UMZH Translational Medicine Accelerator

Project Lead, Entrepreneurship & SPARK Zurich 80 - 100 %

Start of employment 01.09.2025

The Translational Medicine Accelerator of University Medicine Zurich (UMZH) at the University of Zurich identifies and promotes projects with high translational potential and supports bio-entrepreneurs who develop promising new therapies for patients with an unmet medical need. The TMA team brings together key academic and industrial expertise to support emerging science- and patient-driven healthcare approaches up to early clinical development. In addition, the TMA organizes two important initiatives for the community, SPARK Zurich and The UZH Life Sciences Fund.

Your responsibilities

Project Lead, Entrepreneurship & SPARK Zurich, will be responsible for a wide range of activities within the TMA, directly reporting to the Head of the TMA. These include:
  • coaching and providing expertise to individual projects, helping to shape their trajectory from an idea to a successful spinout. Topics include pre-clinical and clinical development, regulatory strategy, CMC, team and company development, market analysis, non-dilutive and dilutive fundraising, pitching, etc.
  • organizing SPARK Zurich on a quarterly basis – selecting and preparing projects as well as maintaining a network of key advisers.
  • establishing and maintaining contacts and partnerships with pharma, biotech, and investment communities active in Switzerland.
  • fostering academic entrepreneurship by writing guides, giving lectures within the university environment and involvement in teaching activities at UZH.
  • increasing visibility of UMZH/TMA through external engagement and participation in panels, juries, other events.

Your profile

BA in life sciences or related disciplines (MA, MBA, or PhD preferred)
  • 2-4 years minimum experience working with start-ups, and/or early stage technology, for example, as a founder or in business development, pharma/biotech, investment, technology transfer or healthcare consulting roles.
  • broad experience of the drug-, medical device-, diagnostics-, and digital health development
  • entrepreneurial mindset with an understanding of the unique challenges of the academic and clinical setting
  • strong relationship and networking skills
  • outstanding communication ability
  • flexible and innovative personality that can be at ease working independently or collaboratively.
  • proficiency in English and German required.
  • domain expertise in cancer drug development or medical devices/diagnostics, a plus.

Information on your application

The opportunity to support the growth of a large range of exciting projects and promising bioentrepreneurs with a small team of experts – the perfect job for a fast-thinking, curious mind that likes variety and loves learning. Salary according to UZH standards. The initial appointment is for three years with the possibility of changing to a permanent position. UZH is an equal opportunity employer and is further responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


More
Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

More
Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

More
Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

More
Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

More
Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


More
International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

More
Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

More

Further information

Questions about the job

Michio Painter Head TMA
Contact Form

Contact question to: Michio Painter

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html

We will review applications on a rolling basis

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
UZH