Biotech Center posts new chief exec job in Wilmington

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center has launched its search for a new executive based in Wilmington to lead its statewide marine biotechnology work. The position will have an office at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science beginning in mid-January.

The chief executive will lead the Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation (MBCOI), which has $2.5 million in committed state funding over the next four years. The salary range for the position is $125,000-$175,000.

“There will be milestones established,” said Steve Fontana, senior technology development officer for UNCW’s Center for Marine Science and member of the MBCOI project management team. “The [Center of Innovation] is expected to be self-sustaining thereafter.”

The Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation (MBCOI) came out of a collaboration between Duke University, N.C. State University, East Carolina University, UNC Chapel Hill, UNCW, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and economic development agency, North Carolina’s Eastern Region. But, it is a new and separate organization.

The new executive will collaborate with local, national and global maritime communities and research institutions to develop academic and commercial opportunities and oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations. They will be responsible for hiring additional staff members including an assistant based in Wilmington and an assistant director, who will be based in Carteret County, Fontana said.

The project management team is recruiting a board of directors. The chief executive will report to the board.

Fuquay Varina-based search firm, the Wellington Group, is in the process of recruiting candidates for the chief executive position.

The chief executive will be responsible for developing a strategic business plan for the operation of the Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation with the board of directors.

Developing a research and fact-based analysis of market data for marine biotechnology and creating a portfolio of high-value projects that are properly balanced and directly tied to the business strategy of the Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation are part of the job responsibilities.

The qualified candidate will have a graduate degree in business, science, law or medicine. A master’s in business administration or a doctorate is preferred, plus 10 or more years of experience in technology commercialization work, marketing, licensing and economic development in a relevant field.

Click here for the on-line application.