The Scientific Venture Associate helps identify, evaluate, and advance investment opportunities for the Gund Vision Fund that have the potential to transform the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Working at the intersection of science, biotechnology, and investing, this individual will support all stages of the investment process, including opportunity sourcing, due diligence, investment analysis, and portfolio monitoring.
This is a unique opportunity for a scientist with a strong understanding of therapeutic development to help shape the future of retinal disease treatment. Working at the intersection of science, biotechnology, and investing, you'll evaluate breakthrough innovations, support the growth of emerging companies, and help advance therapies that have the potential to meaningfully improve the lives of people affected by retinal diseases.
The Gund Vision Fund (formerly the RD Fund), the venture philanthropy arm of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, invests in companies developing treatments and cures for inherited retinal diseases and dry AMD. By combining scientific expertise with mission-driven investing, the Fund helps bridge the gap between promising discoveries and therapies that can people affected by retinal diseases.
Responsibilities include:
- Support all stages of new investment evaluation, including:
- Sourcing and screening new investment opportunities
- Conducting scientific, clinical, and commercial due diligence
- Preparing and presenting investment memos and recommendations
- Analyze the inherited retinal disease (IRD) and dry AMD therapeutic landscape and market trends to assess scientific merit, competitive dynamics, and ROI potential
- Participate in Board meetings, contributing diligence findings and investment analyses to discussions
- Collaborate with internal fundraising teams to support Fund campaign, including preparing and updating marketing collateral for major donors
Essential Qualifications
- An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Biomedical science
- Proven scientific track record with a deep understanding of retinal biology
- Venture-backed Industry experience and strong familiarity with company startups
- General understanding of the current industry trends and competitive landscape
- Therapeutic research and development experience
- Working knowledge of data analysis, performance, and operational metrics
- Entrepreneurial and self-starting, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills
- Exceptional judgment, trust, integrity, sensitivity, diplomacy, and attention to detail
Position Specifics:
- Schedule: Full‑time, Monday–Friday, with flexibility; occasional evenings and weekends required for events
- Work Environment: This is a work‑from‑home position, but not a “work from anywhere” role. Candidates residing in or near the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Boston area, North Carolina Research Triangle region will receive first consideration.
- Starting Salary Range: $135k-$155k annually. This is the anticipated hiring range for the position. Final offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, skills, geographic labor market considerations, and internal equity with comparable roles.
- Additional Compensation: Annual Bonus Eligible up to 8%
- Tools & support: Company-provided HP or Mac laptop, monitor, printer, and a $120 monthly technology stipend
- Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
- People management: No direct reports
Skills Required
- Advanced degree in biomedical science
- PhD in biomedical science
- Proven scientific track record with deep understanding of retinal biology
- Venture-backed industry experience and familiarity with startups
- Understanding of current industry trends and competitive landscapes
- Therapeutic research and development experience
- Working knowledge of data analysis, performance metrics, and operational metrics
- Ability to work entrepreneurially, independently, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills
- Exceptional judgment, trust, integrity, sensitivity, diplomacy, and attention to detail
What We Do
Foundation Fighting Blindness is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving research for preventions, treatments, and cures for people affected by blinding retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Usher syndrome. The foundation funds innovative research in genetics, gene and stem-cell therapies, and pharmaceutical therapies to accelerate the development of efficacious treatments and restore vision for millions worldwide.
