Senior 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.

We understand qualifications on a job posting can be daunting. 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 on planet MaRS. 

We actively encourage all candidates to apply, including equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as BIPOC, racialized, women, people with disabilities, and people with diverse gender identities, expressions and sexual orientations. 

We want you to be comfortable being your most authentic self throughout our recruitment process. Please reach out to careers@marsdd.com if there’s anything we can do to make your experience more accessible and inclusive, including accommodations. Include 'Accessibility Request' in your subject line.

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 stakeholders

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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