The CBC Entrepreneurial Fellows (EF) Award program identifies and supports the professional development of junior life sciences researchers who are keen to develop the skills and experiences needed to move translational projects from a university lab toward commercialization and potentially into a Chicago-based biotech start-up. The program exposes Fellows to a breadth of real-world experiences across the CBC institutions and connects trainees to the Chicago biomedical community.

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The CBC and the Entrepreneurial Fellows program are on a mission to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive biotechnology and life sciences community for all and we especially welcome women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply. We are developing our interview process and program to ensure that all feel welcomed and included.

CBC Entrepreneurial Fellows will:

  1. Be recent MS, PhD, MD, PharmD/PhD or MD/PhD recipients or will have recently completed an initial postdoc in the biomedical sciences (no more than 4 years from terminal degree conferral),
  2. Have a strong interest and passion for driving innovative and transformational biomedical research from the university toward clinical and ultimately commercial applications,
  3. Be exposed to fundamentals of early-stage drug development and the business of biotech,
  4. Support the identification and program management of research programs at NU, UIC and UChicago that have therapeutic and commercial potential,
  5. Have an active and central role in the development, refinement and implementation of CBC-funded awards focused on translational research including:
    – The development and refinement of proposals from university faculty,
    – The collection and assessment of data supporting the unmet medical need and commercial opportunity of the proposed therapeutic or diagnostic,
    – The development of a work plan which advances the science toward pre-clinical proof-of-concept while assessing and addressing drug discovery/development risks.

The CBC Entrepreneurial Fellows will gain a network by:

  1. Working with the CBC Executive Director and Associate Director of Entrepreneurship,
  2. Partnering with our member institution tech transfer and entrepreneurship offices: (1) NU Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO) (2) UIC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Office of Technology Management (OTM) (3) UChicago Polsky Center,
  3. Integrating with members of the EF Advisory Board and industry mentors,
  4. Working with university faculty and experts in the greater Chicago bio entrepreneurship community.

The Fellows will participate in CBC-sponsored events such as CBCAN (CBC Accelerator Network), CBC scientific symposia and workshops, and CBC Award review sessions. Fellows will actively engage with each other to share learnings and experiences, and explore opportunities for synergistic collaborations in areas of common interest.

What you will do:

  1. Work with CBC university investigators in preparing proposals with the translational potential to CBC Award programs and other funding organizations.
  2. The fellows will be exposed to all aspects of drug discovery and early development including:
    – Development of investment thesis and competitive positioning,
    – Development of robust project plans, timelines, project budgets and resource allocations, generate project mitigation plans, competitive landscapes analysis, clinical strategies and regulatory strategy.
  3. Interact with Deerfield Management funded projects through Lakeside Discovery (NU) and West Loop Innovations (UIC) to accelerate the translation of transformative biomedical technologies.
  4. Coordinate intellectual property review of projects with Tech Transfer staff and Office of Sponsored Research to generate reports on the patent status and potential encumbrances.
  5. Work with project team members to ensure the project plan incorporates all necessary regulatory requirements for documentation for drug safety, toxicology and manufacturing of clinical candidates.
  6. Cultivate a drug discovery culture at the CBC universities and beyond by participating actively in CBC-sponsored events, symposia, workshops and review panels.

Forming interactions/meetings between Fellows to provide overviews of current projects, share knowledge and discuss ways to move translational projects forward.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 9TH. APPLICATIONS WILL BE EVALUATED AS THEY COME IN, SO APPLY NOW!!

Benefits

  • Highly competitive salary with fringe benefits
  • Funds are available for travel associated with program responsibilities
  • Office space will be provided and shared with additional EFs
  • Appointments are for 12 months but are renewable for an additional 12 months by mutual agreement
  • A bird’s eye view of the pipeline of early-stage biomedical applications
  • An unparalleled network of peers and mentors in the bio-entrepreneurship space

Eligibilities

  • Recent MS, PhD, MD, PharmD/PhD or MD/PhD recipient or recently completed an initial post-doc in the biomedical sciences (biology, molecular biology, biophysics, chemistry, chemical biology or related fields) with a strong interest and passion for driving innovative and transformational biomedical research from the university lab toward clinical and ultimately commercial applications.
  • A broad interest in translational research, with a primary focus on the development of therapeutics or associated diagnostics and biomarkers.
  • Prior exposure to contemporary drug discovery/development is desirable, but a profound interest in furthering this exposure is essential.
  • Strong verbal and written communication, along with outstanding analytical skills are critical.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and on a self-directed basis, but also as a high-functioning member of a team.
Eligible Regions: open to all

Application Process

Completed applications must be submitted online. To apply you need the following material-

  • Cover Letter (no more than (2) pages) which should include an answer to the questions: (1) why biotech/ bio-entrepreneurship, (2) why Chicagoland, (3) how the EF program will help your future career goals, 4) Thesis project and name of a faculty advisor. They encourage applicants to use insights from their own journey and graduate career. As applicable, please refer to specific, recent advances in the biotech commercial space that you consider exciting. Include your graduation date or anticipated graduation date as well as availability to begin Fellowship.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Names, titles and contact information of three references to provide letters of recommendation

All materials listed above must be assembled into a single PDF document in the order listed. Name the PDF file with your last and first name (e.g. Last_First.pdf). Formatting of all documents should be in 11-point font, single-spaced, 0.5-inch margins, and standard letter size (8.5” x 11”). Embedded figures are acceptable.

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Application Deadline: September 10, 2022

Application ClosedOfficial link

For Further Queries

Questions about the CBC EF programme or application process should be directed to Eleonora Gatta at [email protected] or Michelle Hoffmann at [email protected]. Questions about the webform should be directed to [email protected].
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