Vice President of Research and Drug Development

CMT Research Foundation; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on accelerating treatments for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease seeks a Vice President of Research & Drug Development. This role involves shaping scientific strategy, managing research programs, and engaging with partners in the biotech and academic sectors. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biomedical research, proven leadership skills, and a passion for patient-driven research. This position is remote-based within the U.S., offering a chance to make a significant impact in the rare disease space.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Flexible PTO and generous holiday policy

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in biomedical research and/or drug development.
• Specific expertise in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease research and/or drug discovery is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute CMTRF’s scientific strategy in alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Oversee the Foundation’s full research portfolio, including funding decisions and program design.
• Serve as a visible and trusted scientific spokesperson across CMTRF’s stakeholder groups.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Planning

Event Planning

Education

PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree

Job description

Vice President of Research and Drug Development

Vice President of Research and Drug Development

Job Title: Vice President of Research & Drug Development

Reports To: CEO

Direct Reports: 1 (with potential to expand)

Position Summary:

The CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Vice President of Research & Drug Development to lead and expand our scientific programs aimed at delivering treatments and cures for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and executing the Foundation’s scientific strategy, managing a growing portfolio of funded research programs, and serving as a key external ambassador to biotech, pharma, and academic partners—as well as the broader CMT research, patient, and donor communities.

Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President will provide strategic direction to the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and Research Advisory Council (RAC) and serve as the Foundation’s primary scientific voice in strategic planning, partnership development, donor engagement, and community outreach.

This individual will also lead the planning and execution of CMTRF’s annual research convention, ensuring the program is scientifically robust, collaborative in spirit, and aligned with the priorities of the CMT patient community.

About CMTRF:

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Research Foundation is a fast-growing, nimble organization with a singular focus: accelerating the development of treatments and cures for CMT. Founded by patients, CMTRF operates using a venture philanthropy model—investing strategically in high-impact research with strong clinical potential.

Since our founding in 2018, CMTRF has funded 26 research projects across a diverse and growing pipeline that spans early discovery through clinical development. These programs address multiple CMT subtypes and therapeutic modalities, reflecting our deep commitment to innovation, scientific rigor, and patient impact.

As one of the most rapidly advancing organizations in the rare disease space, CMTRF offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of CMT research and bring transformative therapies to the patients who need them most.

Key Responsibilities:

Scientific Strategy & Research Oversight

·Develop and execute CMTRF’s scientific strategy in alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.

·Oversee the Foundation’s full research portfolio, including funding decisions, program design, milestone tracking, and performance evaluation.

·Identify and prioritize high-impact research opportunities with strong translational and therapeutic potential for CMT.

Scientific Leadership & Governance

·Lead and manage the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and Research Advisory Council (RAC), including recruitment, agenda setting, and decision-making frameworks.

External Engagement & Communication

·Serve as a visible and trusted scientific spokesperson across CMTRF’s stakeholder groups, including the CMT patient community, donor base, and scientific partners.

·Regularly communicate research updates in accessible, compelling language for non-scientific audiences through webinars, articles, and presentations.

·Collaborate with the marketing and development teams to support storytelling that inspires philanthropic support and deepens public engagement.

·Plan and lead CMTRF’s annual research convention, including speaker selection, agenda design, logistics coordination, and post-event communications to ensure a high-impact, inclusive experience.

Partnership Development

·Build and manage relationships with academic researchers, biotech/pharma executives, and other mission-aligned funders.

·Represent CMTRF at scientific meetings, industry conferences, and collaborative consortia.

Operational & Team Management

·Supervise one direct report with responsibility for research operations and program execution.

·Partner with the CMTRF’s leadership and development team to support donor communications, scientific reporting, and strategic funding campaigns.

·Serve as the lead scientific communicator for CMTRF’s Board of Directors, providing clear, high-level updates on research strategies, progress, and priorities.

·Ensure compliance with grantmaking policies, budgets, and intellectual property guidelines.

Qualifications:

·PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in neuroscience, genetics, pharmacology, or a related biomedical discipline.

·Minimum of 5 years’ experience in biomedical research and/or drug development, ideally including experience in rare disease or neuromuscular disorders.Specific expertise in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease research and/or drug discovery is preferred.

·Strong understanding of translational science, early-stage drug discovery, and the biotech landscape in CMT and/or other neurological disorders.

·Proven leadership in managing scientific teams or advisory bodies.

·Experience communicating complex scientific content to non-scientific audiences.

·Demonstrated success in event planning, especially scientific convenings or symposia, is a plus.

·Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

·Passion for patient-driven research and mission-focused impact.

Location: Remote (U.S.-based) with occasional travel to conferences and team events.

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Additional benefits include:

·Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance,

·401(k) with employer match (after one year of service),

·Flexible PTO and generous holiday policy,

·Fully Remote with additional travel, as needed,

Learn more about our Scientific Leadership and portfolio of investments at:

CMT Disease & Treatment Research | CMT Research Foundation

Research Advisory Council | CMT Research Foundation

Scientific Advisory Board | CMT Research Foundation

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at CMT Research Foundation by 2x

Get notified about new Vice President Research jobs in United States.

Vice President, Clinical Research FSP Consulting

United States $150,000.00-$170,000.00 3 days ago

Associate Vice President Business Development | Preclinical Discovery CRO

VP, Product Innovation and Experience Design

District of Columbia, United States $225,000.00-$275,000.00 1 week ago

VP, Sales, Marketing & Culinary Strategy

Assistant Vice President – Corporate & Foundation Philanthropy

United States $125,000.00-$150,000.00 3 weeks ago

United States $220,000.00-$250,000.00 2 months ago

United States $160,000.00-$180,000.00 6 days ago

United States $144,278.00-$225,289.00 2 days ago

United States $330,000.00-$387,000.00 6 days ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.