Business Development Lead

Addgene • Watertown, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Business Development Lead to join our growing commercial team responsible for shaping, executing and cultivating our long-term strategic partnerships and helping shape our commercial approach as we continue to evolve. This is a pivotal role: you will be the architect of Addgene’s BD strategy, leading our most important partnerships and institutional relationships, while also building and mentoring a high-performing BD team over the coming months and years. The ideal candidate combines scientific understanding with strong operational and financial discipline and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver measurable business outcomes. This role is ideal for a seasoned life science BD professional who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution — someone who can close a complex licensing deal and inspire a team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related scientific field (e.g., biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biomedical engineering); advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive business development, licensing, or strategic partnerships experience in the life sciences sector (biotech, pharma, research tools, or closely related fields).
• Demonstrated success leading and closing complex, high-value agreements involving legal, financial, and IP components — including licensing deals, sponsored research agreements, or distribution contracts.
• Deep familiarity with academic and research institution partnership models, technology transfer processes, and the intersection of nonprofit and commercial interests.
• Exceptional negotiation skills with a track record of reaching durable, mutually beneficial outcomes with sophisticated counterparties.
• Experience building or significantly growing a BD team, including hiring, mentoring, and setting team structure and coordinating cross-functional or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong scientific literacy in molecular biology, genomics, or adjacent fields — sufficient to engage credibly with research stakeholders and understand the value of Addgene’s materials.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyze data and translate insights into strategic recommendations that support new business opportunities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and influence stakeholders while representing Addgene externally with credibility and respect.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree (MBA, PhD, JD, or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Prior experience at or working closely with a nonprofit, CRO, or mission-driven life science organization.
• Familiarity with plasmid biology, CRISPR, viral vectors, or biological reagent distribution.
• Established network within the academic research, biotech, or research tools ecosystem.
• Experience with CRM systems and BD pipeline management at scale.

Responsibilities

• Define, own, and execute Addgene’s business development and partnership strategy, spanning licensing, IP collaborations, distribution agreements, and strategic alliances with academic institutions, research consortia, life science tools, biotech, and pharma.
• Personally lead high-value, high-complexity negotiations and ensure all commercial agreements are mission-aligned, financially sound, and legally robust.
• Oversee strategic account management for Addgene’s most significant institutional, academic, and industry partners, nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Work in close coordination with legal, finance, and scientific leadership to structure and execute partnership agreements involving IP licensing and technology transfer.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of BD opportunities, from initial prospecting through deal execution and ongoing relationship management.
• Co-develop and maintain detailed project plans and timelines, including objectives, milestones, execution strategies, and success metrics. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify key deliverables and ensure cross-departmental alignment and accountability.
• Prepare briefing materials, executive summaries, and presentations for internal business reviews as well as external engagements with partners.
• Conducting initial triage of opportunities, evaluating potential deals before engaging the broader diligence team to ensure strategic fit.
• Recruit, build, and lead a BD team over time, establishing hiring plans, team structure, and performance frameworks suited to Addgene’s growth trajectory.
• Serve as a coach and mentor within the Commercial Team, fostering a culture of rigor, integrity, and mission-focus.
• Define and implement BD processes, CRM practices, and reporting structures that enable transparency and scalability.
• Collaborate with commercial leadership to set annual goals, track KPIs, and report on pipeline progress and deal performance.
• Serve as a senior commercial representative of Addgene at key conferences, industry forums, and partner meetings — deepening relationships and identifying new opportunities.
• Maintain a strong pulse on the life science research tools and reagent landscape, including competitive dynamics, funding trends, policy shifts affecting IP and technology transfer, and evolving customer needs.
• Gather and synthesize market intelligence to inform Addgene’s commercial strategy and product/service roadmap.
• Partner with marketing to develop go-to-market strategies for new services, products, and partnerships.
• Act as a key liaison between the Commercial Team and scientific, operations, finance, and legal functions, ensuring BD opportunities are evaluated holistically.
• Support grant-related commercial activities and public-private partnerships where relevant, given Addgene’s nonprofit structure.
• Contribute to organizational strategy discussions, representing the BD perspective in leadership forums.

Benefits

• 85% company-paid healthcare premiums including dental (extending to family members) and 100% company-paid deductible
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• 22 days of PTO on top of our winter break closure and company holidays.
• A 403(b) retirement account with a company match of 4% after 2 years of employment.
• Annual professional development stipend
• Annual lifestyle stipend
• Fully paid public transportation for employees who work onsite four or more days per week.
• Onsite yoga classes & wellness reimbursement
• Pet insurance
• Annual financial planning one-on-ones with our plan administrator

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior