Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative - Consultant - Scientific Affairs - South Asia

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is an international, not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops and delivers new treatments for neglected diseases affecting millions of the world's poorest people. (https://dndi.org/).

DNDi South-Asia was established in 2004. An integral part of DNDi's global network, it mobilizes and supports regional research and science institutions to develop an end-to-end approach to neglected diseases R&D. DNDi aims to co-create sustainable solutions with Indian partners while sharing expertise with the Indian biotechnology industry and ensuring access for patients and public health. It supports the implementation of R&D projects on visceral leishmaniasis, filariasis, pediatric HIV, Dengue, antimicrobial resistance etc.

Purpose of the position:

This position will bring in clinical development expertise along with public-health insights to support the South Asia region in the R&D activities and access to new treatments. It will also support the establishment of relationships with regulatory authorities, healthcare providers, researchers, govt agencies, NGOs, public health officials, donors and other key stakeholders in the region to support feasibility activities and implementation of the projects. The Consultant, Scientific Affairs will work cross-functionally with the disease teams, external affairs, and clinical operations in the region and globally.

The position will therefore provide important scientific input for the implementation of the action plan and support robust R&D pipeline and access strategy in the region. The position can represent DNDi in the region especially at relevant scientific forums.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Through their understanding of drug discovery & development, contribute to DNDI's ongoing projects and towards selection of the exploratory programmes and innovations.

2. Serve as a scientific reference/contact for the South Asia team and contribute to the understanding of emerging information on NTDs prevalent within the region such as Leishmaniasis, Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, Rabies, Mycetoma etc

3. Provide expert in house scientific advice to the DNDi regional team and specific research and analytical support to the Director, South Asia and Head of Operations.

4. Provide feedback to DNDi on the scientific capabilities and resources of potential partners.

5. In close collaboration with the South Asia senior management team, identify short-medium term projects, analyse their scientific rationale and risk/benefit, and initiate a set of pilot projects.

6. Collaborate with Head of External Affairs in preparation of advocacy and policy strategies as well as global positioning in the region (in alignment with global R&D disease strategies).

7. Provide scientific inputs to the Communications team for articles, social media outreach and opinion pieces.

8. Works closely with Head of External Affairs in fundraising efforts/grant applications in the region and globally by providing technical inputs and scientific rationale for proposals.

9. Represent DNDi and attend relevant scientific sessions/ Conferences/meetings / technical donors meetings etc.

10. Support the Head of BD & Alliance Management, South Asia in identifying, evaluating, and establishing new relationships with potential partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research/manufacturing industries (search and evaluation process).

11. Provide support on pharmaceutical regulatory requirements, trends and processes for major international agencies.

12. Work closely with the regional senior management team, participate in the development of regional strategy and in the preparation and implementation of the regional Action Plan under the guidance of the Director, South Asia.

13. Provide scientific inputs in the areas of Visceral Leishmaniasis diagnostics, identifying new local Dengue partners and clinical trial network, and supporting the Discovery consortium.

The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other responsibilities appropriate to your grade. This job description may be subject to review.