Opportunity Assessment Group Internship London 2025

At LifeArc, our ambition is to make life science life changing. We do this by advancing scientific discoveries beyond the lab, faster, so that they can shape the next generation of diagnostics, treatments, and cures.

Working at the cutting edge of translational science and as the early-stage translation specialists, we progress scientific discoveries on their journey to becoming a medicine, diagnostic or intervention that can improve patients’ lives. Our work begins by seeking out innovative science, then helping to develop this to a point where there is a clinical and commercial pathway for others to invest the time and money to take it further forward.

We want to hear from people who are as passionate as we are about making life science life changing that can improve patients’ lives.

A bit about the role

The Opportunity Assessment Group (OAG) provides a central resource for LifeArc, researching and analysing the potential of new and existing biomedical opportunities. The team performs detailed scientific assessments as well as analysis of competition and intellectual property (IP). OAG performs an essential role in helping to shape LifeArc’s portfolio including our Translational Challenges, in-house drug discovery and diagnostic projects and investment decisions by the Early Ventures teams, as well as diligence to inform LifeArc’s broader strategic direction.

What you'll do

Success during this internship means that you will be able to effectively and efficiently apply established processes to manage diligence projects for OAG (therapeutics, diagnostics, other). This will involve carrying out scientific, technical, commercial and IP diligence according to predetermined Standard Operating Procedures. Diligence produced may have a direct influence on the company portfolio (Translational Challenges / Early Ventures). You will be expected to interact credibly with leading experts, scientists and clinicians within academia and the pharmaceutical industry and to work collaboratively with other teams within LifeArc. Interns will work in teams with OAG Analysts and supported by Senior Analysts and/or Principals to deliver diligence or landscaping reports.

About you

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is considering working in translational science and a career path that would advance their skills and knowledge outside of laboratory science.

Education & experience required

Essential

• Recently completed or currently completing a PhD in life or medical sciences, or with equivalent experience
• Aptitude for describing complex scientific information in accessible terms and ability to quickly grasp new scientific concepts
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate confidently and effectively with academic staff, all levels of management and companies
• Competence in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Self-starter

Desirable

• Experience in competitive intelligence, analysis, and reporting
• Experience in science translation, including IP protection, commercialisation paths and funding models
• Understanding of the drug and/or diagnostic discovery process and of the academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry marketplaces

Skills and Strengths we are looking for during the assessment process

• Quick thinker
• Candidates will welcome an intellectual challenge and be able to quickly understand and critique scientific information
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment across a broad range of biomedical fields
• Articulate – able to clearly present the strengths and weaknesses of an opportunity in written and verbal form

What we can offer you

• Internship placement with an exciting and dynamic team within LifeArc
• Our standard internship length is 3-months; however, we would consider a longer duration (up to a maximum 6 months) if it fits with the needs of the candidate and the OAG team
• A high-quality training programme that would give you a baseline understanding of how to assess the scientific, commercial and intellectual property landscape around biomedical opportunities
• Exposure to translational science in a commercial setting, allowing you to participate in decisions around investments, grant funding and drug/diagnostic development collaborations
• Because we understand everyone has different requirements, our flexible benefits allow you to choose those which are important to you. Our pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days PLUS bank holidays

Join us, and you’ll have the scope to be creative and take measured risks. You’ll be rewarded for your curiosity, for working as one team, and for learning fast. And you’ll have everything you need to be your best every day.

We all have potential. At LifeArc, you’ll discover what you can really do with it.

Application process

The online application form will open on Monday 23rd September 2024. As part of the online application process, you will need to attach your CV – please try to keep your CV on 2 pages.

Application deadline: Monday 21st October 2024. We recommend you apply as soon as possible; we will close this vacancy when we have enough applications, so please apply as soon as you can so your application can be considered.

If your online application form is successful, you will be invited to complete a short strength-based video interview, known as Snapshot. Full instructions and guidance on how to approach and prepare for a strengths-based assessment will be provided before you complete the Snapshot.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview at our Lynton House (London) office between 18th – 29 th November.

If you are currently completing a PhD, we will require a letter of support from your PhD supervisor acknowledging that this will be a full-time role and that you will not be participating in your PhD study during this internship – a Letter of Support template will be provided if your initial application is successful.

For this internship, you must be available to start in March 2025.