Job Title: ARC Portfolio Manager (Research Ireland ARC Hub for Therapeutics) Department: Surgery Reporting to: RCSI Academic Lead PI, Professor Leonie Young Location: York House, RCSI, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Contract/Duration: Fixed term post until 31st December 2029 Remuneration: €65,000 - €75,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience Closing Date: 16th May 2025 RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health.
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Summary of Post The Research Ireland 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 Research Ireland 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).
To achieve this objective, the Research Ireland ARC Hub will unite various elements of the Irish biopharma landscape, including venture capitalists, indigenous companies, state agencies, and a network of advisors.
This broad alliance will focus on identifying, advising, and guiding academic projects towards commercial success.
Additionally, the Research Ireland ARC Hub will focus on developing the translational research skills of academics and postdoctoral researchers.
This will involve entrepreneurial training, engagement with external experts, and hands-on experience in taking research to market, thereby nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial scientists and fostering a robust and sustainable innovation ecosystem in Ireland.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Portfolio Manager to support our discovery and development programmes.
Reporting to the RCSI Academic Lead PI, Professor Leonie Young and working as part of an inter-institutional ARC Hub Operations team with colleagues in TCD and UCD, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to coordinate innovative therapeutic programs, supporting cross-functional teams across all stages of the development process from research to commercial, and enabling the attainment of program milestones and goals.
We seek an individual who has a good understanding of the pharma/biotech drug development process, who is goal-driven, proactive, meticulous and highly collaborative and whose goal is to take the next career step in a fast-moving, pioneering and dynamic environment.
This role is pivotal in driving the success of the ARC Hub's aim to advance research commercialisation in therapeutics.
The Portfolio Manager will be responsible for liaising with the academic research base across RCSI and other selected Irish third level institutions to identify suitable opportunities, working with the academic groups to develop project submissions, and working with the wider Hub Operations team to ensure programme delivery is aligned with industry best practices, ensuring that each project reaches its full commercial potential.
We're looking for someone that is purpose-driven and feels passionate about supporting early stage and emerging start-ups in the therapeutics space in order to have a positive impact on transforming the lives of patients through the development of innovative therapies.
Specifically, the duties of the post are: Liaise with the academic research community to identify and evaluate promising therapeutics projects, which may be invited to apply for funding calls by the ARC Hub.
Support the Hub team to coordinate national funding calls, assist in submission pipeline review/triage, and post award grant management.
Work with the academic teams, the ARC Hub Operation team and the ARC Hub Advisory Board to develop robust Target Product Profiles and development plans for each funded project with appropriate go/no-go milestones Oversee the day-to-day operations of the programme including project managing a portfolio of translational research projects and troubleshooting operational issues as they arise including being the point of contact for any CRO/CDMO partners.
Track progress of projects against the agreed development plan and key deliverables to ensure each project meets quality standards and is delivered on time and within budget to support the ARC Hub key performance indicator (KPI) metrics.
Proactively manage project risks and facilitate problem-solving, contingency planning, and decision-making to resolve problems and minimize delays.
Prepare and present regular project updates to Hub Senior management and Governance/Advisory Committees Liaise with the Business Development and Training Manager to support the Translational Project teams to access the ARC Hub cohort of mentors, advisors, and Hub training resources.
Qualifications - (Essential): PhD or equivalent in life sciences or relevant discipline.
Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): Knowledge of the principles and practice of drug discovery and development.
Minimum of three years of experience within the biotechnology or pharma industry on a therapeutics development programme.
Proven experience in project or program management.
Excellent scientific, organizational, communication and community-building skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in using Project Management tools, communication platforms and the Microsoft Office suite.
Knowledge & Experience - (Desirable): Experience of managing or participating in an accelerator programme, preferably in therapeutics or a related sector.
Experience of academic spin-outs and the therapeutics start-up ecosystem.
Qualification/certification in project management.
We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.
Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Informal Enquiries can be directed to Prof. Leonie Young: .
Please note we do not accept CVs directly.
Employee Benefits RCSI make sure you have the resources you need to thrive by offering a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future.
Below are some additional benefits available to you as an RCSI employee: Minimum of 20 days annual leave, plus an additional 6.5 Privilege days.
Flexible/hybrid working options for colleagues across many roles.
Additional leave options incl.
paid maternity leave, paternity/parental leave, study leave.
7% Employer pension contribution.
Onsite gym €10 per/mth incl.
classes and PT sessions.
Childcare support 20% discount at Giraffe.
Free eye test and annual flu vaccination.
TaxSaver commuter tickets and Bike to Work schemes.
A site sustainability team focusing on the environmental initiatives; Green Campus Initiative '.
Competitively priced café and restaurant.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion forums, and network groups.
Employee assistance programme with Spectrum Life.
Learning and Development training programmes incl.
LinkedIn Learning for career progression.
Discounted services incl.
GP visits, 10% off dental, staff parking, mobile tariffs, Group Scheme discount on numerous brands.
Sports and social club incl.
yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, Zumba, running club, social evenings, Summer BBQ.
Ticket Draws for events including; Rugby, Taste of Dublin, Dublin Horse Show, theatre, music & comedy events.