Director for Cell-Based Therapeutics Commercialization

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Director for Neuroscience Cell-Based Therapeutics Commercialization will play a critical role in enabling therapeutic projects at multiple stages of the research and translational pipeline, helping to advance new medicines from ideation through IND (investigational new drug), manufacturing and into proof-of-concept clinical trials. They will also play a leadership role in establishing and implementing collaborative and innovative research partnerships between the University and outside businesses that have licensed University IP (intellectual property) and have ongoing sponsored research at the University in the area of neuroscience-related cell-based therapeutics. Candidates must have relevant experience including evidence for scientific leadership in the discovery and preclinical development of first-in-class cell and/or gene therapies. The individual will also play a key role in identifying new projects for future development.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Liaise with UR Ventures and outside patent counsel to ensure proper patent protection of cellular therapeutics. This includes monitoring new research, reporting new invention disclosures, managing communications, and communicating research findings to UR Ventures and outside patent counsel. Communicating with University researchers to develop the research pipeline and identify new intellectual property.

• Communication, reporting, and collaboration across all University of Rochester entities to develop the infrastructure and resources needed to support research and clinical trials for the development of cell therapies/experimental therapeutics such as the Office of Counsel, Vice President for Research, School of Medicine and Dentistry, UR Ventures, Office of Research and Project Administration, CTSI, and Human Resources.

• Lead the establishment and implementation of collaborative and innovative research partnerships between the University and outside businesses that have: (i) licensed University IP and (ii) have ongoing sponsored research at the University in the area of neuroscience-related cell-based therapeutics. Attract new sponsored research to the University in this research area, and create new mutually-beneficial models for UR-industry partnerships.

• Contribute to contract and sponsored research fulfillment by University researchers and other administrators. Monitor progress of project activities. Development of project plans with activities, timeframes, resource requirements, milestones and deliverables for projects.

• Coordination and scheduling of research facilities to conduct research and development.

• Serve as a liaison to senior management, cross-functional areas, schools, and external organizations such as sponsors and government agencies and contract research organizations.

Other projects and job duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced degree required in life science required.

• MBA, JD, Ph.D. preferred, or specialized experience in related to the drug/therapeutics commercialization preferred.

• At least 8 years relevant experience in a similar role, including at least 2 years at a managerial level; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Required:

• Understanding of US and foreign patent laws and processes

• Understanding of the US and foreign therapeutics’ approval processes

• Knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, and resource management principles

• Experience in managing technical tasks performed by contract research organizations

• Prior experience or understanding the process of translating basic research discoveries into clinical programs, leading to commercialized products

• Analytical skill set with understanding of financials and business processes

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Location: School of Medicine & Dentistry
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 057 Center Trans Neuromedicine