(Associate) Director - Business Development - Variant Bio
Seattle, WA
About the Job
Variant Bio is a Seattle-based biotechnology company leveraging the power of human genetic diversity to develop life-saving therapies. To achieve this goal, we are studying the genes of people who are outliers for medically relevant traits, then translating insights from this research into the discovery and development of new therapeutics.
Variant Bio has raised over $125mm to support the rapid advancement of the company's research and development work. Our investors include Lux Capital, Alta Partners, General Catalyst, SoftBank Vision Fund, Cercano Management and Casdin Capital, among others. Our growing team of geneticists, medical researchers, biologists, and drug hunters is working to advance multiple projects through target validation, lead optimization, and into the clinic, in relentless pursuit of our goal to bring life-saving therapies to patients.
Ethics is at the foundation of everything we do at Variant Bio. Our genomic research studies are co-designed with local partners around the world. In addition, we are committed to sharing tangible benefits with research partners and communities through our unique Benefit-sharing Program and Affordable Medicines Pledge.
Variant Bio is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Job Description
Through our global genomic research efforts, we have developed a differentiated therapeutic pipeline built on unique knowledge of targets with human genetic evidence. We are looking for an experienced business development professional to significantly expand the scope and scale of our collaborations to advance our drug discovery programs. The ideal candidate is a creative thinker with experience sourcing opportunities with biotech and pharma partners and negotiating complex legal agreements. It is important that the candidate is able to collaboratively work with a cross-functional team, has alignment with our ethical principles, and is an extremely strong communicator. Experience with in-licensing preclinical or clinical-stage assets is preferred. Experience with genomic studies is a benefit, but not required.
This role will report directly to the Chief Business Officer and work closely with the company's leadership team on setting business strategy and sourcing and executing business development activities. This role will be based out of Seattle, WA and is required to be in the office a minimum of three days per week in weeks where travel is not being undertaken on behalf of the business.
Responsibilities
- Ability to source and execute value-creating transactions that advance our pipeline, including in-licensing and out-licensing as well as targeted research & development collaborations that will enable us to realize our full potential as an industry leader.
- Effectively build and maintain relationships with pharma, biotech, and other potential collaboration partners.
- Source, evaluate, complete due diligence, value, negotiate and execute partnerships with a strong attention to detail.
- Lead identification and assessment processes to efficiently evaluate potential opportunities, including coordinating with cross-functional teams and external parties.
- Create valuation models for assets and related transaction frameworks utilizing rNPV, benchmarking, and similar methodologies.
- Articulate and communicate Variant Bio's business and technical vision to the biotech and pharma communities.
- Business travel will be required.
Qualifications
- An experienced biotech business development professional - 5+ years of experience in biotech or pharma business development and licensing, with a clear track record of sourcing, negotiating, and executing partnerships with particular experience in negotiating in-licensing transactions preferred.
- Deal sourcing and execution skills - experience in due diligence, analysis, deal structuring, valuation, and negotiating definitive documentation (as evidenced by comprehensive deal sheet), with exceptional attention to detail.
- Project leadership / management - experience leading and managing cross-functional teams in evaluating opportunities and moving projects forward.
- Sense of urgency - ability to continually push to accelerate work while maintaining the highest standards.
- Communication skills - cross-functional experience with the ability to effectively communicate across a variety of disciplines, including R&D, legal, and business development.
- Scientific expertise - a strong understanding of drug discovery with the ability to effectively discuss scientific strategy with potential partners. A scientific background is a significant advantage, but not required.
- Ability to work across multiple therapeutic areas - an agile mind that can quickly get up to speed on a variety of therapeutic areas covered by our approach and platform.
- Rigor - must continuously operate with rigor to further the mission of the company.
- Highest ethical standards and integrity - must have the highest integrity and ethical standards in all aspects of their work.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to be part of a well funded and highly innovative biotech entering a rapid growth phase.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance.
- 401(k) plan through Fidelity that includes up to 3% employer match and flexible investment options.
- Choice of public transportation (Orca Card) provided by the company or subsidized parking.
- Flexible paid time off to help employees obtain a healthy work-life balance.
- Company paid professional development opportunities to encourage career progression.
Anticipated annual base salary for this position is $165,000 - $250,000 plus up to 15-20% bonus and an options package, for total compensation of up to $189,750 - $300,000, plus equity options.
The annual salary range above is based on the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Individual salary will depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Don't meet every single requirement but are excited to join the Variant Bio team? If your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.