Research & Development Technologist

at  CCRM

ABOUT CCRM:

CCRM, based in Toronto, Canada, is a public-private partnership that is developing and commercializing cell and gene therapies and regenerative medicine-based technologies. We are leveraging our network of academics, industry partners and investors to tackle significant industry challenges and advance our most promising technologies to the market to meet the needs of patients. For more information about CCRM, please visit our website at ccrm.ca.

QUALIFICATIONS & ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• PhD in stem cell biology, cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine, or a related field.
• 2+ years of industry experience, preferably in a start-up.
• Able to conceive, develop, analyze and independently carry out a wide range of experiments and troubleshooting of complex technical issues.
• Familiarity with containment level 2 lab procedures, aseptic technique, safety procedures, and equipment.
• Detail-oriented self-starter with excellent analytical skills and the ability to multitask and succeed in a team environment.
• Demonstrates personnel supervisory experience.
• Demonstrates project management experience with a successful track record of on-time and on-budget execution (formal project management qualification is preferred).
• Strong English written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally up to 5 per cent of the time.

ROLE SUMMARY:

CCRM’s technology and venture development business unit focuses on technology sourcing, intellectual property management, experimental de-risking and new company creation. The position of Manager, Technology and Venture Development, combines discipline-specific knowledge with leadership and business skills to drive the efficiency and competitive position of the company’s incubation teams. This may include applying best practices for incubation team operations, designing and executing experiments, and providing input into technology/market assessments and company concept development. You will also be responsible for leading an incubation team, with direct accountability for project scope, definition, task prioritization and execution against milestones.
You are a creative person with an entrepreneurial outlook and are motivated by the opportunity to enable the translation of regenerative medicine technologies. You have practical experience driving pre-clinical scientific assets through proof-of-concept studies and towards the clinic. You will be a leader in bringing new and innovative products to market to enable life-saving advances to cell and gene therapy and regenerative medicine.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the delivery of new company creation opportunities, either from first principles based on identified unmet needs, or by evaluation of a pipeline of sourced intellectual property.
• Leads, manages and drives the execution of tasks/milestones for technology assessments and one or more incubation teams. May include direct data generation, management of one or more analysts and scientists, authoring and controlling pre- and post-incubation project plans and budgets, accepting responsibility for milestone delivery, spend and risk management, and taking the lead on progress reporting.
• Identifies and builds unique bundles of intellectual property to strengthen company concepts.
• Where appropriate, generates and presents proposals for resources or the release of funds for new company incubations.
• Leads and mentors technical staff in designing and executing experiments to generate pivotal data to move ventures towards value inflection points.
• Works collaboratively with peers and leadership within CCRM, and acts as a corporate entrepreneur to drive rapid progress of incubation teams. Works with team members to generate and present pitch materials to potential investors or partners in support of company creation ventures.
• Provides regular updates of progress, successes and challenges to achieving goals and metrics to line managers, the business unit director and, where applicable, the executive.
• Orchestrates and, where necessary, performs cross-functional and/or other duties to create or launch spin-off companies.
• Meets with academic and industry researchers to discuss opportunities of potential interest to CCRM.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with external collaborators and contractors in support of incubation teams. This can include identifying sources of non-dilutive funding, drafting appropriate applications and leading the execution of external projects.
• Assists with the preparation of confidential disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements and more, as required.
• Directly manages research scientists, analysts and/or associates, as required.
• Contributes to corporate efforts and initiatives, as appropriate, to enhance CCRM’s mission, values and goals.
• Represents CCRM in the external community at conferences, workshops, etc.
• Stays apprised of current scientific and commercial trends in regenerative medicine. Promotes scientific discourse/engagement across the organization.