Director, HJF Innovation Ecosystem & Labs

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Director, Innovation Ecosystem and Labs is responsible for managing the HJF Innovation Ecosystem with a focus on the start-up and management of the HJF Innovation Lab (HIL). This will include promoting innovative biotech research within HJF and nurturing Biotech Startups external to HJF in their inception and growth stages. Foster growth of startups within the HJF innovation ecosystem and supporting the growth of emerging biotech and development of dual-use medical technologies for military and civilian medical applications and contribute to the local economy by aiding the State of Maryland in achieving the goal of becoming a leading global and inclusive innovation economy. This role will interface with the HIL residents, HJF Tech Transfer team, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and other members of the life science and biotech ecosystem. Establish HIL operations and develop, lead, promote and attract external support for programs and activities by drawing on current and prospective partnerships within the regional technology ecosystem.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

Operational

• Support HIL market launch and lab infrastructure (selection criteria for Biotech Startups, sourcing & onboarding, programming and licensing opportunities/funding sources/partnerships for HIL companies).
• Oversee laboratory build-out and subsequent operations & procurement including instrumentation, equipment, and supplies.
• Administer operational budget for the laboratory.
• Supervise HIL lab manager.
• Establish maintenance protocols and usage of best practices for a multi-user environment.
• Coordinate onboarding of new resident companies and off-boarding of resident companies.
• Track growth of resident companies and complete progress report required for grants and awards to the HIL.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and system regulations to provide safe operations, including scheduling training of personnel and management of laboratory waste.

Development and Growth

• Engage with Biotech Startups founders to understand needs and develop relationships that drive growth and success.
• Assist Biotech Startups in understanding intellectual property, raising early-stage capital, applying for grants and launching new technologies and products into the marketplace.
• Work directly with Vice President - U.S. Research and Development and other HJF senior leaders to identify, shape and prioritize objectives across strategic projects relevant to commercialization and biotech startup growth.
• Coordinate and collaborate with members of HJF's Tech Transfer and Business Development teams to identify common objectives and opportunities, prospective translational and seed investment funds and other initiatives.
• Collaborate with HJF Tech Transfer and resident companies to provide guidance on market research, competitive analyses, regulatory analysis and more.
• Represent HJF externally at community events..

Strategic Planning

• Develop the strategic plan for the HIL, including refining and operationalizing the business plan, financial model, prospective organizational structure, legal & operational considerations, including systems, processes, and facilities.
• Develop other mission-critical launch activities, such as the development of new branding and marketing materials.
• Oversee building and construction teams responsible for creating the HIL space.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct Supervisor: Direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences, to include Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, and Business.
• Master's Degree preferred, to include Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, and Business.
• Minimum of 10+ years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comfort in a dynamic work environment. Passionate about translational research, commercialization of new technologies and innovation-driven economic development.
• Experience supporting start-up formation and growth, including expertise in technology entrepreneurship, performing market analysis, developing business models, scientific research or engineering, project management, program/event planning, an understanding of regulatory approval processes and federal grants.
• Strong interpersonal skills needed for collaborating with stakeholders across divisions of the organization and within the regional medical and biotech ecosystem.
• Experience writing grants, preferably Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) or other commercialization-related grants.
• Outstanding communication skills including a strong ability to communicate scientific and business strategy concepts.
• Experience building financial models, pitch decks, and other materials to support evaluation of resident companies, licensing and partnership opportunities.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office and laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $144,700-$190,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.