Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or corporate development.
Proven track record in developing and closing partnerships in AI, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals.
Strong network within the AI, biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sectors.
Experience managing complex negotiations and cross-functional partnerships.
Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
Responsibilities
Identify and manage strategic partnerships with AI companies, pharmaceuticals, and research institutions.
Build and maintain relationships with senior executives and key decision-makers.
Develop partnership strategies aligned with the company's technology roadmap.
Lead the full partnership lifecycle from opportunity identification to agreement execution.
Structure and negotiate strategic partnership and joint development agreements.
Build and manage a pipeline of high-value strategic opportunities.
Monitor emerging trends and identify new markets and commercialization opportunities.
Benefits
Work at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and robotics.
Play a key role in shaping the company's strategic partnerships.
Collaborate closely with the CEO and founding technical team.
Join an ambitious early-stage company with opportunities for growth and equity participation.
Work alongside talented scientists and engineers in a collaborative environment.
Full Job Description
About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development to drive strategic collaborations with leading AI companies, pharmaceutical organizations, biotechnology companies, and research institutions. This is a high-impact role working closely with our CEO, scientific leadership, and engineering teams to identify partnership opportunities, build executive-level relationships, and translate emerging technologies into meaningful commercial and research collaborations. The ideal candidate combines strong business development experience, an understanding of AI and biotechnology, and a proven ability to build and execute complex strategic partnerships. Key Responsibilities Strategic Partnerships
Identify, develop, and manage strategic partnerships with leading AI companies, pharmaceutical companies, biotech organizations, and research institutions.
Build and maintain relationships with senior executives, scientific leaders, and key decision-makers.
Develop partnership strategies aligned with Acelegen's technology roadmap and business objectives.
Explore opportunities for joint research, technology integration, co-development, and commercial collaborations.
Business Development & Deal Execution
Lead the full partnership lifecycle, from identifying opportunities and initial outreach to negotiations and agreement execution.
Structure and negotiate strategic partnership agreements, joint development agreements, pilot programs, and commercial collaborations.
Build and manage a strong pipeline of high-value strategic opportunities.
Evaluate the commercial potential, strategic value, and feasibility of prospective partnerships.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with the CEO, AI research, biology, and automation teams to identify opportunities for external collaboration.
Translate complex scientific and technical capabilities into compelling partnership proposals.
Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful partnership execution.
Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to company leadership.
Market Development
Monitor emerging trends across AI, biotechnology, drug discovery, and laboratory automation.
Identify new markets, business models, and commercialization opportunities.
Represent Acelegen at industry conferences, strategic meetings, and partner engagements.
Requirements
Qualifications Required
Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, corporate development, or related roles.
Demonstrated success in developing and closing strategic partnerships within AI, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or related technology industries.
Strong network within the AI, biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences ecosystem.
Experience managing complex negotiations and cross-functional partnerships.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and executive presentation skills.
Ability to operate independently and thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
Preferred
MBA, MS, or PhD in a relevant discipline.
Experience at an AI-driven biotechnology company, pharmaceutical company, or leading technology organization.
Familiarity with AI for Science, AI-driven drug discovery, computational biology, or laboratory automation.
Experience establishing partnerships with major technology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, or research institutions.
Experience building strategic partnerships from the ground up in an early-stage startup.
Understanding of intellectual property, technology licensing, joint development, and commercial partnership structures.
What Success Looks Like
Establish a strong network of strategic relationships across the AI and biotechnology ecosystems.
Build a qualified pipeline of high-value partnership opportunities.
Advance strategic collaborations from initial discussions to formal agreements and active programs.
Develop partnerships that accelerate Acelegen's technology development, commercialization, and long-term growth.
Benefits
Why Join Acelegen?
Frontier Innovation: Work at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and robotics.
High Impact: Play a key role in shaping the company's strategic partnerships and commercial direction.
Direct Leadership Access: Collaborate closely with the CEO and founding technical team.
Ownership & Growth: Join an ambitious early-stage company with meaningful opportunities for professional growth and equity participation.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside talented scientists, AI researchers, and engineers building next-generation biotechnology platforms.
Compensation & Benefits Acelegen offers a competitive compensation package, including:
Performance-based annual bonus.
Equity participation.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off and company holidays.
Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
Join us in building the future of AI-powered biotechnology.
