Business Development Lead

Business Development Lead – Overview We are seeking a strategic, highly motivated Business Development Lead to join our team. This is a pivotal role where you will serve as the architect of ION’s long‑term business development strategy, leading our most valued partnerships and institutional relationships. The ideal candidate combines strong scientific understanding with exceptional operational discipline. You will drive sales across our dual‑revenue framework, premium products (fluorescent indicators, HTS assays) and contract research services (assay development, hit identification, lead optimization, safety pharmacology, custom chemistry), while building an operational roadmap to support a high‑performing commercial team over the coming years. Core Responsibilities 1. Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Strategy Execution: Define, own, and execute ION’s business development strategy, spanning strategic alliances with biotech, pharma, academic institutions, and research consortia, in addition to collaborations, licensing, and distribution agreements. Complex Deal Negotiation: Personally lead high‑value, high‑complexity project negotiations, ensuring all commercial agreements (including technology transfer and sponsored research) are financially sound. Pipeline Management: Develop and manage a robust pipeline of BD opportunities from initial prospecting and triage through deal execution and ongoing relationship management. Lead Optimization: Oversee the initial triage, evaluation, and qualification of inbound and outbound leads, ensuring tight strategic fit before mobilizing cross‑functional technical teams. Data‑Driven Execution: Leverage modern CRM platforms and business intelligence tools to maintain pristine account records and translate data insights into actionable market recommendations. Account Stewardship: Oversee strategic account management for ION’s most significant institutional and industry partners, nurturing long‑term, mutually beneficial relationships. Project Alignment: Co‑develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and success metrics. Collaborate with internal scientific teams to ensure cross‑departmental accountability. 2. Market Engagement & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Brand Representation: Serve as a senior commercial representative of ION Biosciences at key industry conferences, trade shows, and partner meetings to deepen industry relationships. Travel up to 50%. Market Intelligence: Maintain a strong pulse on the life science research tools, CRO, and reagent landscapes—tracking competitive dynamics, funding trends, and evolving customer needs to inform ION’s product/service roadmap. Go‑To‑Market Strategy: Partner with internal marketing and scientific teams to develop and execute commercial strategies for new products, custom assay services, and partnerships. Skills and Competencies Required: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related scientific field (e.g., Pharmacology, Biology, or Biochemistry) OR equivalent commercial experience. Experience: 8+ years of business development, licensing, or strategic partnerships experience in the life sciences sector (biotech, CRO, or research tools). Deal‑Making Track Record: Demonstrated success leading and closing high‑value commercial agreements involving contract research services. Ability to travel: 25 to 50% travel, day trips and overnight stays, work some weekends. Scientific Literacy: Strong scientific literacy in cell biology, pharmacology, or microplate‑based assay workflows, sufficient to engage credibly with principal investigators and relevant stakeholders. Analytical Skills: Excellent data analysis, financial evaluation, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate technical insights into strategic recommendations. Preferred: Graduate degree (MBA, PhD, or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or business field. Prior experience working within or closely with specialized CROs or high‑growth reagent companies. Deep familiarity with pre‑clinical ion channel, SLC transporter, and GPCR drug discovery programs. Established network within the biotech, pharma, and academic research ecosystems. What We Offer Competitive base salary ($140,000 - $180,000) with a performance‑driven incentive structure. Benefits package includes paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance. A culture dedicated to scientific innovation, democratization of research tools, and accelerated professional career trajectory. #J-18808-Ljbffr