Associate Director/Director, Search & Evaluation
About The Position
Lakefront Biotherapeutics is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate Director / Director, Search & Evaluation to identify, evaluate, and advance external business development opportunities that strengthen the company’s R&D pipeline and support its long-term strategy. The role applies scientific judgment, drug development expertise, and strategic thinking to evaluate licensing, collaboration, and M&A opportunities. The position partners with Transactions, Alliance Management, Corporate Strategy, Commercial Assessment, Clinical Development, Research, Finance, Legal, and other business functions. It includes external opportunity sourcing and evaluation, diligence and decision support, landscape analyses, transaction support, external engagement, and mentoring junior team members.
Requirements
- PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced scientific or medical degree.
- 6–10+ years of relevant industry experience in biotech or pharma.
- Strong understanding of disease biology, drug development, and interpretation of preclinical and clinical data.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate opportunities and make recommendations under scientific and commercial uncertainty.
- Experience leading cross-functional diligence or strategic projects.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and influencing skills.
- Robust external network and demonstrated ability to build relationships across the biotech ecosystem.
- Strong scientific and strategic judgment.
- Ability to identify the critical questions that drive an investment decision.
- Comfort making decisions with incomplete information.
- Curiosity and passion for emerging science in biotech.
- Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
Nice To Haves
- Experience spanning Search & Evaluation, Business Development, R&D strategy, drug development, or venture investment.
Responsibilities
- Proactively identify external programs, platforms, and technologies aligned with company strategy.
- Build and maintain relationships across biotech, academia, venture capital, and the broader innovation ecosystem to stay informed about emerging science and market trends.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to assess the biology, preclinical and clinical data, differentiation, development strategy, competitive landscape, and commercial potential of external opportunities.
- Synthesize complex scientific and business information into concise, actionable recommendations for senior leadership and governance committees.
- Partner with cross-functional diligence teams, identify technical risks and value drivers, and develop evidence-based investment theses.
- Conduct landscape analyses and thematic searches to identify emerging science, attractive therapeutic areas, and competitive whitespace.
- Partner with Business Development, Finance, and Legal on valuation, deal structure, negotiations, and transaction execution.
- Represent the company at scientific conferences, partnering meetings, and other industry forums.
- Mentor junior team members through coaching, scientific guidance, and professional development support.
Benefits
- Eligible to participate in the company’s performance bonus plan.
- Comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to support colleagues’ health and important life moments.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
