Venture Fellow - BrightEdge

At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities. 

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

BrightEdge is the innovation, impact investment and venture capital arm of the American Cancer Society. We invest in for-profit, early-stage companies developing cutting-edge, cancer-focused therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, and technologies to fuel and accelerate ACS’s mission of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.

The Venture Fellow supports BrightEdge’s investment and innovation activities by conducting diligence on prospective portfolio companies and contributing to informed investment decisions. Fellows are responsible for developing landscape analyses, evaluating scientific and clinical data, assessing intellectual property and competitive positioning, and building market insights to support opportunity evaluation. The role may include identifying and engaging with subject matter experts, clinicians, researchers, and key opinion leaders to inform both diligence and strategic perspectives. The Venture Fellow will be responsible for synthesizing findings into clear, concise materials and presenting recommendations to the BrightEdge team.

In addition to investment-related work, Fellows will support the execution of BrightEdge innovation programming, including preparation of materials, coordination of activities, and engagement with founders and external stakeholders.

Outside of project-specific work, Fellows will participate in regular diligence discussions, pipeline reviews, and investment meetings, gaining exposure to venture decision-making processes and building familiarity with emerging startups across life sciences and healthcare.

Strong analytical skills, clear communication, and the ability to translate complex scientific and market insights into actionable recommendations are essential for success in this role. This role will require 10 hours per week.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with the Investment and Innovation teams to support investment diligence, data collection, and analytical tasks, including reviewing scientific literature, related intellectual property, competitive landscape, clinical data, commercial activity, industry and market trends, and stakeholder interviews; synthesize findings into clear written reports and presentations to inform investment decisions. (40%)
• Partner with the Investment and Innovation teams to support development of a focused investment thesis in an area aligned with BrightEdge priorities, including identifying key unmet needs, emerging technologies, and strategic areas of opportunity; deliver insights through structured reports and presentations. (40%)
• Develop “watch lists” of emerging oncology therapeutic, diagnostic, device and health tech companies, based on various BrightEdge investment criteria. (10%)
• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of BrightEdge events, including preparing materials, managing logistics, and ensuring high-quality delivery of program activities, while gaining direct exposure to BrightEdge networks of industry experts and ecosystem partners. (10%)

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree
• Preferred Degree: Choose an item. Actively pursuing an advanced degree (Master’s, PhD or MD or equivalent) in an oncology-related field or equivalent experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

• Deep technical background in life sciences and/or healthcare technologies with strong understanding of cancer biology.
• Business experience is a plus in startup or innovation setting (venture capital, business development, technology transfer, licensing, finance, operations, consulting).
• Self-starter and able to drive programming without much oversight.
• Flexible, comfortable with change and ambiguity; team player with low ego.
• Entrepreneurial drive and passion for biomedical innovation and its commercialization.
• Eager to learn—new topics, methods/approaches, and tools through self-learning, observation, resources, discussion with colleagues.
• Strong oral and written communication skills—reports and summaries; creating presentations.
• Analytical/evaluative thinker and excellent attention to detail.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimal travel will be required (less than 5%)

The starting rate is $35 to $40/hour. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.