Posted on October 28, 2012

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Director of Translational Research Collaborative

The Biomedical Institute of the Americas (BMIA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in El Paso, Texas and subsidiary to the Medical Center of the Americas (MCA) Foundation, is seeking a bold and proven leader in the biomedical industry for the position of Director of Translational Research Collaborative.

BMIA has four elements, including (1) the Translational Research Collaborative (TRC) designed to generate biomedical innovation, (2) the Incubation Center, designed to mine innovation, manage proof-of-concept projects, and provide intensive support to biomedical start-ups, (3) the Competitiveness Group, designed to strengthen and grow the region’s biomedical cluster and value chain, and (4) the Clinical Trials Network (CTN).

The TRC is a cornerstone element of the BMIA. The core responsibility of the TRC director is to serve as a catalyst in shaping translational research programs within identified theme areas, facilitating and coordinating research program development, and acting as a resource that can build bridges between universities and between university faculty where needed. More particularly, the position is responsible for directing the translational research collaborative that includes all the institutions of higher education in the region (TTUHSC, UTEP, NMSU, UACJ, Tech de Monterrey, etc.), as well as any other research institutes in the region.

The TRC Director will work to create inter-institutional inter-disciplinary translational research projects that aim to fulfill a market need. The Director will help to identify theme areas and projects, create project teams through identification of possible project team members through networking as well as high-tech methods, mentor project directors from the research institutions, identify net new funding sources for the research projects, assist project directors to keep projects on track and proceeding to the director of the Incubation Center, which includes patenting Intellectual Property when appropriate. This work includes building strategic partnerships and relationships within the broader regional translational research environment.

PRINCIPLE REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage University Relations
• Coordinate Advisory Board
• Identify Theme Areas and Projects
• Create Inter-institutional Inter-disciplinary Translational Research Project Teams and Build Programs
• Mentor Project Co-Directors and Drive Project Plans
• Identify Sources of Translational Research Funding
• Coordinate Facility Logistics
• Provide Oversight on Program Tracking
• Ensure Protection of Intellectual Property
• Collaborate with BMIA Incubation Center

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Translational Research Experience: The TRC Director will have significant experience in fostering translational research and development and technology commercialization at leading research universities, medical centers, and/or biotechnology companies, and have a commitment to translating scientific discoveries into tools for clinical and community health. Strong knowledge of the biomedical industry landscape, as well research and biomedical funding sources (e.g., contract research, NIH, private foundations).

Complex Project Management Experience: Project management experience, approach and track record that reinforces the values of service, initiative, efficiency, effectiveness, collaboration and goal accomplishment. Experience in organizing and managing multidisciplinary university research programs in biomedicine, bio-engineering and related fields, preferably aligned with the TRC themes. Experience in organizing and managing multi-university research programs, which can include multi-institutional grant preparation (emphasizing team coordination), consortia of universities, alliances of universities and other partners.

Communication Skills: Strong written and oral communication and advocacy skills, equally effective with both internal and external constituents. Ability to work with and manage research project teams, advisory boards and other governing and advising bodies. Working knowledge of Spanish preferred, but not required.

Contract and Grant Management: Experience in managing the contract and grant administration side of research. Experience should include knowledge of proposal writing and management, including for NIH and other government grants. Assist faculty in research proposal preparation for federal programs, foundations, and particularly corporate R&D sponsors.

Proven Leadership and Executive-Level Experience: Goal driven. Demonstrate strong leadership skills in helping BMIA achieve its goals as well as helping the Paso del Norte region improve the biomedical innovation ecosystem. Proven track record of working with university executives and administrators, such as provosts, vice chancellors and vice presidents for research and deans of biomedicine-related schools and departments on research management. Provide leadership and positive guidance to other BMIA employees, employees of regional research institutes. Excellent leadership skills and track record in working effectively and building relationships with a wide range of internal and external constituencies, including faculty members, research staff, health care executives, biotech leaders and public agencies.

Education and Work Experience: Post-graduate degree (Masters or PhD) in business management, public administration, organizational development or in a given field of science, such as biomedicine, with 10 years of experience in research management, particularly large scale university research programs and projects, ideally multi-institution organizational management emphasizing research.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, your resume/CV and contact information for three (3) references (professional and civic in nature) to emma@MCAmericas.org.