Venture Analyst, Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund (Senior/Intermediate)

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.

At the Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund, we help turn discoveries into startups that reach patients. We write the early checks into startups, then stay for the long build: board seats, introductions to investors and industry, follow-on capital. Because we are evergreen, returns come back to U-M and seed future startups. We have backed 23 U-M startups, 3 exits, and every early dollar has drawn roughly $40 behind it. The team is small, and the work is hands-on: everyone here sees real deals and sits in the room where decisions get made, engaging with a network of seasoned investment advisory board members.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the CFE is to unlock the full entrepreneurial potential at the University of Michigan by helping people to understand, experience, practice, and refine the skills needed to successfully translate their knowledge, ideas, leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm into lasting value in the world. We achieve this potential by providing access to a wide variety of educational opportunities, immersive learning experiences, timely and powerful mentorship, and meaningful connections to the global industry leaders who are building the future. Additional information about the CFE can be found here.

Fast Forward Medical Innovation (FFMI) is part of the Office of Research at the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS). As the "front door" to biomedical innovation, FFMI accelerates commercialization of technologies in diagnostics, therapeutics, devices, and healthcare IT.  With the ultimate goal of impacting patient health, FFMI supports research at its inception, collaborates with commercial partners, and nurtures a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by providing faculty, researchers, and students with tools and knowledge to translate an idea into something of impact. Additional information about FFMI can be found here.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan is one of the world's most powerful engines for research, education, and impact. Supporting the University's research enterprise is vital to maximize innovation and economic growth. The Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund (MBVF) makes equity investments and supports early-stage life science, biomedical, and healthcare startups affiliated with U-M, its alumni, and its health system, helping them commercialize impactful products. Great ideas need capital and expertise to become treatments and technologies that can improve patient care. The MBVF plays a crucial role in advancing U-M's leadership in health innovation, attracting world-class research talent, and building a stronger entrepreneurial life science ecosystem around the U-M community.

The Venture Analyst will support Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund operations, including deal sourcing, due diligence, investment analysis, portfolio management, industry and technology trend analysis, and networking. The MBVF is jointly administered by the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) in Michigan Engineering and Fast Forward Medical Innovation (FFMI) in the Medical School. You will report to the MBVF Managing Director and collaborate with the CFE and FFMI teams to support the broader mission of the units.

Responsibilities*

Investment Analysis

• Prepare analyses and investment memos including scientific, clinical, technical, and financial due diligence for potential bio/med/health startup investments; provide recommendations in the form of an investment thesis.
• Assist with investment pipeline management and deal flow sourcing, including attending and presenting internal meetings and talks, collaborating with the Office of Innovation Partnerships, and supporting deal flow meetings.
• Conduct due diligence via customer discovery/KOL interviews, market research, scientific and technical analysis, business model analysis, etc., in support of investment decisions.
• Maintain accurate meeting notes and documentation for companies undergoing due diligence.
• Present to venture investors at Investment Advisory Board meetings, document feedback and suggestions, etc.

Portfolio Management

• Support the Managing Director with portfolio management: follow-on funding, valuations, data collection and analysis for portfolio updates, attending board meetings as needed, building relationships with potential co-investors.
• Use and operate portfolio management tools and platforms such as Carta, monday.com, or other CRMs.
• Analyze, compare, and evaluate various courses of action in the process of investment decisions or portfolio company requests.

Networking and Outreach

• Assist in networking and relationship management with internal and external partners to build the fund's local and national network, such as: other investors, alumni, customers, experts, the local investment community, MVCA, and other local groups.
• Represent the Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund in conferences, trade meetings, talks such as Midwest Growth Capital Symposium, JP Morgan Healthcare, etc.
• Occasionally participate in review committees, judge pitch competitions, mentor life science project teams for the university or external groups, etc.
• Assist with mentoring and leading a small group of part-time student venture fellows, including weekly meetings and collaborating with fellows on investment analysis, etc.

Market Assessment and Trends Analysis

• Conduct general business intelligence and market research to analyze bio/med industry trends, gauge investor interest, and benchmark investments.
• Review, synthesize, and summarize scientific and clinical research publications and identify potential opportunities, risks, and limitations.

Required Qualifications*

• Senior level: Bachelor's degree and 5-8 years of work experience in life sciences, bio/med/health startups, early-stage investments, venture capital investing, and research commercialization.
• Intermediate level: Bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of work experience in life sciences, bio/med/health startups, early-stage investments, venture capital investing, and research commercialization.
• Ability to search and analyze scientific literature, consult industry experts, synthesize, and concisely communicate complex scientific information.
• Understanding of the drug approval process, go-to-market strategies, payer pathways, etc. at a high level.
• Strong organizational, project management, presentation, and communication skills to interact with faculty, staff, external investors, and stakeholders.
• Comfort in navigating ambiguity with a can-do, self-starter attitude, sound judgment, adaptable and quick learner; willingness to acquire and develop new skills as needed.
• Proficiency in software including AI tools, spreadsheets, word processing, PowerPoint.
   

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree or Ph.D. related to life sciences strongly preferred.
• Experience with biopharma and drug development; immersed in the world of therapeutics news, literature, companies, etc.
• Work experience in venture capital.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

The Venture Analyst will travel to participate in events, meetings, and conferences throughout the year. Travel will not exceed 10% of the time in this role.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Salary

$65,000.00 - $85,000.00