Business Development Principal (Life Sciences)

Job summary

This role involves working closely with senior leadership to develop and implement licensing, contracting, and funding strategies that facilitate collaboration in the advanced therapies sector, particularly in cell and gene therapies.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in life sciences, law, business, or equivalent experience.
• Approximately 8–12+ years of experience in business development, licensing, legal/commercial, venture, or partnership roles within life sciences.
• Strong hands-on experience with licensing, complex contracts, and IP-heavy collaborations.
• Preferred understanding of cell & gene therapy or advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) translation.
• Strong analytical skills, pragmatic approach, and ability to navigate ambiguity in senior stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the structuring and negotiation of licensing and collaboration agreements.
• Develop scalable contract models that balance speed, risk, and long-term strategic options.
• Drive legal workflows and act as the primary interface with external counsel.
• Design and operationalize funding mechanisms for translational funding pools and co-investment structures.
• Engage with startups, academic groups, industry partners, and co-investors to strengthen partnerships.
• Prepare decision materials for leadership and governance forums.

Skills

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to translate strategic intent into legal and financial constructs.
• Experience in ecosystem engagement and representation in negotiations.

Education

• Advanced degree in relevant fields such as life sciences, law, or business.

Tools

• Familiarity with legal and financial modeling tools relevant to licensing and funding structures.