Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub – Industry Partnership Manager

Job Summary

Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) (the ‘Hub’) aims to align the critical mass of immuno-engineering with biomanufacturing and public health strengths concentrated in BC academic institutions and industry, with our Pan-Canadian, multidisciplinary, multisectoral coalition of partner institutions across six provinces. CIEBH’s vision is to make Canada a global powerhouse for developing next-generation immune-based therapies in response to pandemics and other health threats that can be rapidly produced domestically using the latest innovations in biomanufacturing. Through strong and coordinated governance, CIEBH will facilitate multidisciplinary applied research, increase specialized infrastructure, and support training and talent development in biomanufacturing in order to accelerate the translation of promising research into commercially viable products and processes.

Working under broad directions of the Executive Director of CIEBH, the Industry Partnership Manager will develop and mobilize academic and hospital discoveries originating from the University and its Affiliated Hospitals, through fostering sponsored research, supporting entrepreneurship, developing and implementing knowledge mobilization plans, engaging with researchers and industry, and conducting evaluations.

Organizational Status

Our Vision: To Transform Health for Everyone.

Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 11,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world.

The Faculty – comprised of approximately 2,200 administrative support, technical/research and management and professional staff, as well as approximately 650 full-time academic and 8,500 clinical faculty members, is composed of 19 academic basic science and/or clinical departments, three schools, and 23 research centres and institutes. Together with its University and Health Authority partners, the Faculty delivers innovative programs and conducts research in the areas of health and life sciences. Faculty, staff and trainees are located at university campuses, clinical academic campuses in hospital settings and other regionally-based centres across the province.

This position reports to Executive Director, CIEBH. The incumbent liaises with Faculty of Medicine and UBC Leadership, university offices (VPRI, UILO) regarding CIEBH-related activities, industry partners, as well as internal and external academic partners. This person will work with staff within CIEBH, as well as external agencies and health care professionals, community organizations, and the general public. The incumbent plays an important role in the execution and success of CIEBH.

Work Performed

Collaborative Research:

• Identify research opportunities for collaboration with industry and government funding partners and oversee the launch of new initiatives that streamline partnership development;
• Develop and implement strategies to market university research to industry and expand opportunities offered through the Hub;
• Conduct research on companies that may form potential partners;
• Identify sources of funding and assist clients in accessing that funding;
• Maintains relationships with business development directors and managers across UBC campuses, at other research institutions and industry partners;
• Working with Sponsored Research Group, if required, on issues arising from service or collaborative research agreements being negotiated;
• Through UILO, assist with IP issues around research contracts, material transfer agreements and non-disclosure agreements.

Researcher Liaison:

• Actively develop and maintain strong relationships with researchers;
• Provide expertise that enables strategic growth and enhanced external awareness of research programs within CIEBH;
• Lead the relationship building between relevant researchers and collaborators from industry, government and not-for-profit sector;
• Support academic and commercial partnerships to advance bioinnovation both nationally and internationally;
• Create new and build existing relationships with key local, national, and global organizations to increase awareness of opportunities for CIEBH;
• Support the dialogue and decision making with researchers that enables the prioritization, maintenance, growth of partnerships by understanding the strategic and tactical needs/expectations of both CIEBH and the partner organization.

Mobilization of University and Affiliated Hospitals’ Research:

• Leading and planning the development of existing and new academic and business opportunities and partnerships involving faculty members and industry partnerships locally and internationally by:
  • working with faculty and partners to create business plans;
  • understanding the market needs and adapting to change;
  • working with UILO in the negotiation of memoranda of understanding, contracts, business terms and monetary terms
  • seeking funding opportunities to support the business model.

• Evaluate the research to assess their mobilization potential by:
  • sourcing and reviewing scientific and patent literature to determine patentability of the research (novel, non-obvious & usefulness);
  • researching the marketplace to determine economic potential or societal impact of the research.
• Market discoveries to local, national and international business by:
  • drafting technical marketing material
  • researching and developing a marketing strategy appropriate for each discovery;
  • disseminating marketing information through industrial contacts, trade associations, and technical or academic publications;
  • assist UILO with contacting potential clients, providing pertinent and additional information or facilitating discussions with researchers.

Communication:

• Promote awareness of and educate University and Affiliated Hospitals based clients on issues related to intellectual property protection and technology transfer by:
  • researching and writing articles;
  • making presentations to individuals and groups including research labs, departments and industrial associations;
  • providing extensive personal consultations;
  • writing reports of our activities for our stakeholders.
• Proactively seek out opportunities to highlight CIEBH’s innovation success stories and work with communication teams to disseminate to a broad audience;
• Organize and attend meetings and events related to existing or prospective partnerships

Others:

• Provide strategic direction to the Executive Director on the exploration, development and negotiations of new partnerships
• Establish and maintain a broad network of personal contacts both with the University, its Affiliated Hospitals and with industry, government and representatives in other universities;
• Provide general day-to-day support, as required, to the Executive Director;
• Other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Considerable judgement is required for all areas of the Hub’s development, operations and resource management including the delegation of responsibilities and decision-making. Errors in judgment could lead to inappropriate decisions impacting CIEBH’s finances and other resources, the efficiency and effectiveness of CIEBH’s operations and the reputation of the Hub, involved Faculties and University.

A high degree of accuracy and initiative is required and relied upon by the Hub’s academic leaders and others in decision-making and effective implementation of strategic priorities, operational management, problem resolution and in addressing unique situations and opportunities.

Errors in judgement could lead to legal/financial issues, disruption to the Hub’s activities, grievances and impact the reputation of the Unit, Faculties and University. Failure to engage relevant parties and to provide strong leadership in the development and implementation of initiatives will negatively impact the effectiveness in achieving its strategic goals.

Supervision Received
The Industry Partnership Manager works independently, reporting to the Executive Director, CIEBH. Exercises considerable independent judgement and initiative in the planning and implementation of projects. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of long-term goals.

Supervision Given
Manage research support staff and students as required. Collaborates with a wide range of external consultants including patent agents, legal counsel, marketing consultants and financial analysts.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of six years related experience in an appropriate business specialization, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in the life sciences with a graduate degree in science, business or law preferred. Post Graduate degree in a related discipline. Related experience in research and technology transfer is an asset. Basic knowledge of intellectual property protection and licensing practices. In-depth knowledge in at least one area of technical or scientific expertise. Knowledge of business practices, corporate organization, finance and marketing an asset. Knowledge of University and Affiliated Hospitals policy and procedures relating to research, intellectual property and the execution of contractual agreements. Demonstrated experience in identifying and cultivating funded partnerships with academic and corporate organizations and research consortiums. Significant experience in business development, marketing, strategic planning, or management consulting, with proven success in revenue generation.

Superior writing and effective translation of complex scientific information into clear and succinct language for a broader audience is essential. Creative problem solving and decision-making; mentorship abilities. Computer competency with knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing applications. Ability to work at the highest strategic levels, to gain and maintain the respect of senior administration and also to take strategy and move it through to tactics and action. Ability to deal with senior University Officers and external stakeholders in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building. Ability to be comfortable, credible and persuasive within academic, government or business environments; ability to initiate, build and nurture academic and research partnerships. Demonstrated effective leadership, motivational and planning abilities. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and interact with empathy, understanding, and humility with people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse identities, perspectives, and behaviors. Excellent political acuity, tact, judgment and discretion. Ability to interpret and evaluate policy and procedural requirements. Must be highly self-motivated and sustain a high degree of initiative. Proven ability to analyze, prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Proven judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in areas where there are no established policies or guidelines. Ability to take initiative, manage effectively and meet goals in a complex environment. Ability to foresee, prevent and resolve conflicts and other problems.