JOB PURPOSE:
This vacancy has arisen in the Life Sciences Division, working with the Medical Technologies Department on a3-year fixed term contract. This position is located at IDA’s offices in Athlone.
The Life Sciences Division is responsible for marketing Ireland to global Life Sciences companies and assisting in the ongoing development of companies based here. The Life Sciences Division encompasses the Medical Technologies, Pharmaceutical and BioPharma sub sectors. Client’s activities span manufacturing, R&D and business services.
Working as a member of the global Life Sciences team you will be responsible for providing critical technology expertise to IDA client executives and to senior multinational Corporate Executives and driving the research and innovation agenda within the Department. You will also be the key interface with Irish based Research & Development Centres, looking to drive R&D investment and adoption of new and disruptive technology by IDA client companies. This role contributes directly to the Life Sciences Division’s job creation and investment targets.
Essential to the role will be leveraging your understanding of the research arena, engaging with the academic community to identify relevant research activities for Life Sciences companies, and working with IDA global teams and clients to drive company and collaborative R&D investment in Ireland.
KEY TASKS:
The role, in line with IDA’s Strategy
Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021-24, involves;
- Continuously identifying current and emerging trends in the Life Sciences Sector and following the dynamics of individual subsectors to ensure an in-depth technological and business knowledge is maintained.
- Contributing to, and influencing the IDA Ireland Life Sciences strategy and identifying and winning research-based investments with potential for significant economic impact;
- Generating a portfolio of activity across the following three areas by proactively engaging and collaborating with IDA Ireland Project Executives and client companies; and supporting the adoption of new and disruptive technologies across the portfolio
- Existing Companies
- Within existing client companies, focusing on the business units with a presence in Ireland to influence the development of first time or follow-on R&D opportunities by maximising the scale, scope, ambition and potential for such investments either stand alone or through academic/industry collaboration while at all times focusing on any investment’s potential impact on the Irish economy;
- New Business Units of Companies in Ireland
- Identifying opportunities and delivering R&D value propositions for the units within existing client companies where IDA is not currently engaged and where potential opportunities might be further developed with the client;
- Taking a lead role in identifying and influencing key R&D decision makers in these new business units to consider Ireland as a location for R&D and ancillary functions (with support from IDA Client and Overseas Executives);
- Target Companies
- Capturing high potential R&D opportunities with significant economic impact in new target companies. Where such investments develop, working collaboratively with IDA Executives and clients to position opportunities appropriately for the client; IDA Investment Committee and Board. Once approved, proactively supporting successful implementation of the R&D project;
- Leading IDA’s interaction with R&D-focused research institutes (including Technology Centres), and appropriate stakeholders to ensure that IDA is aware of current and emerging R&D initiatives in Ireland. Also ensuring that external stakeholders are aware, as appropriate, of emerging trends/client requirements in the R&D arena and to work proactively with these stakeholders to ensure that Ireland continues to grow and develop its value proposition to secure further R&D investment, and deliver significant economic impact;
- Within the wider Life Sciences team, helping to ensure that knowledge transfer takes place as part of a continuous learning and development culture;
- To ensure that IDA’s values of People, Professionalism, Passion for Performance and Public Service are upheld; and ensure dignity, respect and equality are maintained at all times
- Demonstrating flexibility in undertaking additional tasks as may be assigned; such as sectoral initiatives, thematic areas of focus, supporting value proposition development.
KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
· A third level qualification in the Life Sciences arena and/or relevant experience is essential;
· 2-5 years Life Sciences Industry experience (knowledge of MedTech sector is advantageous);
· Understanding of global and local trends underpinning R&D and innovation in Life Sciences
· Commercial / Business Development acumen with an understanding of business models and drivers of R&D is highly valued;
· Strong networking and influencing skills with knowledge of Ireland’s research ecosystem;
· Experience successfully securing funding for R&D projects is attractive;
· Ability to work under pressure, independently and as part of a team;
· Ongoing flexibility and interest in international career progression and development;
· A full driving licence is essential.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
· A third level qualification in the Life Sciences arena and/or relevant experience is essential;
· 2-5 years Life Sciences Industry experience (knowledge of MedTech sector is advantageous);
· Understanding of global and local trends underpinning R&D and innovation in Life Sciences
· Commercial / Business Development acumen with an understanding of business models and drivers of R&D is highly valued;
· Strong networking and influencing skills with knowledge of Ireland’s research ecosystem;
· Experience successfully securing funding for R&D projects is attractive;
· Ability to work under pressure, independently and as part of a team;
· Ongoing flexibility and interest in international career progression and development;
· A full driving licence is essential.
Salary Scale
€47,631 to €68,512 per annum contributory superannuation.
Rising by long service increments to €70,160 (after 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum of the range). *Non-negotiable to start at the minimum of the scale
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: From €47,631.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Westmeath
Application deadline: 09/06/2023
Reference ID: 2023-10