New

Scientific Operations Officer

Johns Hopkins University
United States, Maryland, Baltimore
Jun 24, 2025
The Department of Neurology is seeking a Scientific Operations Officer (SOO)for the Center of Neurogenetic Therapeutics (CNT). The CNT is a new research initiative supported by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Department of Neurology that aims to advance novel genetic treatments for neurological diseases. Historically, neurological diseases lack disease-modifying treatments, but novel DNA and RNA-targeting drugs have recently been approved for muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To capitalize on the broad potential of neurogenetic therapeutics, CNT will mobilize existing strengths in the basic and clinical sciences across departments and Institutes (including the Brain Science Institute and Kennedy Krieger Institute) to champion and implement preclinical development of new genetic therapeutics and enable their translation to the clinic in an equitable fashion. CNT in collaboration with academic, government and industry partners will be a leader in continued breakthroughs in neurogenetic therapeutics, which are transforming the lives of patients. The Scientific Operations Officer (SOO), CNT is a new position that will collaborate with the Executive Director, Charlotte Sumner, MD and the CNT steering committee,to translate CNT's vision and strategy into operational tactics, oversee programs, and grow partnerships and scientific programs. The person in this position will play a vital role in ensuring the efficient operation and growth of CNT's scientific initiatives. They will also be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations including resource allocation, project implementation, partnership development, advancing technology transfer, and direct contributions to developing new neurogenetic therapeutics. The SOO will be a creative problem solver with the ability to build partnerships and implement systems that support the team, objectives and mission. The person in this position will use their scientific background and knowledge of therapeutics development, and their experience in leadership and operations management roles to drive forward key advancements in the field. Specific Duties and Responsiblities In collaboration with the Executive Director, direct the core scientific and operational activities of CNT. Manage day-to-day operations, including resource allocation and opportunities for growth. Establish an advisory board/steering committee that represents relevant departments and institutes. Evaluate resources available across the University ecosystem and in collaboration with steering committee identify strategies for deploying resources and initial implementation. Oversee development of a patient advisory council. Implement CNT marketing strategies, business development plans, and fundraising efforts. Work with the Center's steering committee to plan and coordinate research personnel engagement events, quarterly scientific meetings, and web/social media presence. Administer the Center's seed funding program, including overseeing the proposal review process and disbursement of funds to awardees. Collaborate with research staff and clinicians to support projects including but not limited to managing budgets, timelines, and cross-functional activities. Maintain a good working knowledge of all assigned protocols and projects and their requirements. Develop individualized trackers, summaries, and other documents to help facilitate discussions and decision-making on the center's activities and budget availability. Spearhead special projects in collaboration with the Executive Director and steering committee, including but not limited to external communications, partnership development, event planning, new program design, and/or personnel recruitment. Oversee center-wide events, funding-agency site visits, workshops, and outreach including industry partnership events. Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels in the public, not-for-profit and private sectors. Minimum Qualifications Master's Degree in genetics, cell and gene therapy, biomedicine or directly related discipline. Seven years of progressively responsible experience in related genetic research. Demonstrated experience in nonprofit, scientific program, medical industry or academic environment leading and delivering projects to time, quality and cost. Experience with and enthusiasm for therapeutics development. Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula. Preferred Qualifications PhD in genetics, cell and gene therapy, biomedicine or related field. Experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry (particularly genetic therapies). Experience succeeding within the academic environment (including experience with the office of research affairs and technology transfer offices). Demonstrated experience and understanding of grant and funding mechanisms, including compliance and reporting. Proven track record of garnering grants and/or philanthropy. Classified Title: Program and Operations Manager Job Posting Title (Working Title):Scientific Operations Officer Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PG Starting Salary Range: $99,800 - $175,000 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: M-F 8:30 am - 5:00 pm FLSA Status:Exempt Location: Hybrid/School of Medicine Campus Department name: SOM Neuro Neuromuscular Personnel area: School of Medicine Total Rewards The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/. Education and Experience Equivalency Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job. Applicants Completing Studies Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date. Background Checks The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function. Diversity and Inclusion The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion. Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EEOis the Law https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf Accommodation Information If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/. Vaccine Requirements Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/. The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly. The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.