UC Berkeley’s Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center: Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program 2025
Are you an experienced entrepreneur looking for your next big opportunity? UC Berkeley’s Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center (LSEC) is excited to launch its Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program, offering a one-of-a-kind chance to lead the commercialization of groundbreaking innovations in the life sciences field. Alongside the LSEC-Nucleate Venture Fellows Program, the EIR role provides an opportunity to explore cutting-edge research, evaluate its commercial potential, and potentially become the CEO of a new biotech startup.
As a global leader in innovation, UC Berkeley consistently ranks #1 for startup founders and female entrepreneurs, and it offers unparalleled access to transformative intellectual property and research that can deliver long-term societal impact. Programs like the Bakar Fellows Program, Berkeley SkyDeck, and Innovative Genomics Institute’s WIES Fellows provide an unmatched ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs. If you have a proven track record in early-stage biotech ventures and are eager to lead in a fast-paced, innovative environment, this role could be the perfect fit.
Position Overview:
As UC Berkeley’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, you will collaborate closely with the Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurship Officer and LSEC leadership to identify, assess, and develop commercial opportunities based on groundbreaking UC Berkeley technologies. You will play a pivotal role in building a biotech startup from the ground up, with the opportunity to assume a leadership position as the CEO or CSO if the venture progresses to launch.
Key Responsibilities:
- Evaluate Technologies: Assess a portfolio of emerging life sciences technologies, focusing on those with the potential for new venture creation.
- Develop Commercial Plans: Create development plans, go-to-market strategies, pro-forma financials, and business models for high-potential opportunities.
- Leverage Resources: Utilize Berkeley’s intellectual resources, community, and programs (e.g., Berkeley SkyDeck, Innovative Genomics Institute) to advance commercial opportunities.
- Secure Financing: Create funding strategies to attract early-stage capital, including pitching to UC Berkeley-affiliated venture funds.
- Launch a Startup: If feasible, take the lead in launching and running a biotech startup based on the selected technology.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Proven senior management experience in an early-stage, high-tech startup, particularly in the life sciences or biotech space.
- Experience in raising non-dilutive, pre-seed, seed, and venture capital funds.
- Background in seeking regulatory approval for clinical trials and commercial sales.
- Expertise in developing and commercializing biomedical, pharmaceutical, biologics, or advanced materials.
- Strong scientific and business acumen, with experience managing stakeholders in both academia and industry.
Program Details:
- Duration: Mid-March – Mid-September 2025 (six months).
- Time Commitment: 8 hours per week on average.
- Compensation: $3,000 per month stipend, totaling $18,000 for the duration of the program.
- Location: Berkeley, California.
Key Deliverables:
- Technology Assessments: Conduct at least three technology assessments and present them to LSEC leadership by July 2025.
- Business Plan: Identify one high-potential technology by September 2025 and provide a detailed business plan to LSEC leadership.
- Leadership Role: If appropriate, take on the role of CEO or CSO in a new biotech company.
- Collaborative Work: Collaborate with three LSEC Venture Fellows to assess new venture opportunities and support program activities.
Startup Ownership Expectations:
UC Berkeley typically retains a 20% equity stake in any resulting startup, and the equity share for the EIR will be negotiated. The ideal candidate will share UC Berkeley’s vision of generating a financial return to the university, which may include making a personal Founder’s Pledge.
How to Apply:
Are you ready to embark on a transformative entrepreneurial journey with one of the world’s leading research institutions? Submit your cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in the EIR program, along with your CV, to apply.
Apply now before February 26, 2025!
Application Deadline: February 26, 2025.
Take the next step in your entrepreneurial career and apply today for the UC Berkeley EIR Program!
