Overview

TITLE: Senior Scientist, Center for Biomedical Research (CBR)

REPORTING TO: Senior Scientist

LOCATION: Center for Biomedical Research (CBR), New York, NY

JOBS SUPERVISED: Lab Manager/Senior Research Investigator, Senior Research Investigator, Senior Research Technician I, Senior Research Technician II, Andrology Lab Manager

ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: Indefinite

POSITION SUMMARY: The Center for Biomedical Research (CBR), Population Council is currently seeking a preclinical Senior Scientist to lead contraception research and development at CBR. For over 60 years, Population Council teams have been developing innovative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) products. Our record of accomplishment speaks for itself: seven currently marketed, FDA-approved products are based on CBR discoveries and inventions.

This position is part of the expansion at CBR and Reproductive Health pharmaceutical development teams.

The Senior Scientist will:

  1. Lead preclinical contraception research and development including identification and validation of novel nonhormonal contraceptive targets, identification and testing of new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), mechanism of action research, and testing in animal models
  2. Lead preclinical contraceptive product testing including pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics and efficacy testing
  3. Secure funding to advance this research through grant writing

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Lead preclinical contraception research and development at CBR
  2. Lead preclinical contraceptive product testing
  3. Supervise and mentor laboratory staff
  4. Design, conduct and/or oversee

in vitro and in vivo experiments

  1. Work in partnership with cross disciplinary project team members to select new APIs and drug delivery systems suitable for formulation development
  2. Lead, write and support grant applications
  3. Provide technical guidance for regulatory submissions for products
  4. Maintain an awareness of and contribute to current scientific literature through publishing in high-impact peer-review journals, while actively applying new concepts as appropriate
  5. Represent the Population Council at scientific conferences

QUALIFICATIONS:

We understand that there are many paths to acquiring expertise and experience and strong candidates may not have every qualification listed here. We encourage applications from individuals who bring passion, skills, and experience in many or most of these areas.

  1. Ph.D. with relevant experience in academia or industry
  2. Minimum 10 years of experience in reproductive physiology and contraception related areas of research
  3. Track record of scientific innovation and publications
  4. Successful fundraising experience, grant writing and other fundraising experience
  5. Experience collaborating with pre-clinical colleagues in product development
  6. Experience in providing support for regulatory submissions (e.g. Investigational New Drug Applications, New Drug Applications)
  7. Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail, efficiency, forward-planning, and follow-through
  8. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and activities while meeting tight deadlines
  9. Proven ability to think critically, proactive in problem-solving and able to manage timelines and priorities
  10. Excellent interpersonal skills: demonstrated ability to effectively engage with a broad range of colleagues and partners at multiple levels, and strong written and oral communication skills
  11. Self-motivated; flexible and adaptable; creative; and hard-working with demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of multi-disciplinary teams
  12. Strong supervisory skills

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary range between $132,000-191,000 annually, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. Excellent benefits package includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance available immediately upon hire;
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution equal to 12% of annual salary (up to a maximum salary of $200,000) after one year of employment;
  • 24 annual and 12 sick days per year (accrued semi-monthly) *
  • Approximately 10 paid holidays;
  • 13 weeks of paid parental leave;
  • Educational assistance*
  • College tuition support for dependents**

We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development.

  • Pro-rated for part-time staff who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
  • *Employees must work full-time to be eligible for this benefit

Application Deadline: October 28, 2025

When applying through the web portal please attach your CV and Cover Letter in Word or PDF format.

The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of country offices. We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in this position, please apply at: http://www.popcouncil.org/employment/index.asp.

The Population Council provides equal opportunity; it does not discriminate against any person with regard to age, color, creed, national origin, disability, political belief, veteran status, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual’s qualifications as related to the position for which they are being considered. The Population Council is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities.