The University of Dundee is in the top five Universities in the UK for its record in turning research into world-changing companies. The “Spinning out Success” report, produced by Octopus Ventures, cited the University’s research strengths in medical and computer sciences, evidenced by successful spinout companies such as Exscientia.
The University’s Research & Innovation Services (RIS) directorate supports and manages the University’s spin out pipeline throughout their stages of development. RIS is actively recruiting for a Commercial Champion/ CEO Designate who will work with their RHAPSEDA potential spin out company and take it to the next level.
Brief Outline of Vacancy
RHAPSEDA is a potential vaccine company that has been accepted into Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spin Out Programme, commencing in October 2021, with the intention of spinning out during 2023. A Commercial Champion/CEO Designate is needed to drive the commercial and external funding activities of this phase to take the commercially focused research to a point at which the technology has been partially de-risked and the commercial potential is evidenced. The principle activities will include engaging with potential customers and investors, evidencing market need and working with external specialists to de-risk the technology. It is hoped that the Commercial Champion would become initial CEO of the spin out on formation.
The Commercial Champion’s specific tasks will be driving and supporting achievement of milestones under the HGSP funding, in particular:
- Building the market data to assess the commercial opportunity for the technology
- Actively engaging with potential customers and investors to shape the business proposition
- To work with the team to develop a business strategy, business model and commercialisation roadmap
- To work with external specialists to build the technical and manufacturing data for the business proposition
- Cultivate strategic relationships within the vaccine manufacturing sector
- To develop a business plan that optimises the opportunities for RHAPSEDA to build a high growth business sufficient to achieve Company Creation funding from the Scottish Executive
- Presenting the opportunity to SE, internal and external stakeholders, appropriate funding bodies including VCs, angel investors and grant providers-
Identifying and applying for other sources of funding to advance the technology to spin out formation
Candidate Specification
Proven experience as a commercial champion, CEO or in other executive positions
Experience of the vaccines sector desirable but not essentialAn entrepreneurial mindset with proven organisational and leadership skillsExperience in developing strategies, implementing vision, developing Business Plans, shaping commercial propositions, and defining customer value to build companies of scale
In-depth knowledge of corporate governance and general management best practicesAnalytical abilities and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and public speaking skillsExperience in building strategic stakeholder's networks and involving potential customers and/or commercial partners
Experience in raising investment funds for businesses development and technological developmentExperience in launching start-up / spin out business Experience in building and leading a successful management team within a life sciences/therapeutics business or technology company
Timescales and Commitment:
The HGSP project is intended to commence in October 2021 for a period of twelve months, concurrently with a Wellcome Trust Innovator Award that will develop the in vivo data for the business. The expectation is that the successful candidate would provide support amounting to 1-2 days per week over the period and the current budget is fixed.
Application procedure:
Applicants should submit a CV and a supporting letter, setting out their relevant skills and experience, to Dr Rachel Simpson, Senior Commercialisation Manager r.v.simpson@dundee.ac.uk (cc j.s.adams@dundee.ac.uk) before close 10 September. Interviews will be held the week commencing 20 September