Job Description
TITLE Business Development Lead WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE 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. POSITION REPORTS TO VP, Global Commercial Strategy & Partnerships APPROXIMATE START DATE Early Q3 SALARY $160,000-180,000 annually + our amazing benefits (see below)! LOCATION & POLICY ON 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/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. The Role: The ideal candidate combines scientific understanding with strong operational and financial discipline and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver measurable business outcomes. This role is ideal for a seasoned life science BD professional who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution — someone who can close a complex licensing deal and inspire a team. To Succeed in this Role, You Will: Business Development & Strategic Accounts 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. Conducting initial triage of opportunities, evaluating potential deals before engaging the broader diligence team to ensure strategic fit. Team Building & Leadership 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. Market & Partner Engagement 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. Cross-Functional Collaboration Act as a key liaison between the Commercial Team and scientific, operations, finance, and legal functions, ensuring BD opportunities are evaluated holistically. Supp