About the Role
The ARC Hub for Therapeutics is a collaborative initiative between Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, with the aim of guiding academic projects to commercial success on a national scale, in conjunction with other Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the Republic of Ireland. The ARC Hub is focused on the generation of high-quality spin-outs and licenses in the fields of small molecule therapies, biological therapies, biomaterials, biomarkers with therapeutic potential and in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).
The successful candidate for this role will be expected to have proven leadership, senior management and operational experience gained in the pharmaceutical industry or through a significant role in the biotech industry. They will have an extensive network within the pharma and investor sector, and a track record of deal-making in the life science sector. This could include SME fundraising experience and/or securing investment from the pharmaceutical sector (or similar). They will report to the Deputy Academic Director (Line manager) and to the Academic Director.
The Executive Director will have responsibility for all activities of the ARC Hub, which includes personnel, finance, and operations. Importantly, it will include managing relationships with external parties such as funding agencies and internally with university support structures, where needed. The ‘ARC Executive Director’ will work with the Executive Management Committee to develop and implement the strategy for the Therapeutics Hub. They will ensure successful delivery on its ambition to deliver commercial output. The ARC Executive Director will occupy an outward-facing role, tasked with liaising with key opinion leaders, investors, and business leaders, senior leaders in indigenous SMEs and Irish BioPharma, stakeholders in government and the regional assemblies, and will work in collaboration with key actors in the Irish innovation ecosystem, including Directors of Research Ireland Centres, funding agencies, charities, regulatory bodies, and business organisations such as IBEC, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. Through these relationships, the ARC Executive Director will have an essential role in working closely with a dynamic Advisory Committee. They will be ultimately responsible for the active and expert selection and
management of the research portfolio and portfolio of assets. This individual will also look to diversify funding and develop a strategy to sustain the long-term operation of ARC Hub beyond the lifetime of the award, which is a key goal to ensure maximal impact from initial funding of the ARC Hub.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Act as Executive Director for the ARC Hub.
- Work with Academic Director (TCD), Deputy Academic Director (UCD), Academic Lead for RCSI and other
8 Co-PIs to develop and enhance the strategic vision and impact of the ARC Hub and to ensure delivery of
its stated objectives.
- With the Academic Director, Deputy Academic Director, Academic Lead for RCSI and Co-PIs, provide
leadership for the ARC Hub, with specific responsibility for management of a multi-institutional team of
operation staff, including: Senior Portfolio Manager, two Portfolio Managers, Finance and Operations
Manager, Administrator, Business Development and Training Manager, and Communications Manager.
- Be a key member of the ARC Hub Executive Management Committee, with the academic leadership and
university management (across Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and RCSI University of
Medicine and Health Sciences), working to deliver on key performance indicators, and ensure good
governance and effective reporting.
- Provide a reporting and observatory role on the Governance Group and Advisory Committee.
- Recruitment and line management of staff within the ARC Hub Operations team.
- Financial management of the ARC Hub with the support of the Finance and Operations Manager.
- Implement an effective communications and education and public engagement (EPE) strategy for the
ARC Hub, with the support of the Communications Manager.
- Work with necessary internal and University management and administrative teams, in particular in Trinity
College Dublin, University College Dublin and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, to ensure
the efficient operation of the ARC Hub.
- Maintain an overview of the pipeline of projects and project portfolio and develop the ARC Hub’s
economic impact by realising licensing opportunities and the spinout / commercialisation pipeline.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnership with major stakeholders, including funding agencies,
government bodies, industry, investment firms and senior management across the University.
- Develop strategies for enabling the long-term sustainability of the ARC Hub.
- Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Deputy Academic Director (Line manager) and Academic
Director.
The ARC Hub for Therapeutics is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
Irish: TáARCHub for Therapeutics arna chomhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag an Aontas Eorpachtrí Chlár Réigiúnachan Deiscirt, an Oirthiragus Lár na Tíre 2021-27 de chuid CFRE.
Requirements
Requirements:
Ten-fifteen years of experience in drug discovery in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry, including in senior management roles(s), or equivalent experience.
Track record of excellence and achievement at a senior management level, with experience in areas relevant to successful management of a portfolio of drug development project.
Experience in innovation and implementing change.
Proven track record of strategic financial management and investment decisions, including structuring deals related to the development of pharmaceutical therapeutic assets.
Track record of sustained and productive relationships with industry, investment, academic groups and other stakeholders from the public and private sector.
Excellent people management skills, including the ability to lead and motivate others at a high level.
Strong senior leadership skills, with the ability to influence individuals at all levels across industry, public sector, agency and university stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including communication with diverse groups of stakeholders and an ability to influence, persuade and engage all stakeholders at all levels.
Highly-developed negotiation and liaison skills, evidenced by the ability to build productive, professional relationships, both internal to the organisation and with external stakeholder groups.
Extensive connections and network within the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry, and with
investment firms.
Flexible and adaptable in responding to stakeholder needs.
Ability to represent the ARC Hub nationally and internationally.
Committed to achieving results, putting in additional effort as required.
Candidates must show evidence of leadership in and/or demonstrated commitment to gender equality and the broader equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.
Desirable:
PhD qualification in life science or closely-related field (or equivalent qualification).
Experience working with academic institutes and governmental bodies.
Experience in early-stage, start-up drug discovery company environment.
An understanding of the IP issues arising in the context of academic research.
About the Company
Cranmore Executive Search is proud to partner with the ARC Hub for Therapeutics to recruit an Executive Director. The successful candidate for this role will be expected to have proven leadership, senior management and operational experience gained in the pharmaceutical industry or through a significant role in the biotech industry. They will have an extensive network within the pharma and investor sector, and a track record of deal-making in the life science sector. This could include SME fundraising experience and/or securing investment from the pharmaceutical sector (or similar). They will report to the Deputy Academic Director (Line manager) and to the Academic Director.
