Research Associate

Department: Innovation and New Ventures Salary/Grade: RES/ Job Summary: This position will be responsible for identifying and curating therapeutics projects from the Northwestern ecosystem to enable their evaluation for entry into the Lakeside Discovery translator. Lakeside Discovery is a partnership between Northwestern University and Deerfield Management to catalyze early-stage biomedical development. This position will work closely with the Northwestern Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO) and Lakeside Discovery to identify projects that are a fit for the translator, engaging those faculty to assist in the development of their proposals, and partnering with local organizations and resources to address key experimental or developmental needs. Responsibilities include distilling complex scientific concepts into a straightforward therapeutic hypothesis then evaluating where the project fits within the landscape of existing therapeutics and the standard of care. The position will help identify and prioritize the key risks facing a given project and determine ways to discharge that risk as early as possible, as well as contribute to the design of key experiments when necessary and managing execution at NU or at contract research organizations. This position is a good fit for applicants interested long-term in a career in therapeutics venture capital or early-stage biotech. This is full-time 1-year position with the opportunity for renewal based on performance and available funding Specific Responsibilities: Proactively identifies cutting-edge therapeutics opportunities that fit the Lakeside model on the Northwestern campus. Contribute to the design of key experiments when necessary and managing execution at NU or at contract research organizations. Works with INVO and 3DC outreach to identify key risks facing therapeutic proposals including evidence supporting the therapeutic hypothesis, preclinical tractability, clinical unmet need, and commercial opportunity. Works closely with faculty to address key risks and build a data package supporting the proposal, which may include: o Target validation and biological rationale o Value proposition and competitive positioning o Preclinical and clinical development plans and timelines o Competitive landscape analysis Partners with other therapeutics-focused organizations in the Chicago biotech ecosystem to develop projects by augmenting the data package to address key risks. Ensures proactive and effective communication between NU's INVO office, Lakeside Discovery, and Northwestern faculty. Engages with peers in Chicago and the Midwest to foster a collaborative biomedical ecosystem Manages execution of experiments and activities to de-risk and progress therapeutics projects towards key investment inflection points Prepare presentations on proposed projects to be evaluated for dissemination to leadership. Miscellaneous Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: PhD in life sciences, MD, or PharmD Exposure to biopharma approach to drug discovery, commercial evaluation of investments in the biotech space, or clinical strategy Interest or passion in driving innovative biomedical research toward patient impact Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.) Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability and initiative to work independently on self-directed projects Confidence with engaging and collaborating with key opinion leaders in a therapeutic field Desire to learn concepts outside of your specific scientific training Target hiring range for this position will be between $75,000 -$85,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more. Visit us at to learn more. Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more. Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more. Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage. The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.