The $3 billion California stem cell agency could well have a
non-scientist as its new president as it pushes to develop commercial
products and develop future funding sources for the nine-year-old
research enterprise.
Directors of the agency meet next week to settle on the criteria
for the new CEO, who directors would like to see in place as soon as
possible. Specifically missing from the board's latest wish list is a
requirement that the individual be a scientist or researcher.
Instead, the criteria say candidates should have “experience with
and personal commitment to medical and scientific research including
familiarity with stem cell research.”
In terms of academic credentials, the proposed criteria specify
either or both an M.D. or Ph.D. degree or “equivalent industry
experience or similar body of knowledge developed in professional
roles.”
That sort of broad description could mean several things. One is
that the board already has a candidate in mind and directors don't
want to hampered by perceptions that only a scientist can run CIRM,
as the agency is known. The description also significantly widens
the field of possible candidates, virtually inviting non-scientists
to apply for the position, which carries a salary of up to $548,788 annually.
The criteria, however, make it clear that candidates should be
heavyweights in development of scientific products. The agency wants
tested leaders of scientific organizations, experience with R&D,
including the regulatory process for development of new treatments,
and persons who have no problem shutting down projects that aren't
going anywhere.
The latest job description for the person to replace CIRM
President Alan Trounson, an internationally known scientist, came
together after an earlier meeting of the board's Presidential Search
Subcommittee, which will review and perhaps modify it at a public
meeting Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. Then the full board will act on it
during its two-day meeting Dec. 11-12, also in Los Angeles.
Teleconference locations for both public meetings can be found on
their agendas, which are here and here.
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