Business Development Associate

Are you passionate about making the world better? Are you looking for an organization that aligns with your values?

MRIGlobal solves challenging problems through science, engineering, and program management. We are an independent scientific research organization dedicated to benefiting society and fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment.

When you embark on a career with MRIGlobal, you are joining a crew of world-class talent and problem solvers. Established in 1944, MRIGlobal is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, working in several states including Virginia and Maryland.

Business Development Associate

MRIGlobal’s Commercial Business Development team identifies, qualifies, and captures new business opportunities aligned with our multidisciplinary capabilities. We are seeking a curious, proactive, and highly organized Business Development Associate to support growth in our pharmaceutical sciences business. This role reports to the Senior Director of Commercial Business Development.

This is an individual contributor role that provides the research, prospecting, outreach preparation, pipeline discipline, coordination, and follow-through needed to move qualified prospects and opportunities forward. The Associate supports senior business development professionals, who remain the primary relationship owners and lead discovery, solution development, negotiation, and closing. The Business Development Associate serves as the prospecting and opportunity-development engine for MRIGlobal's pharmaceutical sciences business, helping ensure a consistent flow of qualified opportunities and well-prepared customer engagements for the commercial team. Success in this role means the commercial team is consistently engaging the right pharmaceutical and biotechnology prospects, early interactions are converted into qualified opportunities, senior BD leaders enter customer conversations well prepared, opportunities move forward without unnecessary delay, and Salesforce provides an accurate view of commercial activity and pipeline.

Business Development Support and Execution

• Research, identify, and prioritize pharmaceutical and biotechnology prospects based on funding, pipelines, partnerships, clinical progress, and market trends.
• Prepare company profiles, account briefs, target lists, and decision-maker research to support outreach and qualification.
• Draft personalized outreach and follow-up materials designed to engage target organizations and support opportunity qualification, for review and approval by business development leadership.
• Execute approved outreach, conference prospecting, and follow-up activities across multiple channels; track responses, qualification status, and next steps in Salesforce.
• Support lead generation and opportunity qualification activities by identifying potential customer needs, coordinating discovery preparation, and ensuring timely follow-up on prospect interactions.
• Maintain accurate CRM and pipeline data and prepare routine activity and opportunity reports.
• Coordinate customer and technical meetings, including briefs, logistics, notes, action items, and follow-through.
• Support ROMs, proposals, and commercial agreements by gathering inputs, tracking progress, and escalating delays.
• Track client commitments, key dates, risks, and growth opportunities, and connect clients with the appropriate internal teams.
• Develop knowledge of MRIGlobal’s capabilities, pharmaceutical development, CMC, GMP, customer segments, and commercial processes.
• Collaborate across Business Development, Marketing, scientific, program, quality, contracts, finance, and operations teams to advance opportunities.

As the Associate builds capability and demonstrates readiness, there will be opportunities to take on increased ownership of prospecting and initial customer engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, chemistry, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of the pharmaceutical development lifecycle—including preclinical development, IND activities, and Phase 1–3 clinical development—and related services such as CMC, GMP, and clinical supply, or a demonstrated ability to learn these areas quickly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft concise, professional, and audience-specific outreach.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize company, market, pipeline, funding, and competitive information into practical business development insights.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple follow-ups, meetings, deliverables, and deadlines with strong attention to detail.
• Experience with Salesforce or another CRM platform and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively across scientific, operational, and business teams while taking ownership of assigned work.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting business development, marketing, sales, account management, or customer engagement activities.
• Experience in pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, life sciences, contract research, or another technically complex market.
• Experience using public sources and industry databases to research companies, funding, pipelines, clinical programs, or competitive activity.
• Familiarity with prospecting tools, digital outreach, conference preparation, proposal coordination, or commercial reporting.

Intangibles

• Curious and coachable, with an interest in learning both the science and the business and applying feedback quickly.
• Persistent and resourceful, with the judgment to follow up professionally, work through obstacles, and find useful information independently.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a commitment to accurate records, timely follow-through, and keeping priorities visible.
• Effective communicator who listens carefully, adapts to the audience, and produces clear, thoughtful, and professional materials.
• Collaborative team member who builds trust and works effectively across functions while remaining accountable for individual responsibilities.
• Data- and results-oriented, with the ability to use activity and market information to prioritize effort and improve execution.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing a wide variety of tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

Pay Range $60,000 - $68,000

The salary range is intended as a general guideline and is not a guaranteed offer, as compensation depends on various factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate qualifications, experience, internal equity, and market conditions. MRIGlobal also provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health and life insurance, disability coverage, gym reimbursement, mental health support, paid holidays, and PTO.

WHAT WE OFFER
At MRIGlobal, we offer benefits and perks that make your life even better.

Your Well-Being: You can receive comprehensive coverage for you and your family, and resources that support mental, physical, social, and financial well-being. Get access to wellness benefits like virtual coaching, no-cost counseling, onsite health screenings, gym reimbursement, and more. MRIGlobal has received multiple wellness recognitions, including being named “Healthiest Employer” by Kansas City’s Business Journal in 2024.

A Bright Future: MRIGlobal offers award-winning employer retirement matches and no-cost financial education benefits. Get paid Parental Leave. Enjoy PTO, and a flexible culture that encourages work-life integration.

Personal Development: At MRIGlobal, you will enjoy diverse work that will grow your skillset, along with a tuition reimbursement option to pay for higher education.

A Genuine Community: MRIGlobal is a special workplace. From our Chili Cook-offs, Pi Day, and charitable giving opportunities, our traditions strengthen our team spirit. Join our seasonal staff events, DEI celebrations, and volunteer in initiatives that nurture future STEM generations.

To view all of MRIGlobal's current openings and to ensure that we receive your resume, visit our Career page.

EOE, including disability/vets. As an organization dedicated to scientific advancement, MRIGlobal invites and embraces diversity in our people. We value their unique backgrounds and perspectives in every aspect of our mission. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and represented, fostering a culture where all input is welcome. We adapt to change, challenge the status quo, and evolve through belonging, allyship, and mutual support.

Certain roles, depending on the nature of the job or work assignment require adherence to specific safety measures, including up-to-date vaccinations. This requirement aligns with both our operational needs and the expectations of our clients. Employees must furnish proof of such vaccinations before commencing their duties. Should an individual be unable to meet this vaccination criterion due to a legitimate medical condition, disability, pregnancy, or religious belief, we offer the option to apply for a reasonable accommodation in line with applicable laws. Inquiries or requests for accommodations should be directed to View email address on click.appcast.io, ensuring a prompt and considerate resolution process. It's important to note that failure to comply with a vaccination-required role or to secure an approved accommodation may affect one's employment status with our organization.

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