Commercial Lead

Job Title: Commercial Lead Department: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences Reporting to: Dr Stephanie Annett and Prof Tracy Robson Location: RCSI St Stephen's Green/Hybrid Contract/Duration: Part-time (0.8 FTE), specified-purpose contract (12 months) Remuneration: Aligned with the IUA Senior Research Fellow Scale (up to Level 4 Point 4) Closing Date: 24th February 2025 RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission "To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health". We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the "Race Equality Action Plan 2021-2024" at RCSI. Our students come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent. For each of the last six years, RCSI has been positioned in the Top 250 of universities worldwide in the Times Higher World university Rankings. We are proud to announce that RCSI has ranked first in the world for "Good Health and Well-being" in the Times Higher Education #SDG Impact Rankings 2023. This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health. Our values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship and Innovation continue to unite and direct our purpose. About Our Research RCSI recognises that excellence in research is critical to the quality of its educational activities, its credibility, and, overall, to its mission to enhance human health. RCSI's research strategy aims to build upon its strength in translational biomedical and clinical research to deliver transformational, high impact changes in health care. Targeting both Irish national and EU funding, along with increased collaboration with industry, is a major part of the RCSI research strategy. Forging increased collaboration between RCSI PIs and industry is of critical importance to achieving success in this area. RCSI is also committed to provide its researchers with the supports and developmental opportunities to enable them to continuously grow and support their overall career development. Summary of Post We are seeking an experienced entrepreneur and biotech business development professional, who is interested in a founding leadership role to drive the commercialisation of a portfolio of novel therapeutics in current pre-clinical development. A part-time position is available for this professional to develop the business plan and commercialisation strategy, and work with an experienced team of pharmacists and life scientists to deliver on our strategy. Our project is funded by an Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund. We are developing an innovative therapeutic for diseases such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and ultimately plan to bring these therapies to market via a biotech start-up. The Commercialisation Fund will deliver a robust preclinical assessment and patent strategy, which will form the basis of a high-potential spinout with a strong IP position. The ideal candidate will be motivated towards a founding and executive role in the spinout in the future beyond this specified-purpose role. They should have deep commercial, regulatory and business development experience in the biotech arena, substantial experience of leading and building teams/start-ups, and experience in raising equity finance. Specifically, the duties of the post are: Active engagement with Key Opinion Leader (clinical, regulatory and payer advisors) across Europe and USA Team lead for development of business plan, regulatory roadmap and investor engagement Development of a commercialization strategy Development of a marketing strategy including using a direct marketing approach and showcasing events such as BioEurope Engagement and pitching to venture capitalists and angel investors Development of a plan for follow-on funding opportunities Qualifications - (Essential): Preferably a third level degree in any relevant discipline Qualifications - (Desirable): Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Biotechnology, Business Administration, or Life Sciences Professional certifications such as PMP, CPSM, or regulatory affairs certifications Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): Entrepreneurial and or commercial experience Knowledge & Experience - (Desirable): In-depth understanding of regulatory requirements and pathways for drug development and approval in major markets (e.g., FDA, EMA) Knowledge of market access strategies and reimbursement processes in key markets Understanding of IP management, including patent filing and strategy Proven track record of successfully launching biotech products in global markets Experience in forming and managing strategic alliances and partnerships with other biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions Experience in setting up and managing operational processes in a start-up environment, including supply chain management and quality assurance Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, including R&D, regulatory, marketing, and sales Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and managing P&L We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you. Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter. Informal Enquiries can be directed to Dr Stephanie Annett, Lecturer of Pharmacy at , or to Dr Aoife Gallagher, Head of Innovation, at aoife.gall Please note we do not accept CVs directly. Employee Benefits RCSI make sure you have the resources you need to thrive by offering a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future. Below are some additional benefits available to you as an RCSI employee: Minimum of 20 days annual leave, plus an additional 6.5 Privilege days Flexible/hybrid working options for colleagues across many roles Additional leave options incl. paid maternity leave, paternity/parental leave, study leave 7% Employer pension contribution Onsite gym €10 per/mth incl. classes and PT sessions Childcare support 20% discount at Giraffe Free eye test and annual flu vaccination TaxSaver commuter tickets and Bike to Work schemes A site sustainability team focusing on the environmental initiatives; Green Campus Initiative ' Competitively priced café and restaurant Equality, Diversity & Inclusion forums, and network groups Employee assistance programme with Spectrum Life Learning and Development training programmes incl. LinkedIn Learning for career progression Discounted services incl. GP visits, 10% off dental, staff parking, mobile tariffs, Group Scheme discount on numerous brands Sports and social club incl. yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, Zumba, running club, social evenings, Summer BBQ Ticket Draws for events including; Rugby, Taste of Dublin, Dublin Horse Show, theatre, music & comedy events Note: This job description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI. Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position. RCSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or race. RCSI is committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across everything we do. This ensures we can all work and learn in an environment defined by dignity and respect. Eligibility to work in Ireland is a requirement of this role, Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later date. Under limited and specific circumstances (research/ specialist roles) RCSI may be in a position to seek a hosting agreement and/or work permits. Employees are required to undertake 6 months service in their current role before applying for other internal opportunities, unless agreed in advance by the SMT representative