Position Overview:

Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) is a leading voice in the cancer research and policy field, driving collaboration among policymakers, industry, researchers, and patient advocates to accelerate the delivery of life-saving treatments. Friends aims to accelerate cutting edge cancer care that both extends and improves quality of life for patients. To accomplish this, we leverage groundbreaking collaborations, generate scientific evidence, and integrate patient input to shape public policy.

We are seeking a professional with a terminal degree (e.g., M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.) to join our scientific team as a Science Policy Analyst (title and salary commensurate with experience). The Science Policy Analyst will play a key role in implementing a range of exciting initiatives designed to facilitate a policy dialogue between scientists, advocates, and policy makers to create solutions that accelerate the delivery of better treatments to patients. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with changemakers across different health sectors, advancing initiatives that address cutting-edge policy challenges at the intersection of science, technology, and regulation. While our work spans a range of data and policy initiatives to support our mission, we are particularly interested in candidates with a deep knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), clinical trials, drug and diagnostic development, emerging technologies, and biomarker and translational research. 

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Lead complex research projects comprised of multidisciplinary teams to advance the development and implementation of solutions to expedite the availability of innovative cancer treatments for patients. Responsibilities include facilitating meetings, synthesizing findings, developing white papers or manuscripts, and ensuring the projects progress in a timely manner. 
  • Contribute to science-based policy agendas, including developing conference issue briefs, comprehensive policy white papers, health research studies, congressional testimony, and position statements. 
  • Help organize educational meetings, symposia, and briefings by selecting topics, developing background materials and briefing packets for participants, and contributing to material to share with the media, other advocacy groups, and elected officials. 
  • Monitor, track and analyze key scientific issues relevant to the organization’s mission of advancing cancer research and treatment. 
  • Assist in the substantive preparation of science-related public presentations.  
  • Conduct original health policy research studies for publication in peer reviewed journals. 
  • Develop policy recommendations and advocacy strategies for medical research and science issues.   
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.  

 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Terminal degree (e.g., M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.) in a science-related field 
  • Background in oncology or a related field, with an understanding of drug and diagnostic development 
  • General understanding of healthcare policy and legislative processes 
  • High-quality written and verbal communication skills 
  • Experience organizing and coordinating educational events, including scientific forums and small group meetings 
  • Outstanding organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 
  • A self-starter with creativity and initiative 
  • Willingness to work in a collaborative office setting 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Familiarity with advancing healthcare innovation, oncology research, and regulatory science through data-driven approaches and policy development 
  • Understanding of emerging technologies and methodologies in cancer research, such as biomarker development, precision medicine, and companion diagnostics, as well as the policy considerations associated with these areas 
  • Experience analyzing and interpreting healthcare data to inform policy decisions, including familiarity with tools and methods used in regulatory decision-making and evidence generation 
  • Strong background in FDA policy and regulatory affairs 
  • Proven experience conducting original health policy research studies and publishing in peer-reviewed journals 
  • Experience with stakeholder engagement and collaborative policy development in the science and healthcare sectors
      

Location: Must be based in the Washington, D.C. area (with some remote flexibility)

 

Why Join Friends of Cancer Research?  

  • Opportunity to make a significant impact on advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes.  
  • Be part of a dynamic, mission-driven team committed to driving innovation and change in cancer care.  
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.  


Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience, strength of candidacy, and salary requirements to jobs@focr.org with “Science Policy Analyst” in the subject line.

 

Friends of Cancer Research is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.  

 

Job Category:

Executive/Exempt

Location:

1800 M Street NW, Suite 1050 South Washington, DC 20036