Director, Business Development & Transactions

Ellison Medical Institute•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$200,000 - $250,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Director, Business Development & Transactions to lead strategic partnering, in-licensing of external innovation, and out-licensing or co-development of internal programs from discovery through early clinical proof of concept. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role for a business development leader with strong training in biotech or pharma. You will identify, evaluate, and execute transactions that expand our pipeline, accelerate clinical development, and align with our scientific and strategic priorities. The ideal candidate is a hands-on dealmaker—equally comfortable structuring complex collaborations with global biopharma as negotiating research agreements with academic groups and early-stage companies. You will work closely with R&D, clinical, regulatory, finance, and legal teams to advance opportunities and ensure every transaction supports long-term value creation. This is an entrepreneurial role in a fast-moving environment where precision, creativity, and ownership are key. Why You Should Join Us: Drive Transformational Growth: Lead high-value transactions that bring forward new therapies, technologies, and scientific innovations—directly shaping the Institute’s long-term trajectory. Shape Strategic Direction: Partner closely with founders and senior executives to inform, refine, and advance enterprise-level strategy in a high-trust, highly collaborative environment. Visibility That Accelerates Impact: Operate in a role where your decisions influence scientific, operational, and organizational outcomes—and where your expertise is recognized at the highest levels. Autonomy With Purpose: Enjoy the latitude of a start-up environment combined with the mission-centered focus of a world-class research institute committed to improving patient lives.

Requirements

Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or related field).
MBA strongly preferred; must demonstrate strong grounding in strategy, finance, and valuation.
10+ years of biotech/pharma experience in business development, licensing, or corporate development.
Proven track record leading and closing in-licensing, out-licensing, and co-development transactions spanning preclinical through Phase 1-2 development.
Comprehensive understanding of drug discovery, translational research, clinical development, and regulatory pathways.
High scientific fluency with the ability to partner effectively with discovery, translational, and clinical leaders.
Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, valuation, deal structuring, and strategic analysis.
Strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with disciplined execution.
Ability to integrate scientific, clinical, commercial, and financial perspectives into sound business decision-making.
Strong deal leadership—able to independently drive transactions from sourcing through signed agreement.
Exceptional communication skills with executive presence and the ability to influence across functions and levels.
Motivated by building partnerships that advance science and deliver meaningful patient impact.

Nice To Haves

Experience in both large/mid-cap pharma or biotech and fast-paced start-up environments strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead structuring, negotiation, and execution of term sheets and definitive agreements for in-licensing, out-licensing, co-development, and strategic collaborations.
Develop creative deal architectures, including options-to-license, regional rights, risk-sharing structures, and co-development models.
Negotiate and finalize collaboration agreements with academic institutions, research hospitals, technology developers, and data platform partners.
Drive internal alignment across scientific, clinical, finance, and legal functions.
Present opportunities and recommendations to senior leadership and ensure seamless transition to alliance management post-deal.
Identify and evaluate external technologies, discovery platforms, and therapeutic assets aligned with Institute priorities.
Assess internal programs for partnering or out-licensing opportunities as they progress toward clinical development.
Lead and coordinate cross-functional due diligence, including scientific, clinical, regulatory, IP, and financial assessments.
Analyze market opportunities, scenarios, risks, and projected value creation.
Integrate market intelligence, competitive landscape insights, and deal trend analyses to guide strategic decision-making.
Develop valuation models and financial forecasts to support business cases.
Contribute to long-range portfolio and partnership strategy with executive leadership.
Represent the Institute at partnering conferences, investor events, and scientific meetings.
Build and maintain productive relationships with biotech, pharma, venture, and academic partners.
Cultivate a broad network enabling early access to emerging technologies and scientific innovation.