What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director, Science & Technology Develop position at The North Carolina Biotechnology Center?
Job Description
Job Description
Do you love the life sciences and North Carolina? Do you have a deep interest in translating promising academic research technologies and discoveries with potential for solving some of the most difficult life sciences challenges in North Carolina? If yes, apply now! Early application is encouraged and a cover letter is required.
About NCBiotech
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center is a private, state-funded, non-profit with a mission to advance life sciences in North Carolina. The Science and Technology Development team is critical to this mission as the primary team focused on advancing university life sciences discoveries towards commercialization. The NC Biotechnology Center is currently seeking a Senior Director to join this team.
Purpose
The Senior Director develops, manages, and markets grant programs through which the Center makes strategic investments to support life sciences innovations and related resources at North Carolina universities and research institutions. In this capacity, the Senior Director plays a key role in positioning promising, research-based innovations for further commercial development. The Senior Director has primary accountability for one or more of the Science & Technology Development (SciTech) Unit’s research grant programs and provides significant secondary support for all others. The Senior Director is also responsible for fostering effective relationships between key stakeholders along the technology development continuum, including universities, companies, and life sciences talent.
Supervisory Responsibility
Defines projects for hiring, training, direction, and supervision of Unit interns.
Essential Duties
Grant Program Management
Administers and provides oversight and guidance for the Translational Research Grant and the Flash Grant programs.
Provides support and project assistance as needed for the Innovation Impact Grant (IIG).
The Senior Director provides significant support for all Unit grant programs through a variety of activities, which include : Assess grant proposals for eligibility, degree-of-fit with program goals, and technical and commercial merit; performs supporting due diligence as necessary. Identifies and solicits technical experts with relevant domain experience as grant reviewers; interprets and compiles reviewer input and resolves review discrepancies. Makes funding recommendations and writes detailed funding recommendation reports. Presents funding recommendations to the Vice President, Senior Vice President, President / CEO and / or the Science, Education and Technology (SET) Committee for approval.
Additionally, for those grant programs for which the Senior Director has primary accountability, the employee is responsible for executing and / or coordinating all operational aspects, which include :
- Delegate tasks across the team.
- Communicate directly with prospective grant applicants upon request via pre-submission consultations or other means to discuss program eligibility and guidelines.
- Answer questions or provide feedback on draft proposals.
- Communicate award decisions to applicants.
- Provide public information summaries of awards made.
- Review and approve project progress reports.
- Conduct site visits to assess awardee progress, if needed.
Program Planning and Marketing
For those grant programs for which the Senior Director has primary accountability, the Employee is responsible for all planning activities, which includes :
Targeted mailings
SciTech and NCBiotech
Represents the SciTech Unit to the external community and on standing or ad hoc Center teams.
Identifies and engages in professional development and other opportunities that will continually update and expand the Employee’s knowledge and skill set and will enable the Employee to more effectively contribute to the Center’s mission and strategy. Such opportunities will be undertaken in consultation with the supervisor and include participation in courses, membership in relevant professional societies (e.g., AUTM) and networking within key communities.
Other Duties
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of broad segments of the biological, chemical, and / or biotechnology sciences, including technical training.
Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of scientific research, including the principles of sound experimental study design.
Considerable knowledge of intellectual property protection, technology transfer, licensing and technology development planning as they relate to the commercialization of university innovations.
Demonstrated knowledge of the process and components of biotechnology product and community development including product development, financing, regulatory requirements, manufacturing, and economic / workforce development.
Experience in evaluating early-stage life sciences technologies for technical merit and commercial potential.
Experience in grants review protocols, processes, and procedures.
Strong data and analytical skills, including scientific curiosity and an aptitude for assimilating and summarizing life sciences-related information.
Proficiency with project management.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms to a variety of technical and lay audiences. Ability to summarize and transform complex technical information into concise and actionable deliverables, including reports, presentations and briefings.
Strong attention to detail is paramount.
Demonstrates initiative and self-motivation in planning, prioritizing and executing duties. Ability to plan and organize work independently with minimum supervision and complete work objectives in a timely manner. Ability to cultivate effective working relationships with Center staff, corporate and academic scientists, research administrators and the public.
Knowledge of state, federal and private agencies supporting the biotechnology industry; knowledge of traditional and innovative funding resources to support basic and applied science.
Expertise utilizing Microsoft Office software; Proficiency with other digital tools critical to the role, such as customer relationship manager (CRM) systems and grants tracking software is a plus.
Exhibits qualities expected of a member of a small, highly functioning team. Demonstrate teamwork, reliability, timeliness, accountability and professional respect for colleagues at all times.
Education and Experience Requirements
Preferred – A Ph.D., MBA with a strong scientific background, M.D., or Pharm.D. degree in the life sciences is required. Four years of progressively responsible experience working in a corporate R&D, academic research, or technology transfer environment.
Minimum – A bachelor's degree and more than 10 years experience working in a corporate R&D, academic research, or technology transfer environment.
Salary and Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits offered include 23 days of PTO plus 10 holidays and a floating holiday of your choosing per year. Generous sick, bereavement and volunteer leave are also provided. NCBiotech has a commitment to continuous learning and development, expecting 5% of employee time spent on related activities. Attendance and participation in professional associations is expected and supported.
How to Apply
Apply online with a cover letter and resume. Early application is encouraged.
NCBiotech provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.