Academic Collaboration Alliance Manager

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR) oversees, develops, supports, and grows UNC-Chapel Hill's $1 billion research enterprise. The offices reporting to the OVCR set strategic priorities for research, manage proposals and awards, provide research infrastructure, identify funding opportunities, develop research teams and partnerships, oversee regulatory compliance, and communicate the impact and value of the University's research enterprise. The OVCR enables research endeavors for faculty, students, and scholars; encourages interdisciplinary research collaboration across campus; and fosters expansion and diversification of the University's sponsored research portfolio by collaborating with foundations, federal agencies, corporations, and the state and federal governments. The Vice Chancellor for Research also oversees multiple pan-University, multidisciplinary research centers and institutes.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Deerfield Management have partnered to create Pinnacle Hill, LLC, a company seeking to discover new medicines for patients with diseases that remain the significant unmet medical needs of our times. Deerfield may invest up to $65 million of targeted funding through Pinnacle Hill, LLC, as well as provide significant drug development expertise to advance promising new drug research across a wide range of therapeutic areas at UNC-Chapel Hill. Pinnacle Hill, LLC will identify and develop potential new drug candidates through various stages for which there is a commercially viable unmet medical need. At the completion of the research and preclinical stages, successful technologies will be licensed for further development and commercialization of important new medicines. The Academic Collaboration Alliance Manager for Pinnacle Hill, LLC offers a unique opportunity to build and manage this highly visible public-private partnership. The successful candidate will bring substantial experience with therapeutic commercialization, including collaborative work plan development, as well as a commitment to the economic and health impacts of new drugs. The Academic Collaboration Alliance Manager for Pinnacle Hill, LLC will report to a six member Steering Committee comprised of three members appointed by UNC-Chapel Hill and three members appointed by Deerfield. The role includes proactive engagement with the UNC research community to identify, evaluate, and advance promising therapeutic opportunities aligned with Pinnacle Hill priorities. This includes early-stage scientific and strategic assessment of potential projects and facilitating their progression through internal and external review processes.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in sponsored research administration, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

- Demonstrated understanding of the drug development process including direct experience working in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
- Project management with experience developing milestone-based work plans
- Ability to work effectively across complex organizations
- Knowledge of academic policies and processes
- Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to work cross-functionally, manage crisis, and align interests of multiple parties
- Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills

- Minimum of 7-8 years experience
- Experience in alliance management preferred

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.