Associate Director, Business Development

The Associate Director Business Development will play a key role in sourcing evaluating and executing R&D-focused business development opportunities to advance the companys innovation pipeline. This position will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to identify early-stage licensing and strategic alliance opportunities lead due diligence and drive deal execution with a primary focus on research and development partnerships.

The role reports to our SVP Chief Business Officer and is based either in our Cambridge MA or San Francisco CA office.

• Source and Evaluate R&D and Licensing Opportunities: Identify assess and prioritize business development opportunities focused on research and development (R&D) partnerships early-stage licensing and strategic alliances with biotech and pharma partners. Conduct competitive intelligence and industry analysis to inform opportunity selection and pipeline strategy.
• Lead Cross-Functional Due Diligence: Coordinate and execute scientific clinical technical and commercial due diligence for R&D-focused deals synthesizing input from internal experts and external advisors to inform recommendations and decisions.
• Drive Deal Execution: Develop business cases support negotiations and partner with legal finance and technical teams to structure and close R&D transactions that advance the companys innovation pipeline and strategic objectives. Prepare and present opportunity assessments and deal analytics to senior leadership.
• Build and Maintain External Relationships: Cultivate strong connections with R&D leaders scientists innovators and business partners in the biotech ecosystem. Represent the company at scientific conferences partnering meetings and industry events. Manage confidentiality agreements and maintain accurate records of partner interactions.
• Collaborate Across Functions: Work closely with R&D Clinical Regulatory Commercial Finance and Legal teams to ensure alignment and seamless execution of business development initiatives. Support the preparation of presentation materials and data rooms for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support Alliance Management: Contribute to post-deal governance alliance management and issue resolution to maximize the scientific and strategic value of collaborations.
• Contribute to BD and R&D Strategy: Monitor scientific trends emerging technologies and competitive landscapes. Provide market and competitive insights to leadership and recommend strategic focus areas to support company growth and mission in R&D.

Qualifications :

REQUIRED

• Bachelors degree in a life science or related field with 10 years experience in life sciences business development corporate development strategy or management consulting within biopharma or pharma; or equivalent combination of experience and higher education.

PREFERRED

• Track record of contributing to licenses partnerships or business development transactions.
• Strong analytical skills (scientific & financial); ability to build fact-based recommendations and drive consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills; proven ability to interface with internal and external leaders.
• Scientific and clinical literacy; ability to probe program data and development plans.
• Financial acumen (valuation scenario modeling milestones/royalties).
• Negotiation and influence; collaborative problem solving.
• Adaptability in fast-moving settings.
• Maintains the highest standards of integrity and ethics.

Additional Information :

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $176K and $205K/year; however base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements including a sign-on bonus restricted stock units and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical financial and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits such as vacation sick time and parental leave) dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired employee will be in an at-will position and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time including for reasons related to individual performance Company or individual department/team performance and market factors.

At Zai Lab we are proud of the gender diversity of our company and our promotion of women in biotech. We have achieved gender base pay equity at all levels 59% of our employees are women and 53% of our management positions are held by women. We are committed to the health of patients and our planet. Thats why our environmental protection social responsibility and corporate governance strategy called Trust for Life is integrated within our business.

Disclaimer: This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties responsibilities or requirement for the position. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race sex color religion sexual orientation gender identity national origin protected veteran status or based on disability.

Zai Lab is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information we collect and to being transparent about the purposes for which we use your information. We have a Privacy Notice which sets forth our policies and practices for handling the information we collect and use in the employment context.  Privacy Notice available upon request.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time