner to the President and CEO to achieve Kestrel’s vision: a world in which FTD and related diseases are treatable, curable and eventually preventable.

You will be the main coordinator of Kestrel’s grant-making process, from initiation to final closeout.

You will help to identify and support cutting-edge scientific research that will benefit patients with FTD and related diseases.

You will assist with investment strategy, fundraising and networking initiatives to sustain Kestrel’s grant-making mission.

Your daily work will include

  • Solicit/review research proposals

  • Monitor investigator budgets & Kestrel’s internal expenditure

  • Assess renewal qualifications/eligibility of investigators

  • Prepare reports for donors, board of directors, & other stakeholders

  • Maintain grant-related databases (ie, reagents, agreements, milestones)

  • Provide technical & operational guidance to grantees

  • Build rapport with investigators & scientific advisory board members

  • Foster exchange of ideas, reagents or protocols among grantees to maximize probability of success of all Kestrel-funded projects

  • Participate in scientific strategy meetings

  • Monitor Kestrel’s investment portfolio with CEO, President and financial manager

  • Organize and ensure smooth execution of annual consortium meetings

  • Participate in fundraising events & help elevate Kestrel’s recognition in the donor community

About you

Technical skills/qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in STEM is a “must-have”; Ph.D. +/- postdoctoral training in neuroscience is highly desirable

  • Prior experience in grants administration or nonprofit organization is useful

  • Ability to translate complex scientific concepts/jargons into “everyday” speak (ie, so can be appreciated by a general audience)

  • Concise communication style: both written & verbal

  • Strong project/time management skills, with an eagle-eye for details

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and grant management database software (or the ability to learn quickly on the job)

Personal/leadership qualities

  • Motivated to make a meaningful impact for patients with FTD & related diseases

  • Looking to leverage your scientific training/expertise in a unique technical/managerial role

  • Can’t wait to interact with top-notch investigators to hear about their ideas, progress (and setbacks)

  • Diplomatic yet disciplined in setting due dates & obtaining timely responses from busy investigators, advisors & board members (“speak softly and carry a big stick”)

  • Collegial team player: Kestrel’s mission (delivering therapy to FTD patients) matters more than any individual achievement/recognition

  • When confronted with a previously unknown problem, your first response is: “this would be fun to figure out”

  • Comfortable being autonomous most of the time, but also savvy enough to know when to check-in for guidance/alignment

  • Sense of humor

Location

  • This is a remote position, although being San Francisco-area based would be a plus

  • Expect travel to San Francisco ~2-3x/year for organizational meetings, plus national scientific meetings as needed

Salary

$100-125K, depending on level of education & prior relevant experience

Benefits

  • Health insurance reimbursement (medical, dental, vision)

  • 401(k) plan

  • Monthly telecommunications fee reimbursement

How to apply

Can’t wait to find out more? Send cover letter and resume to

info@kestrelneuroscience.org