Our client is an international organization promoting innovation and access in cell and gene therapy. They have asked us to assist them in their search for a Vice President Scientific Affairs.

Major tasks and responsibilities include:

• Lead strategic priority initiatives by driving advocacy efforts to cell/gene therapy platform technologies.
• Engage with 400+ member organizations to assess scientific and commercial developments in the field and their impact on the sector.
• Support the advancement of the recently launched CAR-T Access Coalition working with key stakeholders to improve patient access and address barriers in community oncology settings.
• Facilitate collaboration by identifying common technical challenges and implementing proactive, pre-competitive solutions.
• Guide multi-stakeholder coalitions, including active participation in initiatives such as the Bespoke Gene Therapy Consortium.
• Maintain engagements with FDA on gene editing platforms.
• Lead cross-functional advisory groups comprised of senior executives from member companies.
• Participate as an active contributor of cross departmental management team, supporting the development of overall organizational goals and advising senior leadership on the policy and business environment in the field.
• Provide analyses and thought leadership based on publicly available information from the press, industry reports, webinars, scientific publications, proprietary databases, as well as conversations with members.
• Plan and execute Scientific Affairs events, including webinars, workshops, and panel discussions.
• Technically and strategically support policy development, and external communications team with expert opinion and content for congressional briefings, RFI’s, and statements to the media.
• Collaborate with commercial teams, market access, business unit heads, and regulatory policy teams.
• Support recruitment efforts, especially those pertaining to new industry and academic organizations.
• Assist the SVP of Scientific Affairs in setting annual strategic goals and budget planning.
• Contribute to the analysis and preparation of sector data reports and other key publications.
• Supervise and mentor staff within the science and industry affairs group.

We seek candidates with the following qualifications:

• Must have an advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant life sciences discipline (biochemistry, biochemical engineering, molecular biology, biomedical engineering).
• Requires significant experience in gene therapy and/or cell therapy, and a proven track record of management experience.
• Deep expertise in novel therapy clinical development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing, with a well-rounded understanding of scientific principles, business strategy, regulatory landscapes, clinical challenges, and manufacturing/quality requirements specific to cell and gene therapy.
• Respected scientific leader with the credibility to build and maintain trust across internal and external stakeholders, and the executive presence to establish immediate rapport with senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and member-company leads.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration, manage teams, and lead contract consultants, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively inform and engage diverse audiences through both written communication and oral presentations.
• Sustains excellent relationships with regulatory agency personnel.
• Thrives in a small, start-up environment with high expectations.
• Hands-on experience and proven track record in the use and development of cell and gene therapies, particularly in immuno-oncology and/or rare and ultra-rare diseases.

If interested, please apply directly to this job posting. No calls please. Include your daytime phone number and we will contact you confidentially or reply to your email.

Fairway Consulting Group is included in Hunt Scanlon’s list of Top 50 Life Sciences Search Firms and Forbes' list of Top 150 Best Executive Recruiting Firms.