Manager, Life Sciences

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a charitable organization and North America’s largest urban innovation hub, dedicated to helping high-growth technology companies succeed. With a focus on climate, health sciences and other emerging technologies, MaRS supports startups tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. Through its world-class facilities, strategic programs and partnerships, MaRS accelerates the adoption of groundbreaking Canadian technology and bolsters a globally competitive innovation ecosystem. MaRS is the place where you can play a meaningful role in the innovation economy.

About the Position

MaRS is seeking a Manager, Life Sciences to manage and accelerate the growth of high-potential biopharma startups in the MaRS Portfolio.

This individual will take a leadership 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 proactive relationship-building, commercial judgment, and a founder-oriented mindset. They are equally comfortable overseeing early-stage startup support, driving strategic partnerships, and managing 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 (40%)

• Lead the sourcing and identification of high-potential Canadian life sciences startups for engagement and support.
• Manage and cultivate trusted relationships with founders and executive teams across the MaRS health portfolio.
• Oversee regular startup engagements to support investor readiness and business development preparation.
• Direct introductions to investors, pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and strategic partners.
• Maintain active, strategic engagement with high-growth portfolio companies and emerging ventures across the ecosystem.
• Manage collaborations with MaRS Advisors to support company growth across scientific, operational, and financing challenges.
• Oversee the design and adaptation of programs, workshops, and events tailored to the needs of early-stage life sciences startups.

Investor & Strategic Partner Network Development (40%)

• Spearhead the development and management of a national and global network of investors, family offices, and corporate / pharma business development stakeholders.
• Drive end-to-end strategic partnership cycles, from initial identification and pitching to negotiation and ongoing relationship management.
• Actively originate new business development initiatives to secure collaborative projects, sponsorships, or alternative revenue streams for the Life Sciences practice.
• Proactively identify partnership and financing opportunities relevant to portfolio companies and facilitate high-value introductions.
• Lead the development of strategic relationships between startups and external stakeholders to maximize commercial opportunities.

Thought Leadership & Business Development (20%)

• Manage MaRS’ positioning within the Canadian and global life sciences ecosystem by overseeing sector insights, presentations, ecosystem reports, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Direct the development of market trend analyses and ecosystem storytelling in collaboration with marketing and communications teams.
• Represent MaRS and lead business development efforts at global biotech conferences, partnering meetings, investor events, and ecosystem convenings.
• Host international delegations and facilitate strategic introductions to Canadian startups, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders to foster global collaborations.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with key stakeholders across academia, healthcare, government, industry, and venture capital.

Requirements

• An advanced academic background (MSc, PhD, MBA, or comparable professional experience), ideally focused on life sciences or biotechnology.
• 4+ years of experience in biotechnology, venture capital, startup operations, consulting, business development, translational research, or innovation ecosystem development.
• Proven management experience in driving business development, negotiating strategic partnerships, and managing complex stakeholder networks.
• 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, initiatives, and cross-functional collaborations simultaneously.
• High degree of intellectual curiosity, initiative, and adaptability.
• Demonstrated expertise in pharmaceutical partnering, licensing, or business development processes.
• Existing relationships within the Canadian or international life sciences ecosystem.
• Experience evaluating scientific, clinical, and commercial potential of emerging technologies.
• Knowledge of the Canadian innovation funding and commercialization landscape.
  

What we offer:

• Base Salary Range for this role: $75,000 - $90,000
• Annual Discretionary Incentive Pay
• RRSP Matching
• Comprehensive extended healthcare benefits
• Wellness spending account
• Generous paid time-off, starting at five weeks per year

We actively encourage all candidates to apply, including those from equity-deserving communities.

If you're passionate about the role and believe you can make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you, even if you don't meet every listed qualification. We’re always looking for great talent to join our team.

Please reach out to [email protected] if there’s anything we can do to make your experience more accessible and inclusive, including accommodations. Include 'Accessibility Request' in your subject line.

This posting will close at 12pm EDT on September 9, 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.

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.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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.

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