Internship - Business Development And Commercialization

Internship  - Business development and Commercialization

General Summary

Southern Research (SR) is a translational research institute that transforms ideas into innovation, and innovation into jobs and economic opportunity. Over its 80-year history, SR has developed seven FDA-approved drugs, contributed to the development of over half of chemotherapies currently in use in the US, and served hundreds of commercial, academic, and government partners. SR recently unveiled a new strategic plan centered on making Birmingham and Alabama national biotech centers of excellence in partnership with Alabama academic institutions, policymakers, educators, and economic development organizations.

Southern Research is at a pivotal moment in its 80-year history. At the start of 2022, SR launched a new strategic plan focused on translational research in the life sciences. SR will invest over $150 million in this new strategy, including development of new facilities, platforms, and programs. These investments will allow us to build cutting-edge industry partnerships, better serve client needs, and drive development of new IP to launch and support startup companies.  

We seek a highly motivated individual with a demonstrated interest in scientific research, technology commercialization, and economic growth. The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative mindset, along with strong analytical skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with market research and analysis for existing and new technologies and services offered by SR.
• Analyze data on existing partnerships and commercialization efforts to identify areas for improvement.
• Co-lead the development of quarterly market landscape report.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new business models and commercialization strategies.
• Support startup companies within the Station 41 umbrella by conducting market research, developing competitive assessments, and identifying funding opportunities.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing research findings and recommendations.
• Assist with building and maintaining relationships with key industry partners and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Students in B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. program in Business Administration, Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Training Plan

• Week 1-2:  Company orientation, mission, and values • Overview of business and commercialization department • Internship goals and expectations • Introduction to key staff and partners
• Week 2-5: Training on market research methodologies (qualitative & quantitative) • Conducting market research for a specific technology or service offered by SR • Competitor analysis and benchmarking
• Week 6-8: Slide deck development for internal and external communications 

Core Values

Cultivating human connection – putting people first.  We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone.  We believe the world's most powerful resource is human potential.  We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of though go hand in hand.  We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.

Operating with precise execution – measuring what matters and owning results as a team.  We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science.  We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset.  We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work.  We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.

Harnessing relentless curiosity – our unstoppable, innovative force.  We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge.  We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives.  We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions and results.

Stewarding a healthy community – implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment.  We don't compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers or community.  We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities.  We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve.  We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.

Job Specific Behaviors

Relationship Orientation – Develops positive relationships by making others feel their concerns and contributions are important.

Continuous Learning – Proactively seeks performance feedback and identifies approaches to improve personal and others performance and learning.

Tolerance for Stress, Ambiguity & Change – Demonstrates flexibility in applying different approaches to changing work demands.

Effective Communication – Creates a team environment in which information flows freely and decision making is based on a win-win philosophy.

Customer Focus –Responds to customer's needs in a manner that provides added value and generates significant customer satisfaction.

Compliance – Applies an understanding of legal precedents, policies and practices to protect the interests of the organization.

Cross-team Collaboration – Ensures integration and cooperation across organizational boundaries.

Service Development, Delivery, Refinement and Quality – Manages service delivery to ensure high levels of customer impact and satisfaction.  Constantly focuses on the continuous improvement of services and processes.

Physical Demands

• This position is typically located in an office environment
• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

• None required