Business Development Specialist

Benefits:

401(k)

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) matching

About NRC Research Institute

Founded in 2005, NRC Research Institute is a dedicated clinical research organization with site locations across Southern California, including Orange, Santa Ana, and Los Angeles. While we support various therapeutic areas, we specialize in high-quality Phase I–IV clinical trials across psychiatry, neurology, and neurodegenerative disorders (including emerging research in psychedelics). We partner with top global pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors—including AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Merck, Otsuka, Pfizer, and Sunovion—to deliver rigorous data while providing exceptional patient-centered care.

Position Summary

NRC Research Institute is seeking a driven, commercially minded Business Development Specialist to help expand our study portfolio and build strategic partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors. In this role, you will be the key liaison between NRC Research Institute and life science sponsors/CROs. You will lead top-of-funnel outreach, present our clinical trial capabilities, and secure clinical trial study awards to keep our research sites active with cutting-edge CNS protocols.

Key Responsibilities

Sponsor & CRO Outreach: Identify and connect with clinical pipeline decision-makers at biotech and pharmaceutical companies conducting CNS research (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Alzheimer’s, and Psychedelics).

Pipeline Development: Drive new trial opportunities from initial lead generation through feasibility review, site selection questionnaires (SSQs), and contract execution.

Feasibility & Bid Defense: Partner with our Principal Investigators, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams to demonstrate NRC’s recruitment speed, patient access, and regulatory compliance during sponsor feasibility checks and bid defenses.

Industry Engagement: Represent NRC Research Institute at major industry conferences (e.g., BIO, JP Morgan, CNS Summit, ASENT) to elevate brand awareness and establish long-term sponsor relationships.

CRM & Account Management: Maintain accurate pipeline tracking in CRM, manage ongoing partner communications, and secure repeat trial business from existing sponsors.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education | Bachelor’s degree in Business, Life Sciences, Neuroscience, or related field. Experience | 2–5 years of business development or sales experience within a Clinical Research Site / Network, CRO, or Life Sciences organization. Industry Knowledge | Solid understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, and site-level trial operations. Prior experience in psychiatry, CNS, or neurology research is strongly preferred. Skills | Strong negotiation, network-building, and communication skills. Ability to translate clinical protocols into clear feasibility metrics for sponsors. Location / Travel | Based in Southern California (or remote with periodic travel to our Orange/LA sites and industry conferences).

Why Join NRC Research Institute?

Proven Track Record: Nearly two decades of excellence conducting trial protocols for FDA-approved and investigational therapeutics.

Competitive Compensation: Base salary plus performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive Benefits: Health, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and flexible work arrangements.

Impactful Work: Help bring safe, transformative treatments to patients across Southern California and beyond.

How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume highlighting relevant experience in clinical trial business development or sponsor/site relations.