Business Development Lead

Business Development Lead We are seeking a Business Development Lead to join our growing commercial team responsible for shaping, executing and cultivating our long‑term strategic partnerships and helping shape our commercial approach as we continue to evolve. This is a pivotal role: you will be the architect of Addgene’s BD strategy, leading our most important partnerships and institutional relationships, while also building and mentoring a high‑performing BD team over the coming months and years. Location & Remote Work Preference for individuals able to work out of our Watertown, Massachusetts Headquarters on a hybrid basis. Our beautiful office space has free, ample parking with a complimentary shuttle from Harvard Square and is on multiple bus lines, with the cost of public transit covered by Addgene for those in office at least 3 days per week. Although less desirable, we are open to hiring 100% remote employees. You must be a resident in one of the following states: MA, VT, ME, RI, NC, FL, CO and OH. Salary $160,000-180,000 annually + our amazing benefits. Starting Date Early Q3. Responsibilities Define, own, and execute Addgene’s business development and partnership strategy, spanning licensing, IP collaborations, distribution agreements, and strategic alliances with academic institutions, research consortia, life science tools, biotech, and pharma. Personally lead high‑value, high‑complexity negotiations and ensure all commercial agreements are mission‑aligned, financially sound, and legally robust. Oversee strategic account management for Addgene’s most significant institutional, academic, and industry partners, nurturing long‑term, mutually beneficial relationships. Work in close coordination with legal, finance, and scientific leadership to structure and execute partnership agreements involving IP licensing and technology transfer. Develop and manage a pipeline of BD opportunities, from initial prospecting through deal execution and ongoing relationship management. Co‑develop and maintain detailed project plans and timelines, including objectives, milestones, execution strategies, and success metrics. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify key deliverables and ensure cross‑departmental alignment and accountability. Prepare briefing materials, executive summaries, and presentations for internal business reviews as well as external engagements with partners. Conduct initial triage of opportunities, evaluating potential deals before engaging the broader diligence team to ensure strategic fit. Recruit, build, and lead a BD team over time, establishing hiring plans, team structure, and performance frameworks suited to Addgene’s growth trajectory. Serve as a coach and mentor within the Commercial Team, fostering a culture of rigor, integrity, and mission‑focus. Define and implement BD processes, CRM practices, and reporting structures that enable transparency and scalability. Collaborate with commercial leadership to set annual goals, track KPIs, and report on pipeline progress and deal performance. Serve as a senior commercial representative of Addgene at key conferences, industry forums, and partner meetings — deepening relationships and identifying new opportunities. Maintain a strong pulse on the life science research tools and reagent landscape, including competitive dynamics, funding trends, policy shifts affecting IP and technology transfer, and evolving customer needs. Gather and synthesize market intelligence to inform Addgene’s commercial strategy and product/service roadmap. Partner with marketing to develop go‑to‑market strategies for new services, products, and partnerships. Act as a key liaison between the Commercial Team and scientific, operations, finance, and legal functions, ensuring BD opportunities are evaluated holistically. Support grant‑related commercial activities and public‑private partnerships where relevant, given Addgene’s nonprofit structure. Contribute to organizational strategy discussions, representing the BD perspective in leadership forums. Required Skills and Competencies Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related scientific field (e.g., biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biomedical engineering); advanced degree preferred. 8+ years of progressive business development, licensing, or strategic partnerships experience in the life sciences sector (biotech, pharma, research tools, or closely related fields). Demonstrated success leading and closing complex, high‑value agreements involving legal, financial, and IP components — including licensing deals, sponsored research agreements, or distribution contracts. Deep familiarity with academic and research institution partnership models, technology transfer processes, and the intersection of nonprofit and commercial interests. Exceptional negotiation skills with a track record of reaching durable, mutually beneficial outcomes with sophisticated counterparties. Experience building or significantly growing a BD team, including hiring, mentoring, and setting team structure and coordinating cross‑functional or multi‑stakeholder initiatives. Strong scientific literacy in molecular biology, genomics, or adjacent fields — sufficient to engage credibly with research stakeholders and understand the value of Addgene’s materials. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to analyze data and translate insights into strategic recommendations that support new business opportunities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and influence stakeholders while representing Addgene externally with credibility and respect. Preferred Skills and Competencies Graduate degree (MBA, PhD, JD, or equivalent) in a relevant field. Prior experience at or working closely with a nonprofit, CRO, or mission‑driven life science organization. Familiarity with plasmid biology, CRISPR, viral vectors, or biological reagent distribution. Established network within the academic research, biotech, or research tools ecosystem. Experience with CRM systems and BD pipeline management at scale. Benefits 85% company‑paid healthcare premiums including dental (extending to family members) and 100% company‑paid deductible. Life, short‑term, and long‑term disability insurance. 22 days of PTO on top of our winter break closure and company holidays. A 403(b) retirement account with a company match of 4% after 2 years of employment. Annual professional development stipend. Annual lifestyle stipend. Fully paid public transportation for employees who work onsite four or more days per week. Onsite yoga classes & wellness reimbursement. Pet insurance. Annual financial planning one‑on‑ones with our plan administrator. At Addgene, we prioritize our people with comprehensive benefits that support both your work and your life. Addgene is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, active military or veteran status, age, handicap, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or Local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr