[Hiring] Scientific Venture Associate @Foundation Fighting Blindness

Role Description

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). This individual will support all stages of the investment process, including:

• Sourcing and screening new investment opportunities
• Conducting scientific, clinical, and commercial due diligence
• Preparing and presenting investment memos and recommendations
• Analyzing the inherited retinal disease (IRD) and dry AMD therapeutic landscape and market trends to assess scientific merit, competitive dynamics, and ROI potential
• Participating in Board meetings, contributing diligence findings and investment analyses to discussions
• Collaborating with internal fundraising teams to support Fund campaigns, including preparing and updating marketing collateral for major donors

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

Requirements

• 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