Scientific Abstract and Publications Associate

ISCT is a global organization of clinicians, scientists, regulators, technologists and industry partners driving the clinical translation of scientific research to deliver innovative cell and gene therapies to patients. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, ISCT global head office facilitates the interaction between academia, regulators, and the biotech/pharma sector to enable the translation of research into safe and effective therapies for patients globally.

The ISCT team is committed to the organization’s vision to be the global leader in cell and gene therapy, the fastest growing scientific and innovative medical field today. If you are a driven and ambitious individual who wants to make a difference by supporting the brightest minds in the advanced therapies field, we want to hear from you.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Scientific Abstract and Publications Associate reports to the Manager, Scientific Program Management, and is responsible for overseeing the abstract process and supporting the development of the scientific program for ISCT’s global scientific conferences, which bring together 4,000+ healthcare professionals working in the translation of cell and gene therapies.

Overseeing the submission and review process for 600-900 abstract submissions across multiple conferences, the selected candidate will manage large data sets and develop reports on key abstract metrics and trends (e.g., abstract submissions and future expected submissions, submissions by categories, submitter demographics, reviewer scoring etc.). Working closely with the marketing team, the selected candidate will promote opportunities to present abstracts at ISCT’s global scientific conferences in order to maximize submission numbers.

The selected candidate will also support the Society’s official journal, Cytotherapy, serving as the primary liaison between the Editorial Leadership, publishing partners, and ISCT Head Office to ensure the effective operation, promotion, and strategic advancement of the journal. In this role, the individual will coordinate editorial activities, support stakeholder engagement, and drive initiatives to enhance the journal’s visibility and impact within the global cell and gene therapy community.

As Scientific Abstract and Publications Associate will regularly communicate with external and ISCT internal stakeholders, the selected candidate is expected to have excellent communication skills and to operate with the professionalism required when working with global key opinion leaders. To succeed in this role, the candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, have excellent attention to detail and time-management skills, and be resourceful in pursuit of objectives.

Salary band: $60,000-65,000 depending on relevant experience.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee abstract submission and review process for ISCT’s global scientific conferences

• Set-up online abstract submission and review platform
• Capture abstract submission metrics and develop reports on key data and trends
• Serve as ISCT point of contact for all abstract related communications and respond to queries in a timely and professional manner
• Oversee review process of abstracts by ISCT standing committees
• Coordinate with publisher to develop 300+ page abstract book

Administrative support to program planning committees for ISCT’s global scientific conferences

• Perform market research to support development and upkeep of comprehensive database of timely and critical topics and potential speakers to invite
• Support research into sector trends and needs to inform program development
• Draft invitations for committee members and maintain updated database of committee membership
• Schedule meetings for committees and committee members
• Prepare supporting materials for meetings and capture concise meeting minutes and takeaways

Oversee operation of Cytotherapy, the official scientific journal of ISCT

• Prepare meeting agendas, document official minutes, and track outstanding action items across weekly check-ins with the Editor-in-Chief, monthly meetings with the Publisher, and quarterly Associate Editor meetings.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for the journal between the publisher and internal stakeholders.
• Update and audit the internal journal article tracker and review status reports to monitor the pipeline of commissioned work.
• Lead initiatives to increase the visibility and impact of Cytotherapy through engagement, website updates, e-blast campaigns, and updates to promotional and presentation materials.
• Execute other ad hoc tasks as required to support the operational success and visibility of the journal.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrate an ability to manage large data sets and pull reports clearly and concisely highlighting relevant data and trends
• Post-secondary degree required (equivalent professional experience will be considered). Business or science background will be considered an asset.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and quality
• Strong time-management skills and ability to handle multiple competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience in customer facing roles will be considered an asset
• High degree of professionalism and strong business acumen when interacting with stakeholders and executing workflows
• Ambition to thrive in a fast-paced environment under own initiative
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL

• Be a proactive, team-oriented individual
• Be adept at self-education and resourceful in overcoming obstacles
• Demonstrate global cultural awareness/sensitivity and flexibility to adapt to working across global time zones

This position will be located at ISCT Head Office in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Candidates must be able to legally work full time in Canada (Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, work permit, etc.). This is an opportunity to work on a high performance team in a business-oriented, creative and dynamic office environment