Employment Opportunity [one-year term]

 Published: November 3rd 2020

Sector Innovation Associate [one-year term]

The Sector Innovation Associate is responsible for opportunity generation and actively supporting the Business Development Strategy for Genome Atlantic. Aimed at maintaining the organization’s robust pipeline of end-user-driven future opportunities, this position helps lead the development of assigned proposals with guidance from the Director, Innovation Programs and also supports the CEO, as needed.

Focused on identifying and cultivating key opportunities in our 7 target sectors, this role involves attending key events, supporting and enhancing existing relationships, as well as developing new partnerships. This role serves as the Sector Lead for the Health, Environment and Mining sectors while supporting lead development in other sectors, as needed. 

The Sector Innovation Associate contributes to a small, energetic and talented team, and supports meaningful connections between private sector needs and academic research expertise. This opportunity is ideal for a driven and highly organized, natural connection-builder known for delivering excellence in a fast-paced environment. If you’re a self-aware, “glass-half-full” team player with a great sense of humour, you’ll feel right at home on our team!

Key Qualifications

  • A graduate-level science degree in a relevant discipline or an undergraduate science degree with an MBA or a comparable combination of science and business training in academia.
  • A minimum of 7 years of dedicated business development/innovation experience within the Bioscience sector, in roles of progressing responsibility.
  • Deep understanding of genomic applications for key sectors driving the economy of Atlantic Canada with specific experience in one or more sectors, particularly ocean technology, considered an asset.
  • Well-developed and proven leadership skills to help mobilize end-users (from the private and public sectors) and academic experts to address strategic opportunities of importance to Atlantic Canada. 
  • Natural matchmaker with a proven track record of identifying and developing high-value opportunities capable of enabling significant socio-economic benefits.
  • Hands-on experience with the development of large-scale, multi-million-dollar proposals linking private sector needs with academic expertise. 
  • Vision and experience to assess/coordinate the review of the strengths and weaknesses of new opportunities (including the science, GE3LS and socio-economic impact elements) and in turn advise on proposal strategy.
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
  • Prior experience overseeing direct reports and contractors preferred.
  • Experience working with government agencies and funding partners.

This position requires schedule flexibility, including availability some nights and weekends to accommodate travel, address time-sensitive matters and adapt to meetings in different time-zones, as required.

This position is based out of our Halifax, NS office and may require travel throughout Atlantic Canada on occasion.   Given the current COVID-19 conditions, Genome Atlantic acknowledges that some flexibility will be required to accommodate the successful applicant, and as such are willing to consider a remote working situation in other parts of the country.

How to Apply

Kindly forward your cover letter and resume (as one document) with the heading “Sector Innovation Associate” in the subject line of your email to ktweel@genomeatlantic.ca. Please entitle all attachments to include your first and last name. Your cover letter should articulate why you believe you are a fit for this position, key career accomplishments relevant to this opportunity, and how you see yourself contributing to our team dynamic. 

Closing date for this posting is Monday, November 16th, 2020.

Individual accommodations due to a disability are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, citizenship status, marital status, actual or perceived sexual orientation. 

Genome Atlantic is committed to creating an inclusive environment and building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value diversity and recognize that experience comes in many forms and skills are transferable. Please view this description as a general overview, but not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute and lead in this role, apply!  

We thank all interested parties; however, only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.

About Genome Atlantic

Genomics is a powerful combination of genetics, biology and computer science. It provides us with the unprecedented ability to better understand all living things, leading to a host of opportunities across a variety of sectors. Genome Atlantic is a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to develop and lead a program of genomics R&D that delivers tangible economic, social and environmental benefits to Atlantic Canada. 

We connect ideas and people across public and private sectors to find new uses for genomics, invest in large-scale science and technology to fuel innovation, and translate discoveries into solutions across key sectors of national importance. Key sectors include health, agriculture and agri-food, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, the environment, energy, and mining. Together with our many partners, we have enabled over $120 million in strategic R&D since our inception in 2000.