THE COMPANY:  The T1D Fund

The T1D Fund is a venture philanthropy fund accelerating life-changing solutions to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our aim is to attract and deploy capital to advance promising disease modifying therapies and provide cures for those living with T1D.  We are the first scaled, mission-driven venture philanthropy fund focused on equity investments in partnership with additional sources of capital, including venture capital, corporations, and foundations. By investing in areas strategically aligned with the JDRF, we can exclusively focus on supporting innovative approaches and novel mechanisms with curative potential.  We are a mission driven organization that continues to support companies that play a role in the discovery and therapeutic development of effective solutions to T1D.

Launched in 2016, the T1D Fund has grown its assets to approximately $200 million assets under management with a staff of more than ten professionals.  The Fund has made investments in more than forty portfolio companies across a spectrum of approaches applicable to T1D totaling approximately $125 million with several successful exits returning more than $100 million to the Fund; cash on hand exceeds $125 million.  The Fund will continue to be a highly active investor playing various roles within its world-class co-investor syndicates.

The T1D fund is a wholly owned, independently governed not-for-profit subsidiary of the JDRF, the largest nonprofit funder of T1D research (~$2B over the last 50 years). Success is enhanced by the Fund’s relationship with JDRF, yet the Fund is governed as a separate vehicle with an independent investment team, board, and investment committee, allowing for nimble and effective decision making.  This new model has been highly visible, with coverage in outlets including the New York Times, Bloomberg TV, BioCentury, Venture Capital Journal, Axios, and the Boston Business Journal.

OPPORTUNITY:

The JDRF T1D Fund is seeking an Associate to assist the team with investment strategy (initial and follow-on investments) and execution on both the private and public facing sides. This role will be responsible for sourcing and evaluating potential investments, performing due diligence, executing deals, and conducting ongoing support and portfolio management of our companies.  The Associate will also drive collaboration with the JDRF teams, particularly with the research strategy team, to support our portfolio companies while furthering our goal around cures for T1D.   

POSITION:

This role provides a unique opportunity within life science venture capital to be part of a venture philanthropy effort driving new investments in strategic partnership with a leading disease focused foundation (JDRF).  The T1D Fund is focused on investing in type 1 diabetes (T1D) opportunities across a range of modalities, clinical stages, financial stages, and geography.

The Associate will be expected to operate in a fast paced, start-up like environment and exhibit independence and leadership capabilities.  The position will often interact with our external stakeholders in industry and venture capital as well as our counterparts at the JDRF. The position will be based in Boston, and currently is a hybrid work from office model (generally, three days per week in office).  The position will require occasional travel.  The position is available immediately and has long-term potential for advancement within the T1D Fund.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct scientific and business due diligence on investment opportunities in partnership with internal JDRF staff and external experts.
• Assist in sourcing new investment opportunities by analyzing scientific and market data, building industry relationships, and attending industry events.
• Support portfolio company investments by coordinating interactions and conducting alliance management activities between the company, the T1D Fund, JDRF, and external KOLs (typically structured as a Program Advisory Committee).
• Build and maintain knowledge on scientific topics in T1D including disease pathogenesis, pre-clinical models, existing and novel intervention targets, therapeutic modalities, and commonalities with related autoimmune or regenerative indications.
• Build and maintain knowledge on drug development topics in T1D including clinical strategy, regulatory environment, competitive landscape, industry BD&L, clinical study readouts and other key developments.
• Prepare and maintain internal documentation on potential investments, portfolio companies, and scientific and therapeutic landscapes related to T1D.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience in venture capital, life sciences consulting, investment banking, equity research or business or corporate development is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated passion for life sciences with an advanced degree in a relevant discipline (generally, a PhD and/or MD).
• Must have a strong interest in working for a mission-driven, team-oriented organization.
• Ability to work and exhibit leadership in a dynamic, fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Must be able to pro-actively prioritize competing demands and deliver high-quality results.
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with Type 1 Diabetes or related therapeutic areas or disciplines (immunology, metabolic disease, regenerative medicine, etc.) is a plus but not a requirement.