[e-drug] Vacancy TAG Basic Science Project Director

[Mark Harrington <markharrington@aol.com>]

E-drug: Vacancy TAG Basic Science Project Director
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[Cross posted from Pharm-policy. Thanks. HH]

Please circulate this job description for the new position of Basic
Science Project Director to anyone you think might be interested.
We also have a Policy Director position open; see the TAG website
for more information.

Thanks.

Mark Harrington
Senior Policy Director
Treatment Action Group
350 Seventh Ave. Suite 1603
New York, NY 10001
212.353.8430 - work phone
212.971.9022 - TAG phone
212.971.9019 - TAG fax
alacran7@aol.com / markharrington@aol.com
www.treatmentactiongroup.org

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BASIC SCIENCE PROJECT DIRECTOR

Treatment Action Group

Job Description

The Treatment Action Group (TAG), a New York-based AIDS
research and treatment advocacy non-profit organization, seeks a
candidate for the position of Basic Science Project Director.

Job Description. The Basic Science Project Director will be
responsible for developing and implementing TAG policy, programs
and advocacy projects focusing on basic and applied research on
HIV infection, including:

- Etiology & pathogenesis of HIV infection;
- Epidemiology & natural history of HIV infection;
- Fundamental primate & human immunology;
- HIV virology, viral dynamics, and virus-host interactions;
- Discovery and pre-clinical development of potential drugs against
  new anti-HIV targets;
- Discovery & development of anti-HIV vaccines;
- Discovery & development of anti-HIV (and anti-STD)
  microbicides;
- Discovery & development of immune-based therapies (IBTs)
  useful for treating HIV infection; and
- Other relevant basic, pre-clinical and early clinical research
  relevant to TAG's mission of expediting research leading to more
  effective treatments, a vaccine, and a cure for HIV infection.

The Basic Science Project Director will report directly to TAG's
Senior Policy Director and will work closely with other TAG policy
and program staff and consultants, developing and implementing
advocacy strategies to ensure the most expeditious, ethical and
efficacious development of useful new drugs, biologics, treatment
regimens and strategies to treat HIV in the USA and internationally. 
The Basic Science Project Director will develop, implement, and
advocate for TAG's basic science and immunology research
advocacy efforts with other HIV community advocates and
organizations as well as with the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and
diagnostics industries, academic and community based researchers,
clinicians, U.S. government agencies such as the Food & Drug
Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), and
other local, state, and national AIDS research, treatment and
policy-making bodies as well as organizations such as UNAIDS, the
World Health Organization (WHO), and other multilateral agencies
and foundations.

Background.  Since its foundation in 1992 the Treatment Action
Group (TAG) has focused on advocacy activities directed at
expanding and coordinating AIDS research efforts to expedite the
development of better treatments, a cure, and a vaccine. TAG staff
conduct intensive research investigations into the program activities
of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), other Federal agencies,
the drug and biotechnology industries, and national and
international agencies responding to the global pandemic. We then
formulate policy recommendations based on these investigations
and work to implement our recommendations. We also propose
policy options to Congress and the Administration, publicize our
positions with the media, and work with other community-based
organizations to strengthen and broaden the base of AIDS research
and treatment advocacy, both domestically and internationally.

Some key TAG interventions with respect to the basic research of
HIV infection include:

- AIDS Research at the NIH: A Critical Review by Gregg Gonsalves
  & Mark Harrington (1992);
- The Basic Science of HIV Infection: A Report from the Front by
  Gregg Gonsalves (1993);
- The Report of the AIDS Research Program Evaluation Working
  Group (the Levine Committee); March/July 1996 [TAG staff and
  volunteers played key roles on all aspects of the Levine
  Committee and its critique of NIH programs];
- A workshop on HIV Sanctuary Sites cosponsored with amfAR
  and NIAID, spring 1999;
- A workshop on New Targets for HIV Therapy, cosponsored with
  amfAR and NIAID, spring 2000.

TAG reports are available on our website at
http://www.treatmentactiongroup.org. TAG publishes a monthly
newsletter, TAGline, which is distributed in print and on our
website.

TAG staff work out of home offices equipped with computer,
phone, fax and modem. TAG also has a small central office in New
York City. Software used includes MS Excel, Office, PowerPoint
and Word, and Corel WordPerfect. Staff travel frequently to
research and treatment meetings and conferences.

Basic Research Priorities for 2001-2002. Particular foci for TAG's
basic research advocacy program in 2001-2002 include:

- Strengthening the base of fundamental research programs
  sponsored by NIH and other agencies focusing on primate and
  human immunology;
- Strengthening the science and resource base for the
  identification of new drug targets and the development of new
  classes of antiretroviral drugs;
- Research on differing immune responses to HIV infection based
  on genetic, environmental, coinfection, geographical,
  socioeconomic, and other factors, including such groups as
  exposed uninfected (EU) individuals, long-term non-progressors
  (LTNPs), those with partial genetic protection against or
  vulnerability to infection, those responding to structured
  treatment interruptions (STIs), etc.
- Discovery and development of potential anti-HIV immune-based
  therapies, and research on the interrelation between the immune
  system, HIV, and antiretroviral therapy (including strategies such
  as intermittent therapy);
- Strengthening the science and resource base for HIV vaccine
  discovery and development; and 
- Strengthening the science and resource base for HIV and STD
  microbicide development;

The Basic Science Project Director will be expected to keep track of
current scientific and popular literature on the basic and applied
science of HIV infection and the immune system; to attend national
and international research conferences; to develop written and oral
policy materials; to develop educational and advocacy material for
TAG publications and website; to speak with the press on behalf of
TAG; and to participate in community-based, government and
industry-related panels and committees which develop AIDS
research and treatment policy. The position involves substantial
travel time, both domestic and international.

Qualifications.  The Basic Science Project Director should be an
experienced AIDS treatment advocate or educator with a
broad-based understanding of AIDS research, treatment, policy and
education programs and realities. The Basic Science Project Director
should be someone who is highly motivated and able to work on
his/her own, a good team player comfortable functioning in a
virtual, geographically dispersed team, and capable of fulfilling a
broad and diverse array of responsibilities.

TAG encourages applications from those active either in AIDS or
community-based organizations but will consider applications from
others with significant relevant experienced in allied fields, including
research or health related public policy.

Compensation & Benefits.  The salary will be commensurate with
the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected. TAG
offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care,
mental and dental benefits and long-term disability.

About TAG.  Treatment Action Group (TAG), a not-for-profit,
501(c)3 organization, was founded in 1992. TAG fights to find a
cure for AIDS and to ensure that all people living with HIV receive
the necessary treatment, care, and information they need to save
their lives. TAG focuses on the AIDS research effort, both public
and private, the drug development process, and our nation's health
care delivery systems. We meet with researchers, pharmaceutical
companies and government officials, and resort when necessary to
acts of civil disobedience, or to acts of Congress. We strive to
develop the scientific and political expertise needed to transform
policy. TAG is committed to working for and with all communities
affected by HIV. TAG is an equal opportunity/ADA compliant
employer.

To Apply.  Interested candidates should send a letter expressing
their qualifications and interest in the position with a resumé/C.V.
and three references with contact information to:

      Basic Science Project Director Search
      c/o Regina Gillis
      Treatment Action Group (TAG)
      350 Seventh Ave. Ste. 1603
      New York, NY 10001


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