BioLabs is a global innovation infrastructure company creating the physical and community backbone that powers life science discovery worldwide. Through a growing network of premium shared laboratories and coworking spaces, BioLabs provides turnkey access to state-of-the-art research facilities, entrepreneurial programming, and deep industry and capital connections. These integrated ecosystems enable innovators - from early-stage founders to established R&D teams - to rapidly translate ideas into impact without the constraints of traditional lab ownership. The BioLabs network now spans major innovation hubs across the United States, Europe, and Asia, serving as a catalyst for collaboration and a launchpad for breakthroughs that advance human health and sustainability. Learn more at www.biolabs.io.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Regional Director, the Site Head (Director, Business Operations and Strategy) of our new site, BioLabs University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, manages and oversees the strategic and financial growth, as well as business and administrative operations of the site, located in the MaRS Building.
This includes (1) managing the site’s business operations, processes, and databases, (2) developing new partnerships and fostering existing partnerships with key stakeholders, including BioLabs’ strategic partners, sponsors, and key players in the regional biotech ecosystem, and (3) ensuring an optimal customer experience for BioLabs’ resident life science companies. You will work closely with BioLabs’ global Business Operations & Strategy leadership team to achieve the company’s long-term strategic, financial, and growth objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Work closely with BioLabs’ Operations leadership team and our partner organization, the University of Toronto,
to formulate and execute on strategic goals; report on progress toward meeting milestones/targets to BioLabs leadership and the BioLabs site’s strategic partner
Develop operational and capital budgets for BioLabs site; effectively forecast and manage within targets
Track and manage the financial growth of the BioLabs site (i.e. revenue generation, occupancy rates, capital efficiencies, pipeline projections)
Develop pipeline of applicant companies by (1) spearheading BioLabs’ regional marketing & advertising efforts and (2) growing BioLabs’ brand awareness through thought leadership & participation in relevant local and national conferences, tradeshows, meetings, webinars/panels
Manage team of administrative operations, client relations, events, and/or communications personnel
Manage relationships with the BioLabs site’s resident life science startup companies; promote, and support their growth
Build and expand relationships with BioLabs’ strategic partners and sponsors, including pharma, universities, and technical vendors
Perform primary and secondary market research and competitive landscape analysis to inform pricing models, new product offerings, and innovative solutions to evolving customer needs
With support of your team, develop a strategic programming/events
calendar for the BioLabs site’s resident community by forging strong partnerships with a network of world-class academics, industry experts, and entrepreneurs passionate about advising our resident entrepreneurs on their path to success
Collaborate with Business Operations & Strategy leadership team to streamline, standardize, and improve efficiencies of BioLabs business and administrative operations
Serve as the alternate site Biological Safety Officer by:
Ensuring ongoing compliance with all relevant biosafety and environmental health regulations across all tenant companies, biosafety levels, and technologies, and maintaining audit-ready documentation and safe research practices.
Lead company-tailored biosafety risk assessments, containment oversight, certification, and emergency response coordination and investigation for diverse technologies and biosafety levels.
Deliver tailored biosafety training, verify staff competency, and foster a strong safety culture through collaboration and continuous program improvement.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree (MBA and/or MS or PhD in life sciences or related field) is preferred.
At least 5 years’ leadership experience in operations, business development, strategic partnerships, or alliance management in a commercial environment, preferably in the biotech and/or life sciences space,
required.
Exposure to early-stage company creation, venture investment, finance and/or related activities required.
Experience with program budgeting/forecasting and fiscal management required.
Strong connections across to the local/regional biotech ecosystem in the Greater Toronto area a plus.
Persuasive and passionate communicator with exceptional communication and presentation skills, proactive relationship builder.
Highly organized, self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and results driven.
Exceptional people leader with a track record of selecting and nurturing strong performers.
Must be able to lift over 50 pounds and be able to stand for multiple hours at a time.
Respond to and be available for occasional site and lab-related issues outside regular business hours as part of the on-call rotation.
Be available to attend occasional off-hour events.
Ability to travel to other BioLabs site locations as needed
(domestic & international).
