NEOM Labs Manager

Overview

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. Located in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues, and tourist destinations.

As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses, and reinventing environmental conservation.

As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.

Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world's most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!

Role Purpose

The primary responsibility of this role is to oversee the strategic development and operational execution of NEOM Labs. This includes managing technology validation studies, contract research projects, and supporting companies establishing local R&D or production capabilities. The role also involves planning and designing laboratory facilities, from temporary pilot setups to permanent structures, ensuring technical specifications meet biotech R&D needs. Additionally, the position requires scoping R&D projects, developing protocols with partners, managing relationships, and facilitating technical validations to guarantee business sustainability and operational efficiency at NEOM Labs.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Strategy, Planning and Design

Develop a scope of functions and capabilities provided, including but not limited to:

• Technology validation studies
• Contract research projects
• Hosting companies seeking to establish local R&D and/or production capabilities
• Support in planning and design of laboratory facilities, including temporary pilot facilities and permanent assets, covering:
• Technical specifications of facilities, including spacing requirements and infrastructure specific to biotech R&D
• Furniture, fixtures, and fittings for wet laboratories
• Arrangement and placement of equipment and core laboratory elements
• Support development of a business model for NEOM Labs to ensure sustainability

Technical Implementation and Operations

• Scope out R&D projects for NEOM Labs and develop protocols in collaboration with external partners, ensuring technical delivery with available facilities and capabilities.
• Provide staffing for R&D projects through hiring and training, internally or with external partners.
• Support development and execution of Memorandum of Understanding agreements related to technical terms.
• Facilitate technical validation of technologies explored by entrepreneurs-in-residence and investment analysts, developing project scopes for experiments that answer relevant technical questions efficiently.
• Maintain quality control processes and ensure adherence.
• Ensure project deliverables meet set parameters within agreed timeframes.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with external technical partners to facilitate research projects.
• Support in managing third-party partner/supplier relationships involved in laboratory assessments and validation studies.
• Coordinate with internal NEOM entities (e.g., Projects, Supply Chain, Waste Management) for effective communication.

Business Management

• Accurately scope and cost projects, including space, consumables, and staffing.
• Collaborate with Asset Development for cost estimation of lab design and construction.
• Support resource planning, hiring, and outsourcing activities.
• Develop budgets and support reporting on progress and financials.
• Manage resources and oversee business operations, including revenue and costs.
• Business Development: actively acquire new customers, establish R&D partnerships, and develop contract research agreements.
• Commercialize NEOM Labs technology via licensing or creating spinoffs.

Culture and Values

• Embrace NEOM's culture and values https://www.neom.com/en-us/about
• Act with honesty and integrity, following best practices and NEOM's Code of Conduct.
• Maintain ethical and professional work practices.
• Adhere to NEOM policies, procedures, and controls for compliance.

Experience & Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• 7+ years in managerial roles at contract research organizations, technology centers, or technology transfer roles at major research institutions.
• Experience managing teams of scientists and technicians.
• Proven ability to design variable technical projects across life sciences at minimal cost and maximum impact.
• Experience managing diverse client portfolios in providing research and technical services.
• Experience working in top-tier global biotech hubs and renowned institutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in science, biology, biotechnology, or equivalent.
• Qualifications or certifications in intellectual property for life sciences are preferred.
• Continuous development of technical knowledge through CPD or short courses.
• Strong English skills; Arabic is an advantage but not essential.