Overview

Position

NEOM Labs Manager

Job Code

TBD

Reports to

Head of Cluster & Venture Development

Supervises (Titles)

N/A

Division

Cluster & Venture Development

Department

N/A

Sector

Biotechnology

Job Family

TBD

Role Purpose

NEOM represents a groundbreaking venture set to revolutionize the way we think about biotech. As part of Saudi Arabia's vision for the future, NEOM is dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and the creation of a new model for living, working, and thriving. The Biotechnology Sector has the highly ambitious mandate of developing a globally leading biotechnology hub in NEOM. Building an ecosystem from scratch in a highly technologically advanced domain requires a diverse team coming from a variety of backgrounds spanning science, architecture, investment and entrepreneurship.

Our Cluster and Venture Development Division is developing an innovation ecosystem from the bottom up. This strongly leverages a global footprint, while also building local capabilities. We are building an investment, venture building and bio-entrepreneurship platform to generate a pipeline of innovative, early-stage biotech startups with a unique NEOM story. Amongst this, NEOM Labs, will play a crucial role in providing specialized research services to a variety of partners.

The NEOM Labs will:

• Host biomanufacturing & industrial companies planning to start activities in NEOM
• Host & incubate R&D teams working for top biotech companies around the world
• Develop its own business model based on contract research for the biotech industry
• Develop internal technologies for commercialization
  
  

We are looking for a highly versatile and talented individual to support the establishment of, and ultimately manage the NEOM Labs. The NEOM Labs Manager will be a scientist at heart, commercially minded, and with a strong background in R&D. The ideal candidate will have experience working in scientific consulting, contract research or a translational research commercialization department at a leading research institution. The candidate will have a comprehensive knowledge of laboratory management, outsourced research studies and technology transfer. Similarly, project conceptualization and management is essential to support with setting up and delivering successful projects for NEOM Labs.

Key Accountabilities & Activities

Key Accountability Areas

Key Activities

Strategy, Planning and Design

Develop a scope of functions and capabilities provided, to include, but not be limited to:

• Technology validation studies
• Contract research projects
• Hosting of companies seeking to establish local R&D and / or production capabilities
  
  

Support in planning and design of laboratory facilities, including temporary pilot facilities through to permanent assets. Cover the following competencies:

• Technical specifications of facilities, including spacing requirements and other infrastructure specific to biotech R&D
• Furniture, fixtures and fittings for wet laboratory
• Combination and placement of equipment and designated core laboratory elements
  
  

Support development of a business model for NEOM Labs to ensure business sustainability.

Technical Implementation and Operations

Scope out R&D projects for NEOM Labs and develop protocols in collaboration with external partners. Ensure ability to deliver technically with facilities and capabilities at NEOM Labs.

Provide adequate staffing for R&D projects through hiring talent and facilitating training, either internally, or in collaboration with external partners.

Support with development of Memorandum of Understanding agreements and ensure full execution of technical terms as relevant to NEOM Labs.

Facilitate technical validation of the range of technologies being explored by entrepreneurs-in-residence and investment analysts. For validation studies, develop project scopes for the right “killer experiments”, ensuring relevant technical questions are answered in a prompt and succinct process.

Ensure quality control processes are developed, maintained and adhered to.

Ensure project deliverables are achieved in accordance with parameters set out within timeframes agreed with external partners.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

Manage relationships with technical counterparties in external partners to ensure adequate information is sourced / provided for research projects.

Support the Sector in managing 3rd party partner / supplier relationships, take responsibility for entities involved in technical laboratory assessments / validation studies.

Manage relationships internal to NEOM (e.g., NEOM Projects, Supply Chain & Logistics, Waste Management, etc.) to ensure effective communication and coordination.

Business Management

Ensure accurate scoping and costing of projects, including space usage, consumables and staffing.

Ensure accurate costing of design and build of NEOM Labs, working closely with the Asset Development team.

Ensure NEOM Labs activities are adequately resourced by supporting hiring processes and outsourcing of activities where appropriate.

Develop budgets for NEOM Labs and support Biotech Sector in preparing reports, including implementation progress and budgetary position.

Manage resources allocated to NEOM Labs, and work with Biotech Sector Business & Operations team to maintain business operations of NEOM Labs (revenue and costs).

Business Development

Ensure that NEOM Labs actively acquires new customers (industry, startups, R&D Teams), both by establishing new R&D partnerships and by new contract research agreements, aligning with efforts made by other Sector Divisions (e.g., Industrial Development).

Commercialize NEOM Labs technology throughout licensing or the creation of NEOM Labs Spinoffs.

Key Stakeholders

Internal

External

• All Biotech Sector divisions, including Cluster & Venture Development, Industrial Development, Asset Development Marketing and Business Management & Ops.
• Biotech Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
• Biotech Satellite offices
• NEOM Projects
• NEOM Logistics and Supply Chain
• NEOM Waste Management
• NEOM Authority and Regulatory
• Biotech startups and corporates (pharma and biomanufacturers)
• External laboratories and service providers
• External partners (consultants and KOLs)
  
  

Qualifications / Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• 7-10 years of experience in a managerial role either at a contract research organisation, technology centre (not academic laboratory) OR a technology transfer role for a major global research institution.
• Demonstrated experience managing a team consisting of scientists and technicians.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to design highly variable technical projects and studies across life sciences sector at minimal cost, maximum impact.
• Experience of managing a portfolio of different clients to provide technical and research services, from corporates, academics and startups.
• Experience of working in top-tier global biotech hubs at globally renowned institutions.
  
  

Education and Certifications

• A PhD degree in science, biology, biotechnology (or equivalent) is required.
• Qualifications or accreditations in intellectual property for the life sciences sector is preferred.
• Demonstrated ongoing development of technical knowledge is required (e.g., CPD / short courses).
• Strong English proficiency (verbal and written) is required; Arabic is an advantage but not essential.