Associate Director/Director, Business Development

About the role

• Location: On-site | San Diego, CA or Boston, MA
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Reports to: COO

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Director / Director of Business Development to drive strategic partnerships, external opportunity evaluation, and corporate growth initiatives for our rapidly scaling biotech organization. This leader will play a central role in shaping portfolio strategy, identifying and in-licensing additional pipeline programs, securing pharma partnerships for the portfolio, and supporting executive and board-level strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong scientific literacy with sharp commercial instincts, thrives in lean environments, and is energized by building relationships that advance platform and pipeline strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships & Deal Execution

• Source, evaluate, and advance strategic partnerships, collaborations, licensing opportunities, and co-development deals.
• Support or lead diligence, valuation, term sheet development, negotiation, and contracting depending on level.
• Maintain a dynamic pipeline of external opportunities aligned with corporate strategy.

Landscape Monitoring & Opportunity Identification

• Track competitive landscapes, scientific trends, and partnering activity across relevant therapeutic areas.
• Identify emerging technologies, platforms, and external programs that complement internal R&D.

Scientific, Commercial & Strategic Assessment

• Conduct scientific, commercial, and strategic evaluations of external assets, platforms, and companies.
• Develop clear, data-driven recommendations that inform investment decisions and partnership prioritization.

Portfolio Strategy & Corporate Planning

• Provide insights that shape portfolio strategy, long-range planning, and resource allocation.
• Contribute to internal strategic discussions with R&D, Clinical, Finance, and Executive Leadership.

External Representation

• Represent the company at partnering conferences, scientific meetings, and industry events.
• Build and maintain relationships with biotech/pharma partners, academic groups, and investors.

Executive & Investor Support

• Support board-level materials, investor relations content, and outward-facing corporate narratives.
• Partner with the Executive Leadership Team on special projects, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional priorities.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MS in a relevant scientific discipline preferred, along with 2-4+ years of experience in business development, corporate development, strategy, or comparable roles across consulting, investment banking, private equity, or biopharma equity research.
• Seeking candidates in San Diego, California or Boston, Massachusetts
• Ability to synthesize complex scientific and commercial information into clear recommendations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent PowerPoint and Excel modeling skills
• Strong understanding of business and technical aspects of drug development
• Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-paced startup environment.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape portfolio strategy and pursue in-licensing and out-partnering transactions
• High visibility with executive leadership with significant mentorship.
• Mission-driven, collaborative culture.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits.