About the Position
MaRS is seeking a Senior Manager, Life Sciences to support and accelerate the growth of high-potential biopharma startups in the MaRS Portfolio. This individual will play a key role in expanding a robust life sciences community at MaRS, bridging connections between innovative startups, investors, pharma partners, and tenants of the MaRS Centre.
The ideal candidate combines strong scientific literacy and ecosystem knowledge with relationship-building, commercial judgment, and a founder-oriented mindset. They are equally comfortable supporting early-stage startups, facilitating introductions to investors and pharma partners, and helping shape ecosystem programming and thought leadership.
This role sits at the intersection of venture building, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem development.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Development & Venture Support (50%)
- Source and identify high-potential Canadian life sciences startups for engagement and support
- Build trusted relationships with founders and executive teams across the MaRS health portfolio
- Meet regularly with startups to:
- Support investor readiness and business development preparation
- Facilitate introductions to investors, pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and strategic partners
- Maintain active engagement with high-growth portfolio companies and emerging ventures across the ecosystem
- Collaborate with MaRS Advisors to support company growth across scientific, operational, and financing challenges
- Design and adapt programs, workshops and events tailored to the needs of early-stage life sciences startups
Investor & Strategic Partner Network Development (30%)
- Develop and maintain a national and global network of investors, family offices, and corporate / pharma business development stakeholders
- Proactively identify partnership / financing opportunities relevant to portfolio companies and facilitate high-value introductions and strategic relationship development between startups and external stakeholders
Thought Leadership & Business Development (20%)
- Contribute to strengthening MaRS' position within the Canadian and global life sciences ecosystem: contribute to sector insights, presentations, ecosystem reports, and thought leadership initiatives.
- Support development of market trend analyses and ecosystem storytelling in collaboration with marketing and communications teams
- Represent MaRS at global biotech conferences, partnering meetings, investor events, and ecosystem convenings
- Build strategic relationships with key stak
Qualifications
- An advanced academic background (MSc, PhD, MBA, or comparable professional experience), ideally focused on life sciences or biotechnology
- 6+ years of experience in biotechnology, venture capital, startup operations, consulting, business development, translational research, or innovation ecosystem development
- Strong understanding of biotech company formation, fundraising, and drug development
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with founders, investors, and industry stakeholders
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple companies and initiatives simultaneously
- High degree of intellectual curiosity, initiative, and adaptability
- Familiarity with pharmaceutical partnering, licensing, or business development processes
Applications will close at 12pm EDT on June 17, 2026. However, we may close the posting earlier if we receive a high volume of qualified applications or if the position is filled before the deadline. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada, reside in Ontario and be willing to work out of our Toronto office (101 College Street) a minimum of 3 days per week.
Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000, up to 10% discretionary incentive target, GRSP, extended healthcare benefits, wellness spending account, and paid time-off.
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Our Applicant Tracking System, BambooHR, does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI). From time to time MaRS may use AI in our screening, assessment, and selection processes.
