| Location | Bethesda, MD |
| Salary | $300–$600 |
Senior Scientific Advisor Pharmacology / Small-Molecule Drug Development
Company: GD Resources LLC
Location: Primarily remote, with required travel to NIH in Bethesda, Maryland
Employment Type: Part-time; contingent upon contract award
Openings: Up to two, subject to Government confirmation
Schedule: Intermittent advisory support, including monthly meetings and additional meetings as needed
About the Opportunity
GD Resources LLC is seeking experienced scientific leaders to support the National Institutes of Health's Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network for Small Molecules. The selected advisor will serve on the program's External Oversight Committee, providing independent scientific assessments and strategic guidance on drug discovery and development projects targeting nervous system conditions.
This opportunity is suited to a senior biopharmaceutical executive or academic drug development leader with substantial pharmacology expertise and experience guiding multidisciplinary research programs.
Responsibilities
Review drug discovery and development projects and provide actionable recommendations to NIH program leadership.
Evaluate pharmacology strategies, research plans, and project milestones for scientific relevance and feasibility.
Assess project progress against established milestones and recommend adjustments when needed.
Identify scientific opportunities, development risks, and potential solutions for projects under consideration or already underway.
Advise on collaboration among research institutions, investigators, consultants, and contract research organizations.
Mentor program and project leaders on drug development management, scientific entrepreneurship, and global regulatory considerations.
Provide feedback supporting projects' scientific and business objectives.
Participate in monthly virtual committee meetings, additional project-specific discussions, and at least one annual in-person NIH meeting.
Prepare or contribute to scientific analyses, recommendations, and documentation as requested.
Protect confidential research information and comply with applicable NIH security, privacy, and data-handling requirements.
Required Qualifications
PhD in pharmacology, organic chemistry, or a related drug development discipline, or an MD, subject to Government acceptance of credentials.
Experience managing drug discovery and development projects in the biopharmaceutical industry or academia at the senior director or executive level.
At least 15 years of executive-level experience providing pharmacology guidance to government agencies, academic institutions, and/or startup companies.
Demonstrated responsibility for operations and budgets.
At least 10 years of experience directing collaborative research involving multiple institutions or teams.
Knowledge and understanding of global regulatory requirements and guidelines.
Ability to communicate complex scientific findings clearly and provide practical recommendations to senior leadership.
Availability for intermittent assignments, scheduled committee meetings, and required domestic travel.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing small-molecule therapies for neurological or other nervous system conditions.
Experience advancing candidates through lead optimization, preclinical development, and early clinical development.
Prior service on scientific advisory boards, external oversight committees, or comparable drug development review panels.
Experience advising NIH-funded programs or working with biotechnology startups.
Workload and Travel
The SOW anticipates approximately 50 hours of support annually, with up to 50 additional optional hours. Final allocation of hours and the number of advisors remain subject to Government confirmation.
Monthly virtual meetings generally last approximately one hour. Additional time will be required for preparation, scientific review, mentoring, and project-specific discussions.
At least one annual in-person meeting at NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, is required. Additional domestic travel may be necessary. Authorized travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with applicable contract requirements.
Anticipated Duration
An approximately one-year initial assignment through November 4, 2027, with the possibility of two additional one-year option periods, subject to contract award and Government exercise of options.
Application Requirements
Through email to Abdel@gdrdefense.com, Please submit:
A detailed CV showing degrees, employment dates, executive responsibilities, and relevant drug development experience.
A brief summary demonstrating your pharmacology advisory experience, operations and budget responsibility, and leadership of research across multiple institutions or teams.
Examples of relevant small-molecule or neuroscience development programs.
Your availability and desired hourly compensation.
GD Resources LLC is an equal opportunity employer.