Healthcare Policy Lobbyist (Biotech)

About the Initiative

The Clinical Trial Abundance Initiative aims to overhaul the U.S. clinical trial landscape, which currently involves lengthy durations, high expenses, and complex outdated regulations, resulting in fewer developed therapies. This new founder-led project, supported by leading science philanthropies, targets federal policy reform in clinical trial conduct to enable significantly faster, more affordable, and simplified studies. With the upcoming 2027 reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) as a strategic opportunity, the initiative plans to build enduring momentum by learning from effective models abroad such as Australia's notification system and reforms in the UK.

Role Overview

This position focuses solely on policy and legislative reforms to speed up, reduce costs, and simplify clinical trial processes; it does not involve operational tasks or trial access initiatives related to diversity or equity. The role serves as a founding leadership post, collaborating closely with the Chief Science Officer to establish the initiative's foundations. Immediate responsibilities include engaging with congressional staff, FDA officials, and industry leaders to influence the legislative agenda shaping the PDUFA 2027 reauthorization. The longer-term goal entails forming a powerful coalition encompassing companies, investors, researchers, patient groups, and policymakers to advance clinical trial abundance beyond 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the initiative's primary representative in discussions with legislators, agency staff, health system executives, and biotech industry leaders, building broad trust and credibility.
• Develop and advance a detailed reform agenda addressing the cost, speed, and complexity of clinical trials targeted at the 2027 PDUFA reauthorization and its enactment.
• Create and manage a broad coalition of stakeholders including companies, investors, patient and research organizations, and allied policymakers, establishing a lasting movement.
• Convert complex scientific and regulatory reform concepts into persuasive arguments tailored for diverse audiences, working in partnership with the Chief Science Officer.
• Strategize the initiative's activities beyond 2027 to focus on sustained field-building rather than single legislative victories.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Established expertise in biotech, life sciences, or FDA/clinical trial policy, with a focus on subject matter proficiency rather than general government affairs.
• Proven ability to gain respect from senior stakeholders across Hill offices, federal agencies, industry executives, investors, and academic researchers.
• Demonstrated experience in building durable organizations or coalitions, not limited to short-term legislative victories.
• Strong understanding of reform arguments that reduce obstacles, expense, and delays between scientific innovation and patient access.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with PDUFA or related user-fee reauthorizations and FDA review pathway reforms.
• Knowledge of international regulatory frameworks including those of Australia, the UK, and the EU.
• Existing network connections across biotech, investing, research, and policy sectors in Washington DC.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range of $200,000 to $250,000 USD.
• Private health insurance coverage.
• Paid time off provided.
• Flexible work arrangements including the option to work from home.
• Access to training and professional development resources.