Business Development Associate

Business Development Associate

Southern Research (SR) is a translational research institute that transforms ideas into innovation, and innovation into jobs and economic opportunity. Over its 80-year history, SR has developed seven FDA-approved drugs, contributed to the development of over half of chemotherapies currently in use in the US, and served hundreds of commercial, academic, and government partners. SR recently unveiled a new strategic plan centered on making Birmingham and Alabama national biotech centers of excellence in partnership with Alabama academic institutions, policymakers, educators, and economic development organizations.
 
Southern Research is at a pivotal moment in its 80-year history. At the start of 2022, SR launched a new strategic plan focused on translational research in the life sciences. SR will invest over $150 million in this new strategy, including development of new facilities, platforms, and programs. These investments will allow us to build cutting-edge industry partnerships, better serve client needs, and drive development of new IP to launch and support startup companies.

We are looking for an energetic and nimble executer who thinks critically, relishes details, effectively collaborates with a diverse array of stakeholders, and has demonstrated an interest in scientific research, commercialization, and economic growth.

General Summary

The Business Development Associate will serve as a connective tissue between SR's commercial engagement strategy and its translational research. This role will help to build SR's business development capabilities; engage with startups, venture capital funds, pharmaceutical companies, and other partners; and represent SR at conferences and other events.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-develop a business development strategy for SR, focusing on service to small and mid-sized biotech and biopharma companies.
• Generate new business partnerships and research collaborations for SR across divisions, including drug discovery, preclinical drug development, diagnostics, data science, and IP licensing, including through outbound marketing.
• Drive contract proposals from design to close alongside Business Development Managers
• Represent Southern Research in outreach efforts through marketing, conferences, and other engagement efforts (includes travel)
• Coordinate logistics and outreach for conferences and other travel efforts.
• Serve as a key point of contact across SR's divisions, interfacing between partners and SR's technical sales and scientific personnel.
• Identify new marketing and engagement channels through which SR can reach partners.
• Provide support as needed for SR's Venture Studio and Incubator programs.
• Co-develop marketing materials with SR's Strategic Marketing team.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree in biomedical sciences, pharmacology, chemistry, or a related field; Or equivalent work experience in business development in the life sciences (AS+3 years of HS+6 years)
• Passion for building relationships around scientific collaboration, and comfort discussing technical concepts in drug discovery and development with potential partners and clients.
• Strong ability to communicate scientific and business strategy concepts, including through memos, reports, and slide decks.
• Comfort in a dynamic work environment, collaborating with stakeholders across divisions of the organization.
• Willingness to travel 20-40% of time.
• Willingness to work in-person or hybrid (three days per week) in office when not traveling.
• Passionate about translational research, commercialization of new technologies, and innovation-driven economic development

Work Environment & Conditions

This position is required to work in an office setting using a computer for extended periods of time.  Personal involvement and exposure, including travel, to other locations is required.  This position may also include entry to laboratory or workspace areas that will require use of appropriate PPE.