Director of Corporate & Business Development

Director of Corporate & Business Development

San Diego, CA

We're a well-funded start-up. You'll get a chance to wear many hats, be a part of a growing team, and have the potential for exciting financial and career growth.

Here's what sets us apart. We've set our sights on some of the biggest challenges facing biology today. We're amassing a world class team of engineers, scientists, team builders and problem solvers to tackle these challenges heads-on. We're passionate about developing the next generation technologies that will unravel the complexities of biology.

This is a unique opportunity to build, be part of an exciting start-up and be surrounded by good humans who are super capable, humble and down-to-earth.

Reporting into the Head of Operations & Corporate/Business Development, the Director of Corporate & Business Development will lead our strategy and partnership initiatives within the Cell & Gene Therapy and Drug Discovery sectors. This is a critical role that will shape how Cellanome's technology and products are positioned, marketed, and sold to BioPharma customers, including CDMOs. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with proven business development experience to identify, evaluate, and close strategic deals that accelerate our growth. Job duties include:

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate development deals, licensing agreements, and strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical, biotech, and CDMO companies in the Cell & Gene Therapy and Drug Discovery sectors.
• Cultivate and manage consortiums to advance collaborative research initiatives and multi-partner programs leveraging Cellanome's technology.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to define and refine product offerings that leverage Cellanome's technology platform to meet market needs.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities and drive deals through to closure.
• Develop market intelligence and competitive insights to inform product strategy and positioning.
• Represent Cellanome at industry conferences and customer meetings.

Role Requirements:

• Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of BioPharma or Life Sciences experience with substantial focus on Cell & Gene Therapy and/or Drug Discovery.
• Scientific degree (PhD preferred, MS considered) in cell biology or related field; MBA a plus.
• Strong technical background with deep understanding of cell therapy workflows, gene therapy development, drug discovery, and associated analytical and manufacturing requirements.
• Demonstrated business development track record including development deals and/or licensing agreements.
• Proven experience cultivating and managing consortiums or multi-partner collaborative development programs.
• Proven ability to identify, qualify, and close complex strategic partnerships.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels, from technical staff to C-suite executives.
• Valid passport and driver's license.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with single-cell analysis technologies or imaging platforms.
• Existing relationships within BioPharma business development and R&D organizations.
• Experience working with CDMOs or in a CDMO environment.

We provide competitive total compensation packages, including base pay, benefits, and equity. In California, the estimated base salary range for this position is $195,000 - $240,000/year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

What you can expect from us:

You'll feel the energy when you walk in our door – we work hard, we have fun and we have ambitious plans to grow. Cellanome offers a comprehensive employment package that includes a competitive salary, generous stock options, great individual, and family health plans, a 401(k) and flexibility to balance work and life.

We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.