About Character Biosciences

Character Biosciences is a precision medicine company pioneering targeted therapies for polygenic diseases, with an initial focus on ophthalmology. Our patient data platform integrates genomics with deep, longitudinal clinical and imaging data, enabling us to uncover genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics, and define patient stratification strategies that improve clinical success.

Our interdisciplinary team, comprising experts in clinical science, data science, statistical genetics, computer vision, and drug discovery, utilizes this platform to determine genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics and define genetics-based patient stratification. Powered by our data platform, Character Bio is currently advancing two programs in Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with additional programs for other disease areas (e.g. Glaucoma) in earlier stages of discovery research.

Founded in 2018, Character has raised capital from leading investors at the intersection of healthcare and technology, including an oversubscribed $110+ million Series B in 2025 co-led by aMoon and Luma Group, with participation from Bausch + Lomb, Sanofi Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Catalio Capital Management, S32, KdT Ventures, and Jefferson Life Sciences. We also maintain a multi-target drug discovery collaboration with Bausch + Lomb to develop innovative precision medicines for AMD.

Role: Associate Director/Director, Network and Provider Engagement

Reports to: Head, Clinical Network & Longitudinal Research

Department: Clinical Research

Team: Observational Research

Level: Associate Director / Director

Location: Jersey City, NJ

The Opportunity:

As our Associate Director/Director, Network & Provider Engagement, you will own the strategy and management of Character Bio’s research provider network. You will be accountable for building, expanding, and optimizing relationships with clinical sites, providers, key opinion leaders, healthcare systems, and academic partners to meet the company’s research and scalability goals. This role leads all aspects of network operations - including performance targets, partner satisfaction, budget oversight, contracting, operational efficiency, and the development and execution of scalable processes that support multi-site research activities.

You will work both independently and cross-functionally, collaborating with teams in operations, data, clinical development, data science, and corporate strategy. You will identify and resolve complex operational and logistical challenges, drive continuous process improvement, and an escalation point for provider and site issues that go beyond individual studies/trials. As a leader, you will represent the provider network in strategic planning and internal discussions and have significant input into the direction of Character Bio’s broader research execution capabilities.

This is a hybrid role based at our headquarters in Jersey City, NJ. Remote work may be considered.


Key Responsibilities:

• Network Strategy & Performance
• Define and drive the strategic vision for expanding and optimizing a high-performing clinical research provider network that aligns with Character Bio’s portfolio and business objectives.
• Own the network’s performance metrics, including enrollment timelines, data quality, compliance, and partner satisfaction; report on trends and drive initiatives to improve results with cross functional teams.
• Assess network capacity and identify gaps and opportunities for expansion, process improvements, and/or new partnership models.

Relationship Management & Senior Partner Engagement

• Serve as the senior relationship owner and escalation point for provider leadership, developing long-term, trust-based partnerships at both the organizational and site level.
• Lead negotiations for complex and high-value partnership agreements, ensuring alignment on budget, contract terms, and operational models.
• Proactively identify and address barriers to collaboration or execution, including site onboarding, performance issues, or feedback.

Operational Leadership & Process Innovation

• Lead all contracting and budgeting activities with provider sites and healthcare networks, ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective execution.
• Oversee network operations to meet study goals, balancing rigor with innovative solutions that integrate interventional and observational work.
• Establish and standardize operational processes for site onboarding, technology adoption, and long-term network engagement.
• Drive implementation of technology or workflow improvements to enhance site performance, program efficiency, and data flow.

Cross-Functional & Strategic Stakeholder Leadership

• Lead coordination and alignment with teams across operations, data quality, clinical development, and data science to ensure the provider network enables and accelerates program needs.
• Share actionable insights from across the provider network to inform internal decision-making and program strategy.
• Represent network perspectives in executive or cross-organizational meetings and contribute to the strategic planning process for new research initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience in network or provider management, site operations, or alliance management within clinical research, biotech, or healthtech.
• Demonstrated success in owning, building, and sustaining multi-site provider or research networks, ideally in a leadership capacity.
• Hands-on experience with research site contracting, budgeting, budget management, and operational logistics.
• Experienced in managing or leading teams, including hiring and performance management.
• Track record of delivering operational improvements, process standardization, and/or technology implementation.
• Strong collaborator and communicator, able to engage credibly with stakeholders at all levels (internal/external, clinical/operational/executive).
• Tech-forward, organized, and able to thrive in a fast-changing, cross-functional environment.
• Mission and patient-driven, solutions-oriented, and energized by advancing science that helps patients.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in genomics, ophthalmology, or data-driven research environments.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual pay range for this full-time position is $170,000-$200,000 + equity + benefits
This salary range represents the expected base compensation for this role and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, and level.

Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), an accrued paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture.

EEO Statement

Character Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.