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Position Summary:
“DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics” (D2R) is an ambitious $165M seven-year research program launched in 2023 and led by McGill University and includes other academic partners. This program is funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFERF), the Government of Quebec, multiple industry partners, and not-for-profit organizations, and integrates Canadian and international research strengths to support discovery, development, and delivery of new genomics-based RNA diagnostics and therapeutics.

Reporting to the D2R Director of Administration, the incumbent will lead the Business Development and Innovation unit for D2R and will work closely with the Chief Scientific Officer of D2R and the Investment and Commercialization Committee of D2R. The Associate Director will lead the cultivation, development and procurement of research and commercial partnerships with industry through targeted outreach and extensive external networking. Apart from day-to-day leadership and supervision of the Business Development and Innovation team, the Associate Director will also interact with the Office of Innovation and Partnerships and the Office of Sponsored Research as it relates to projects funded by or licensed to industry partners. The successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of the D2R Innovation Strategy by setting goals and objectives and developing metrics to better measure the impact of increased collaborations, partnerships, licensing opportunities, and spinoff creation (nationally and internationally).

The incumbent will have a proven record in business development and an understanding of the academic, commercial, and investor missions and processes. They should have a detailed and extensive knowledge of the academic research environment as well as University policies and practices governing the conduct of research, ownership of intellectual property, research security, and overhead costs associated with industrial research. The incumbent must also have excellent leadership skills, superior oral and written communications skills, and the ability to adapt to the complex and changing academic, industry, and government environments.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership for the Business Development and Innovation unit and oversee implementation of short- and long-term goals for the team in support of D2R’s Innovation Strategy.
• Develop metrics and performance indicators to track progress and assess performance that can measure the impact of D2R’s Innovation agenda and its ability to meet the milestones and deliverables described in D2R’s Performance Measurement Plan.
• Establish systems to measure performance relative to the metrics that will be developed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all corporate engagement activities, including networking, presentations, and sponsorship of events.
• Manage critical industry portfolios, sometimes with high-profile companies and individuals, where experience and leadership are necessary to initiate or maintain relationships.
• Supervise a team of senior professionals in the areas of business development, industry partnerships, and research contract negotiation.
• Ensure the Business Development and Innovation team is proactively exploring potential strategic alliances, partnerships, and business opportunities to maximize the potential for industry-sponsored research and commercialization.
• Study, monitor, and keep up to date with market and research developments, new trends in RNA therapeutic development and other relevant areas.
• Develop a plan of events and outreach activities to bring industry partners and researchers together.
• Represent D2R at internal and external meetings as well as events to promote D2R’s research and commercialization capability and to interact with potential partners.
• Act as the D2R representative at events in the Montreal life sciences and biotechnology ecosystem and internationally, ensuring that the D2R is actively engaged in efforts to increase research-based technology development, mobilization, and valorization.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

• Demonstrated proactive leadership skills, strong project- and time-management, attention-to-detail, and problem-solving skills are required.
• Ability to make critical or difficult decisions when managing relationships and complex negotiations, or when faced with challenging situations or personalities.
• Team player who thrives in an environment of exchanging information and ideas, and who will support other D2R team members to meet collective goals.
• Outstanding oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including excellent presentation skills and the ability to be an articulate advocate for D2R in external relations.
• Ability and confidence to communicate effectively with D2R Scientific Leadership and other senior administration (McGill and government), researchers, and with industrial partners.
• Ability to understand and promote the aspirations of D2R while ensuring alignment with the requirements of industry partners, university researchers, governmental priorities, and institutional policies.
• Direct experience in a university technology transfer, or industry partnerships/liaison role or contract negotiation would be an asset.
• Knowledge of federal and provincial R&D funding agency programs and policies. Experience and knowledge related to innovation or commercialization funding programs would be an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in both French and English.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

(MPEX Grade 08) $99,490.00 – $124,360.00 – $149,230.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-ADM3B – Research Administration – Senior Professional/Manager

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply: 2025-04-02

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca