Program Manager, Translational Biosciences and Entrepreneurship
A member of the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Team, the Program Manager, Translational
Bioscience and Entrepreneurship supports bioscience programs by assisting with the
management of projects and program initiatives relating to translational bioscience
research, entrepreneurship, and Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, and, where needed,
specific programs from the general portfolio of bioscience research programs.
The minimum annual salary for this position is $75,000. Information about the Foundation’s
generous benefits package is below.
Responsibilities and Duties
• Collaborates with the Vice President, Bioscience Research Programs,
and Executive Vice President to focus and execute the vision for Arizona’s Bioscience
Roadmap and the Foundation’s programs in bioscience entrepreneurship and
translational bioscience research, crafting and implementing strategies to maximize
impact.
• Implements strategies for and manages the Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program,
including program administration, development of new application cycles and
associated application and promotional materials, outreach to applicants and grantees,
meeting and interview preparation, and related functions.
• Manages the Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research Program, with a focus on
expanding its capacity and infrastructure to align with the Entrepreneurship Program.
• Cultivates diverse applicant and reviewer pools in both programs.
• Continuously surveys and keeps abreast of advancements and best practices in the
translational-bioscience research and entrepreneurship arenas, reporting back to the
team periodically. Serves as a key team resource in this regard as the Bioscience Team
refines and improves current programs to maximize their impact as well as the
development of future grant opportunities.
• Actively engages with organizations involved in research and entrepreneurship in
Arizona’s bioscience ecosystem, cultivating new relationships for the Foundation and
staying abreast of external developments.
• Serves as a resource for statewide bioscience entrepreneurs and translational grantees,
providing information, guidance, and referrals. Plans and coordinates activities to bring
individuals involved in the Entrepreneurship and Seed Grants programs closer together,
including other bioscience-research grantees as appropriate.
• Represents the Foundation at bioscience community events and as a collaborator,
organizing bioscience-related events and serving on related boards, with a goal of
strengthening the Foundation’s connections in the community and enhancing the
Foundation’s impact in alignment with its mission.
• In collaboration with the Executive Vice President, manages activities of Arizona’s
Bioscience Roadmap, including coordination of the Roadmap Steering Committee and
project teams.
• Serves as staff liaison to the Roadmap Steering Committee’s Entrepreneurship and Risk
Capital project teams.
• Works with the Bioscience Team and external partners to carry out efforts to engage
and convene bioscience stakeholders through such activities as project-team meetings,
forums, and other convenings. Such duties include, but are not limited to, planning
meetings, developing agendas, coordinating presenters, and ensuring that all logistical
details are addressed and carried out properly.
• Drafts written materials as needed, including reports, brochure text, agreement letters,
meeting summaries, emails, and other communications.
• Updates and improves previously developed documents and processes.
• Works with the Communications team as needed on efforts related to the
Entrepreneurship and Seed Grants programs, or other bioscience matters.
• Undertakes other tasks as assigned and contributes to cooperative and collegial shared
responsibility for fostering excellence at the Foundation.
• Fosters the mission and values of the Flinn Foundation, including a commitment to
diversity, equity, and inclusion across internal practices, engagement with the
community, and philanthropic activities.
• Pursues professional development (continuing education and relevant association
membership) in areas of professional relevance responsibility.
Required Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship, new-company development, mechanisms for
enhancing innovation-centric communities, and networks.
• Knowledge of processes for translating bioscience and health research into new
products/therapies to benefit patients, and tech transfer more broadly.
• Knowledge of and interest in the bioscience industry, healthcare systems, functional
bioscience research, and scientific research more broadly.
• Working knowledge of bioscience/health-sciences research, technology transfer, and
processes for translating research into new products/therapies to benefit patients.
• Knowledge of how key institutions (e.g., universities, government, community colleges,
etc.) work, and ability to forge connections with them.
• Demonstrated ability to connect and build networks among multiple stakeholders from
across communities in an effort to support the building of a stronger bioscience
ecosystem in Arizona.
• Familiarity with impact of policymaking on the biosciences.
• Ability to survey landscape, stay abreast of emerging trends, and incorporate lessons
learned into actions plans and execution.
• Ability to effectively listen, interact, design, and promote ideas, and create connections
to further the work of the Bioscience Team.
• Demonstrated credibility and accountability, a positive outlook, and solution-oriented
approach. • Demonstrated “discernment,” i.e., understanding content, context, relevance,
importance, priority.
• Demonstrated initiative and follow-through, accuracy, and attention to detail. • Ability to problem-solve and think strategically.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required in science, engineering, entrepreneurship, or related field;
master’s degree preferred.
• Five years of relevant experience, preferably in biosciences, demonstrating the ability to
perform the job responsibilities.
Physical and Other Requirements
• This position functions in the Flinn Foundation office at least 20% of the time each
week.
• Occasional travel during and outside of normal work hours, with occasional overnight
stays.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Current auto insurance on personal vehicles
How to Apply
All applications should be submitted via the post for this position on Indeed. Applicants
should submit, along with their resume, a cover letter and list of three references.
Questions? Contact Mary O’Reilly, Ph.D., Vice President, Bioscience Research: moreilly@flinn.org.