Head of Business and Development (Special Projects) - VPRDO

THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Gratuity on completion

Job summary

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology seeks a seasoned leader to direct the new Institute focused on aging-related diseases. The appointee will build strategic partnerships, secure funding, and drive commercialisation of research outcomes while guiding interdisciplinary teams.

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes fringe benefits, annual leave, medical and dental benefits, and a gratuity upon contract completion.

Qualifications

• PhD required in life science or related field.
• 10+ years of directly relevant experience.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques and aging-related disease research methods.
• Proven ability to write proposals, grants and funding applications.
• Strong IP, industry networks and negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative abilities across levels.
• Established networks in aging-related disease research.
• Excellent communication to represent and promote the Institute.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and implement the Institute's business development strategy.
• Identify and pursue strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Develop commercialisation initiatives from research outcomes.
• Oversee laboratory operations and collaborate with research teams.
• Support administration and development of aging-related research programmes.
• Manage financial and human resources to support Institute initiatives.
• Liaise with sponsors and external stakeholders.
• Represent and promote the Institute locally and globally.

Skills

Grant writing

Stakeholder engagement

Networking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Project management

Education

PhD in life science or related field

Job description

We are seeking a skilled, experienced individual to lead, develop, and implement the business development strategy of a new institute focused on age-related diseases. The appointee will identify and pursue strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and commercialisation initiatives, build strong relationships with industry and other key stakeholders, and drive sustainable growth and research impact. Employment will initially be under the University until the Institute is established.

The appointee's Key Responsibilities:

• Manage interdisciplinary research and development projects and facilitate the commercialisation of research outcomes at the Institute.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of scientific strategies.
• Oversee laboratory operations and work closely with research teams.
• Support the administration, development, and implementation of current and future research programmes focused on aging-related diseases.
• Manage financial and human resources to support the Institute's initiatives.
• Liaise with sponsors and external stakeholders.
• Represent and promote the Institute locally and globally.

Qualifications and attributes:

• PhD degree in life science, biological science, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of directly relevant experience.
• Familiarity with common molecular biology techniques and research methods relevant to aging-related diseases, together with relevant laboratory skills and knowledge.
• Proven ability to write clearly, efficiently, and accurately for proposal development, grant applications, and other funding opportunities.
• Sound knowledge of intellectual property issues, strong industry networks, and commercial negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage with staff at all levels and build collaborative relationships within the Institute's research community.
• Established networks in research on aging-related diseases.
• Excellent communication skills to represent and promote the Institute.

(Duration: 2 years)

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Fringe benefits including annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided.
• A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.