Director of Venture Studio

Director of Venture Studio

Southern Research (SR) is a translational research institute that transforms ideas into innovation, and innovation into jobs and economic opportunity. SR recently unveiled a new strategic plan centered on making Birmingham and Alabama national biotech centers of excellence in partnership with Alabama academic institutions, policymakers, educators, and economic development organizations.

Southern Research is at a pivotal moment in its 80-year history. At the start of 2022, SR launched a new strategic plan focused on translational research in the life sciences. SR will invest over $150 million in this new strategy, including development of new facilities, platforms, and programs.

We believe in the power of SR and our partner to unlock the immense potential of Alabama's biotech ecosystem to spur economic development, create jobs, and draw investment. Critical to this strategy is the development of commercialization infrastructure to bring new inventions to market. Among other commercialization programs, Southern Research is planning the launch of a Venture Studio, which will leverage SR's scientific and administrative talent, patent portfolio, and partnerships to develop new biotech products and create spinout companies.

We are looking for a nimble executer who thinks critically, relishes details, effectively collaborates with a diverse array of stakeholders, and has demonstrated an interest in scientific research, commercialization, and economic growth.

General Summary

The Head of Venture Studio will be responsible for end-to-end leadership of the Venture Studio. This will include co-developing a strategic plan for the Venture Studio; organizing a market launch; generating connections with industry and university players to sustain the Venture Studio; and leading day-to-day operations of the Venture Studio, including development of the Venture Studio team.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-develop the strategic plan for the Venture Studio, including the business plan, financial model, prospective organizational structure, and legal & operational considerations, including systems, processes, and facilities
• Plan and coordinate a market launch for the Venture Studio in Q4 2022
• Identifies promising IP in the portfolios of SR, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and other potential partners to license into Venture Studio investigational companies
• Drives SBIR / STTR and other non-dilutive funding applications to develop drugs and diagnostics via investigational companies
• Serves as the business manager and point of contact for investigational companies launched through the venture studio, overseeing technical and operational functions for the company on a fractional basis
• Drives licensing opportunities, funding sources, potential spin-outs, or other “exit” partnerships for investigational companies in the venture studio, including creation of pitch decks and diligence materials for potential partners
• Works directly with Chief Business Officer and other SR executive leaders to identify, shape, and prioritize objectives across strategic projects relevant to commercialization and startup growth
• Coordinate with members of SR's growing Business and Commercialization division to identify common objectives and opportunities, including with SR's Business Development team, the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance, a prospective seed investment fund, and other initiatives.
• Represent Southern Research externally at community events

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced educational degree, certification, or commensurate work experience in biomedical sciences, pharmacology, chemistry, or a related field
• Experience writing grants, preferably SBIR and STTR or other commercialization-related grants
• Strong ability to communicate scientific and business strategy concepts, including through memos, reports, and slide decks
• Comfort in a dynamic work environment, collaborating with stakeholders across divisions of the organization
• Ability to promote new programs (i.e. Venture Studio) through social media and other channels
• Familiarity with building financial models, pitch decks, and other materials to support licensing and partnership opportunities
• Experience with building teams to support a common goal
• Willingness to travel to build Venture Studio partnerships
• Willingness to work in-person or hybrid (three days per week) in office
• Passionate about translational research, commercialization of new technologies, and innovation-driven economic development

ABOUT SOUTHERN RESEARCH

Southern Research (SR) represents a bold vision for an enduring industry-university partnership that advances research and discovery in life sciences and engineering. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we are making transformational decisions to reinvigorate the institute by focusing our efforts to attract, retain, and develop top talent, and ultimately create jobs through translating ideas into innovation, and innovation into economic opportunity.