Executive Director of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology

Executive Director

The Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology

The University of Virginia invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology.

The University of Virginia (UVA) recently announced the creation of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, a new state of the art 350,000 square foot facility bringing together over 100 new research faculty, cutting edge technology, and partnerships with other academic institutions, industry organizations, and the state of Virginia with the intent of becoming a hub for biotech research, manufacturing, and a state-wide clinical trials network, with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Virginia and beyond. The Institute was made possible by an extraordinary $100M gift of Paul and Diane Manning, along with additional funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the University of Virginia, and UVA Health. The Institute will be located in the Fontaine Research Park in Charlottesville and will open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The activities of the Institute will be led by an Executive Director (“ED”) who will be primarily responsible for achieving the Institute’s strategic initiatives. This will include providing leadership for all aspects related to industry engagement with biotech and pharmaceutical companies, oversight of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice and facilities, fostering translation of the therapies to patients through a state-wide clinical trials network, and working with the UVA Licensing and Ventures Group to promote commercialization of the technology by helping researchers connect with investors to bring the product to the marketplace. The ED will also work collaboratively with Deans, Department Chairs, and Center Directors on faculty recruitment for the Institute. This leader will mature a forward-looking vision and develop effective strategies to integrate an array of entities, initiatives, and services to ensure the Institute for Biotechnology plays a key role in the economic development of the city and region. A key component of the Institute’s success depends on sound and synergistic relationships with the biotechnology industry and relevant non-profits, each of which can accelerate the Institute’s progress.

The ED will be an accomplished scientist or physician scientist who has demonstrated an ability to lead an academic and industry focused on state-of-the-art biotechnology. The ED will exhibit the leadership competencies necessary to succeed in an academic medical center, including oversight of financial and operational functions including managing a substantial budget. The ED will possess a deep understanding of the role of culture in organizational success, and a willingness to be both strategic and tactical in achieving the Institute’s objectives. The ED will be well versed in the biotechnology industry with significant experience working for and/or partnering with biotech and pharmaceutical companies both small and large. The ED will help grow the biotechnology ecosystem both in Charlottesville and across the Commonwealth.

The ED will be the face of the Institute and must offer a compelling public persona to cultivate public support for the Institute’s goals. The Manning Institute will be a catalyst for faculty-driven biotechnology research growth and development.

Korn Ferry is assisting the University of Virginia with this important search. Please forward, as soon as possible, applications or nominations of appropriate candidates, in confidence, to:

c/o Alana Aisthorpe, Korn Ferry

Email: alana.aisthorpe@kornferry.com