PharmStars is continuing to expand its team of Startup Mentor Advisors with additional seasoned, former pharmaceutical executives. Mentorship is one of the most crucial aspects of the PharmStars accelerator program. Startup founders consistently rave about their mentors, and mentors frequently share how incredibly rewarding their experience is in guiding the next generation of digital health innovators.

PharmStars Mentor Advisors have worked for many years in or with the pharmaceutical industry. They possess a keen understanding of how pharma works, what its pain points are, how decisions are made, and how deals are done. Our Mentors leverage their deep industry knowledge to help cutting-edge startups bridge the “pharma startup gap.” As master advisors and coaches, they support startup founders in applying the knowledge they build throughout PharmStars’ PharmaU^TM educational program. Mentor Advisors work closely with the startups over the course of the semester to help them translate their technology into a rock-solid pharma value proposition and a compelling visual and auditory pitch designed to win pharma clients.

As an integral part of the PharmStars community, PharmStars Mentor Advisors also gain access to a highly collaborative, elite peer network of fellow former pharma executives, venture capitalists, and digital health entrepreneurs.

Responsibilities

As a Mentor Advisor, you will play an active role throughout the lifecycle of the accelerator:

• Startup Selection: Assist with the semester’s application reviews and selection of the startups for each accelerator cohort.
• Weekly Mentorship: Provide weekly, virtual coaching and support to a startup, advising them on their accelerator projects during the cohort. Serve as a high-level thought partner to help founders crystallize their value propositions, refine their business models, and perfect their pitch for a pharma audience during each 10-week cohort.
• Educational Support: Participate in occasional panel discussions and/or teach specialized classes to the startup cohort as appropriate.
• Curriculum Input: Provide feedback on the PharmStars curriculum and programming to help constantly refine the mentoring and accelerator experience.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for experienced pharma leaders with the following profile:

• Pharma Experience: Former pharmaceutical executive with deep experience in discovery, clinical development, medical affairs, or commercialization.
• Industry Acumen: Years of hands-on experience navigating and having familiarity with the inner workings and pain points of major pharma companies.
• Exceptional Coaching Skills: A natural mentor enjoys the process of guiding founders, offering constructive feedback, and helping startups articulate complex ideas clearly.
• Passion for Innovation: A genuine interest in digital health innovation and a desire to help startups succeed in improving patient outcomes.
• Employment Status: To avoid conflicts of interest and maintain complete objectivity, candidates must not be currently employed by a biopharmaceutical firm.

Additional Details

• Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week for ~25 weeks per year; plus 4 days in-person
• Location: Primarily remote/virtual.
• Travel: Includes participation in two in-person events annually in Boston to connect with the startups, fellow mentors, and the PharmStars team (expenses covered).
• Onboarding & Support: To set each Mentor Advisor up for success, all new mentors go through a structured training process, working alongside an experienced Mentor Advisor before taking on direct responsibility for a startup.
• Compensation: To align your dedication with the success of the startups you mentor, this role includes equity sharing in the PharmStars Venture Fund.

How to Join Us

If you have the expertise and passion we are looking for and are ready to help shape the future of digital health, please reach out to us at jobs@pharmstars.com.

About PharmStars

PharmStars is a unique, virtual accelerator dedicated to fostering innovation in digital health by bridging the gap between pharmaceutical companies and cutting-edge startups. Our mission is to drive the adoption of digital health solutions by pharma to benefit both and improve patient outcomes. Our comprehensive PharmaU^TM program provides startups with education, tailored mentorship, and access to a network of pharma. PharmStars runs two cohorts of PharmaU each year.

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