The Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology (MIoB) at the University of Virginia seeks a visionary Chief Strategy/Business Officer to drive strategic planning, innovation, and translational impact across the Institute. The CSO/CBO will work closely with the Head of the Institute and the extended leadership team to define and execute MIoB’s strategic priorities, support translational research programs, and advance the Institute’s mission to accelerate the discovery and development of transformative medicines.

This senior leadership role requires a deep understanding of biotechnology, drug discovery and development, academic-industry partnerships, and philanthropic and venture funding. The CSO/CBO will play a pivotal role in guiding scientific teams through the innovation pipeline, securing resources, and shaping MIoB’s long-term trajectory as a national leader in biotechnology.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and annual update of the Institute’s strategic plan.
• Provide foresight on emerging scientific, clinical, and industry trends to guide strategic priorities.
• Partner with Institute leadership to align programs, faculty recruitment, and infrastructure with long-term goals.

Innovation Programs & Portfolio Management

• Direct the SPARK program for early-stage drug discovery, including portfolio and project management.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and support high-potential translational research projects.
• Establish metrics for success and oversee progress of the innovation pipeline.

Funding & Resource Development

• Collaborate with University leadership to raise, allocate, and steward the Manning Innovation Funds.
• Cultivate partnerships with philanthropists, venture funds, biotech/pharma companies, and federal agencies.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to sustain and grow the Institute’s innovation ecosystem.

Translational Development Stewardship

• Advise faculty, trainees, and entrepreneurial teams in advancing projects through preclinical and clinical development.
• Guide researchers through regulatory milestones, including IND-enabling studies and FDA submissions.
• Support company formation, intellectual property strategy, and partnerships to translate discoveries into commercial opportunities.

Institutional & External Engagement

• Represent the Institute at national and international forums on biotechnology innovation.
• Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration within UVA and with external stakeholders.
• Build and strengthen strategic alliances with industry, foundations, and government partners.

To learn more about the Manning Institute, as well as the University's 2030 Strategic Plan, please visit https://manninginstitute.virginia.edu/.

Required Qualifications

Education: Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD or equivalent) in life sciences, biotechnology, or related field.
Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of leadership experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, academic research administration, or related innovation ecosystems. Demonstrated track record in strategic planning, fundraising, and innovation management. Experience mentoring teams through drug development milestones, including IND submission and/or startup formation.

Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. This role does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and/or programs.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with ability to translate vision into action.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery, preclinical development, and commercialization pathways.
• Proven ability to build partnerships across academia, industry, philanthropy and government.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing new therapies to patients.

Reporting & Appointment

The Chief Strategy/Business Officer will report directly to the Head of the Manning Institute of Biotechnology and serve as a member of the Institute’s senior leadership team. This full-time, executive appointment is an exempt-level, benefited position located in Charlottesville, VA, and provides the ability to work in a hybrid environment following the University's remote work guidelines.

To learn more about UVA benefits, the University, and the surrounding Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after December 1.

How to Apply 

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0078377. Complete an application with the following documents:   

• Resume

• Cover Letter 

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF.   Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. 

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.  

For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Lyndsay Thaxton, Academic Recruitment Manager, at [email protected].

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.