Principal, Business Development and Commercialization, UHN Research Institute

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies:  1
New or Replacement Position: Replacement
Site: MaRS
Department: Commercialization
Reports to:  Head, Business Development and Commercialization UHN Research Institute
Salary Range:  $115,730 to $165,730 annually
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: February 27, 2026

About UHN Research Institute 

The UHN Research Institute is internationally recognized for its multidisciplinary biomedical research which encompasses activity across the UHN sites (other than Princess Margaret Cancer Centre) and drives the convergence of care, research, and education across a broad scope of disease fields and disciplines; as such it is a cornerstone of UHN’s innovation ecosystem. These areas include Krembil Brain Institute, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, KITE Research Institute, McEwen Stem Cell Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, and The Institute for Education Research, as well as research in respiratory health, metabolism and organ function, and health systems and policy.  UHNRI’s commercialization successes include the Medly cardiac digital health platform and EVLP lung transplant system among others, which have reshaped patient care and global standards in their respective fields. 

Candidate Profile 

The role of Principal, Business Development and Commercialization UHN Research Institute is a key position within our office. It requires a dynamic, creative, business development professional with academic credentials, skills in relationship management and contract negotiation, and experience in fields related to the broad discovery areas of UHNRI. 

The Principal will develop and implement strategies to maximize the commercial success of the research being conducted within their portfolio at UHN Research Institute and will foster and leverage internal and external relationships to facilitate the identification, development, commercialization, and transfer to practical use of institute- or program-specific inventions, assets and technologies. 

Specifically, and in collaboration with the Head of Business Development & Commercialization for UHNRI, as well as Directors and Program researchers of the relevant sub-institute, the Principal will maintain an overview and pipeline of the various discoveries, research activities, and programs within his or her assigned portfolio. He or she will take the lead in all aspects of revenue generation including evaluation, protection, marketing, licensing, and supporting new company creation. Specifically, he or she will assess the market potential of specific inventions, develop assets/IP and marketing strategies for each, engage in discussions with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, then negotiate research agreements and term-sheets with external parties. He or she will also manage alliances with strategic partners. In addition, and in collaboration with our Ventures team, the Principal will work to help source seed and venture funding, from initial contact with academic inventors through to successful asset commercialization. 

Key responsibilities 

• Proactively engage the sub-institute and Clinical Directors, clinicians, and researchers within the assigned portfolio to deeply understand faculty and programmatic research interests and facilitate commercialization activities including identifying research programs or assets with commercial potential, preparing IP disclosures, developing commercialization strategies and marketing materials, and transacting corporate contracts.  
•  Drive business development and deal flow activities in a team environment to achieve commercialization objectives.  
• Provide support and lead opportunities for UHN’s Commercialization funds and/or external ecosystem funding opportunities.  
• Proactively engage the sub-institute and Clinical Directors, clinicians, and researchers within the assigned portfolio to deeply understand faculty and programmatic research interests and facilitate commercialization activities including identifying research programs or assets with commercial potential, preparing IP disclosures, developing commercialization strategies and marketing materials, and transacting corporate contracts.  
•  Drive business development and deal flow activities in a team environment to achieve commercialization objectives.  
• Provide support and lead opportunities for UHN’s Commercialization funds and/or external ecosystem funding opportunities.  
• In alignment with the Head, Business Development & Commercialization UHN Research Institute, take ownership of Commercialization at UHN’s relationship with leadership within your assigned portfolio,  including the negotiation of research, service, and other research-related contracts (i.e., material/data/equipment transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements, etc.), as well as provide support for start-up and licensing agreements. In this capacity, he or she will work closely with Commercialization at UHN’s Licensing and Commercialization, IP Management, Marketing, and Operations teams, as well as Research Legal and the UHN Foundation. 

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant business experience or equivalent  
• Completion of a Master’s degree in immunology, biomedical science, biotechnology, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, preferably with a translational research and or commercialization specialization or recognized equivalent experience required; PhD and/or MBA highly preferred  
• Experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech business development, technology transfer, venture capital or related environment required 
• Experience in the negotiation of research support, licensing and/or partnership deals is required 
• Demonstrable and relevant industry and or investment experience with a focus on licensing and contract management and an existing network of contacts in key areas for UHNRI is required 
• Very good capacity for understanding and evaluating detailed legal agreements required 
• Good knowledge of patent practice required 
• Very good knowledge of licensing practice required 
• Strong presentation skills required 
• Experience launching and leading startup biotech companies (including sourcing seed and venture capital funding and divestments) would be an asset 
• Knowledge of internet patent and other database searches desirable 
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize while working under pressure with tight deadlines is required  
• Self-starter with demonstrated history of taking initiatives 
• Ability and comfort communicating to a range of stakeholders, from researchers to CEOs, from a business and science perspective 

Why join UHN? 

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN. 

• Competitive offer packages  
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/) 
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service 
• A flexible work environment  
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization 
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.) 

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.  

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.