BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, DIRECTOR in San Diego, California at Sanford Burnham Prebys

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary:

In alignment with Institute strategic and business objectives, and under the direction of the Chief Research Development Officer (CRDO), the position maintains a broad understanding of the Institute research portfolio and its potential applications and works closely through strong internal relationships with Institute researchers, faculty and administrative teams and through strong external relationships with corporations, investors and other private entities to facilitate licensing, investment, startup creation, collaborations and partnerships around Institute technology in support of its long-term goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the CRDO and other members of the executive team, develops and executes a business development strategy aligned with the overall Institute strategic plan.
• Supports the internal portfolio review and asset advancement processes by preparing analyses, materials, and recommendations for consideration by Institute leadership.
• Provides support to the Impact Fund Advisory Committee, setting agendas, coordinating presentations, and preparing committee recommendations for executive and board consideration.
• Provides market, competitive, and commercial insights to inform portfolio evaluation and prioritization decisions.
• Effectively develops compelling strategic and data-based justifications for program opportunity recommendations including detailed analyses and rationale.
• Prepares and delivers presentations and marketing packets to showcase Institute inventions, IP, and resources to venture capitalists, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and other potential licensees and collaborators. Represents the Institute at industry meetings and conferences, as appropriate.
• Develops, nurtures and maintains strong relationships with pharma and biotech companies, foundations, advocacy groups, bankers, VCs and institutions which enhance the Institute’s ability to identify attractive opportunities and/or build new relationships.
• Oversees the quality and consistency of external-facing materials describing Institute technologies and partnership opportunities, with operational support as appropriate.
• Works effectively with teams and collaborates cross-functionally with scientific, technical, legal and business experts to understand SBP science, assess the landscape of potential partners and prioritize target opportunities for collaborations and/or licensing.
• Stays abreast of the research/development landscape and proactively identifies, investigates and analyzes new opportunities for strategic “fit” and follows up to provide strong business leadership in assessing each opportunity and guiding long-range strategic direction through collaborations, strategic alliances, licensing agreements, and other appropriate frameworks.
• Leads the development and negotiation of term sheets, licensing, corporate sponsored research agreements, and other partnerships in coordination with Legal and Institute leadership.
• Coordinates with Legal, Finance, and other relevant functions to support monitoring key contractual milestones and partner obligations.
• Oversees, develops, and guides subordinate staff in the business development department, when assigned.

• Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business or related field; An advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., M.B.A.) preferred.

Experience:

• Combination of scientific training and business/commercial experience highly valued.
• 5-7 years of experience in business development, technology commercialization, strategic partnerships, or related functions within the life sciences.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the evaluation and execution of licensing, collaboration, or strategic partnership transactions in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment or equivalent education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.
• Experience working cross-functionally with scientific, legal, and/or finance teams in a complex organizational environment is desired.

• Experience working within nonprofit or academic research institutions preferred. Familiarity with federally funded research environments and applicable commercialization considerations (e.g., Bayh-Dole framework) preferred.
• Experience in market research utilizing secondary data sources and the internet

Certifications, Licenses, etc: None

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Ability to present term sheets demonstrating a successful track record of leading ad executing transactions with an emphasis on academic research/pharma/biotech in-licensing and collaborations is highly preferred.

• Understanding of the drug discovery and development process
• Working knowledge of the technology transfer processes and the lifecycle of intellectual property commercialization
• Familiarity with basic intellectual property concepts (e.g., patents, licensing structures), with reliance on Legal and Tech Transfer for specialized expertise
• Dynamic team player who proactively communicates and collaborates, both internally and externally
• Ability to interpret and apply financial and market analyses to support decision-making (advanced financial modeling preferred but not required)
• Superior communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively translate complex scientific concepts into clear business and partnership narrative
• Operates with a high degree of independence within defined strategic and organizational frameworks
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously and in a collaborative fashion with many different disciplines both inside and outside of the organization
• Energetic, enthusiastic, a strong work ethic, passion for excellence, and the ability to operate effectively in a high volume, fast paced environment
• Demonstrates sound professional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive scientific and commercial information
• Ability to build credibility with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Familiarity with federally funded research environments and applicable commercialization considerations (e.g., Bayh-Dole framework) preferred.
• Periodic travel may be required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct: Yes, this position oversees other individuals

Indirect:

Work Location: This is an onsite position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego. Out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation: The expected hiring range for this position is $154,828 - $225,000/annually commensurate with relevant experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team at (858) 646-3100 or via e-mail at benefits@sbpdiscovery.org