DIRECTOR-ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL AFFAIRS
The University of Alabama at Birmingham

General Responsibilities:
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), in collaboration with Southern Research (SR), is seeking a research staff professional and scientific leader for the re-launch of the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance (ADDA) Program, currently branded the Station 41 Accelerator, which is focused on identifying and catalyzing new therapeutic discoveries with clinical and translational promise. This program builds on the expertise present at UAB and SR and has the dedicated commitment of the technology transfer and intellectual property offices to guide any commercial opportunities that may arise from the supported efforts. Reporting to the Director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), this individual will be responsible for end-to-end leadership of the new Program, including co-developing a strategic plan; organizing a market launch, generating connections with industry and university players, coaching funded project teams, creating and implementing related educational initiatives, and leading day-to-day operations. We are looking for an energetic and nimble executive who thinks critically, relishes details, effectively collaborates with a broad array of stakeholders, has a background and prior experience in drug development, and a demonstrated interest in scientific research, commercialization, and economic growth.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Co-develops the strategic plan for the Program, including the business plan, financial model, prospective organizational structure, and legal operational considerations, including systems, processes, and facilities.
2. Works directly with the Director of the CCTS, Chief Business Officer and other UAB executive leaders to identify, shape, and prioritize objectives across strategic projects relevant to commercialization and startup growth, in collaboration with SR.
3. Provides written reports, analysis/forecasting/budgeting and other programmatic evaluation as requested.
4. Interfaces with the Executive Committee of the Program, which includes senior leaders from UAB and SR, and any such strategic advisory committees that are proposed in the strategic plan.
5. Plans and coordinates a market re-launch for the Program in Q1 of FY 2027.
6. Upon growth of the Program, proposes expansion of the program through hiring a team of other individuals to operate project businesses and drive licensing and partnership deals.
7. Represents and speaks on behalf of upper management with the University Administration at all levels and externally at community events.
8. Coordinates solicitation and project selection for the Program, including leading committees of faculty, outside experts and commercialization leads to evaluate projects.
9. Establishes tailored project mentoring teams to track project timelines, milestones, and deliverables and works with that team to address Go/No-Go decisions on further development at predefined stages.
10. Liaises with regulatory offices and external agencies (e.g., FDA, OoR/ARO-CT, Technology Transfer, Harbert Institute for Innovation Entrepreneurship, Legal) to anticipate and effectuate required project oversight.
11. Coordinates with relevant marketing and communications teams within UAB to promote the Program and selected projects.
12. Serves as the business manager and point of contact for projects launched through the Program, overseeing technical and operational functions for the company on a fractional basis.
13. Develops educational resources and leads activities to build a community of scholarship in drug discovery and related research commercialization.
14. Drives SBIR / STTR and other non-dilutive funding applications to develop new therapies and diagnostics via investigational companies.
15. In collaboration with Harbert Institute for Innovation Entrepreneurship, drives licensing opportunities, funding sources, potential spin-outs, or other partnerships for investigational companies emerging from the Program, including creation of pitch decks and diligence materials for potential partners.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary Pay Range: $104,045 – $169,075

Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field and ten (10) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for the education requirement.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.