Sontag Innovation Fund, LLC., is a venture philanthropy and impact investment fund wholly owned by the Sontag Foundation. The Fund focuses on investment opportunities with the ability to materially accelerate the development of therapeutics or technology to diagnose, treat, prevent and cure brain cancer. The Sontag Foundation is a private foundation and one of the largest private funders of brain cancer research in North America.
The Sontag Innovation Fund is seeking a motivated Life Sciences Associate (Associate). The Associate will function as an integral member of the Sontag Innovation Fund investment team and will support an experienced team of investment professionals and scientific advisors. The
successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to develop mission-focused investment theses, source investment opportunities, and critically review investment opportunities. The role requires a high level of self-motivation and will have a meaningful level of responsibility from the outset.
The Associate is expected to operate collaboratively in an environment that values face-to-face interaction. The position will be based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and will require travel.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conducting scientific due diligence in partnership with internal staff, advisors, consultants, and outside experts.
• Drafting due diligence reports.
• Evaluating scientific project proposals for research merit and commercial opportunity. • Conducting business due diligence including investment-specific diligence, market analysis, financial modeling, and primary and secondary research.
• Preparing and maintaining internal documentation on potential investments/portfolio, including preparation of investment memos.
• Actively participating in deal pipeline monitoring and management.
• Engaging in on-going portfolio management including presentations and financial models.
• Attending scientific retreats, travel to portfolio companies, networking events and relevant industry conferences.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• M.S, and/or PhD degree in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Pre-Medicine, Science, or other relevant major (MD or PhD is preferred).
• A genuine and demonstrable interest in investing and the life sciences industry; specific aptitude for the molecular biology, biotechnology, oncology, neuroscience, diagnostics, and/or life science tools; exposure to neuro-oncology research a plus.
• Experience or exposure to activities relating to business development, technology transfer, intellectual property, FDA regulatory process, and/or commercialization is a plus.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and planning skills.
• Ability to work and exhibit leadership in a dynamic, fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to send a resume and cover letter to hkeeley@sontagfoundation.org. No phone calls please.