Sales Director, Research

Elephas•Madison, WI

12d

About The Position

Elephas, a Madison, WI based biotechnology start-up company, is seeking an accomplished and results-oriented Sales Director to spearhead the launch of our groundbreaking eLive platform to researchers in academic institutions and major cancer centers. In this role, you will lead the full sales cycle—from prospecting and education to closing new system installations and driving utilization of consumables. This role will be partnered closely with marketing, partnerships, medical communications and delivery teams. This role is ideal for a consultative, mission‑driven sales leader who understands the unique motivations, funding structures, and collaborative culture of academic research environments. Must have previous industry sales experience targeting academic centers, research institutions and oncology centers.

Requirements

Proven experience in relevant selling environments
Strong strategic thinking and the ability to develop and execute plans.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities.
Proficiency in relevant software and technology, such as CRM systems and analytics tools.
Ability to travel US/internationally as required.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business / marketing / management
5-7 years of experience in relevant roles

Nice To Haves

Experience in immuno‑oncology, tumor biology, imaging, or functional assay technologies.
Established relationships within NCI‑designated cancer centers or academic medical institutions.
Successful track record in launching new technologies or building new categories.

Responsibilities

Strategic Selling: Develop and execute a territory plan targeting academic research labs, shared core facilities, and cancer research centers. Build and manage a strong funnel of principal investigators (PIs), lab managers, translational research directors, and facility administrators. Articulate and deliver a compelling value proposition that resonates with researchers and other identified influencers, ensuring clarity and impact. Lead product demonstrations, scientific discussion, and value‑based selling tailored to each lab’s research focus (e.g., immuno‑oncology, tumor microenvironment, functional assays). Own the full sales cycle from lead generation through contracting and installation and consumable utilization. Expertly position eLive as the first and only functional testing solution for researchers looking to measure immune response.
Market Development: Identify emerging research trends and unmet needs in functional immuno‑oncology and ex vivo tumor modeling. Represent Elephas at scientific conferences, seminars, and academic events to strengthen visibility and thought leadership. Build relationships with research influencers, core facility directors to accelerate market penetration.
Marketing and Communications: Collaborate with the marketing team to establish an ongoing stream of communications that keep prospects informed, engaged, and aligned with our vision. Partner with marketing to enhance brand presence and thought leadership through participation in trade shows, events, webinars, and other outreach initiatives. Work alongside the medical team to facilitate Key Opinion Leader (KOL) engagement, clinical education, and collaborative projects; develop strategic objection handlers in response to competitive analysis.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Drive the creation of a robust sales pipeline, overseeing contract negotiations and deal closures in alignment with strategic goals. Identify and leverage upselling opportunities post-closure, devising plans to optimize revenue channels. Work in concert with colleague calling on Oncologists in the clinic, where appropriate. Utilize HubSpot to systematically curate and maintain an up-to-date prospect list, highlighting key targets and influencers while tracking all communications diligently. Ensure all activities comply with regulatory and company standards. Track, analyze, and report on partnership performance metrics, providing insights and recommendations for ongoing enhancement. Prepare and deliver regular presentations on sales performance to key stakeholders.
Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, finance, and legal, to ensure seamless strategy execution. Foster a high-performance culture that prioritizes collaboration, alignment, and effective implementation across all departments. Serve as the voice of the customer within Elephas, delivering valuable insights on product experiences to internal teams for continuous improvement.