Assoc. Director / Director / Sr. Director, Business Development

Profluent is an AI-first protein design company. Founded in 2022, we develop deep generative models to design and validate novel, functional proteins to revolutionize biomedicine. Based in Emeryville, CA, we are backed by leading investors including Spark Capital, Insight Partners, Air Street Capital, AIX Ventures, and Convergent Ventures.

Our Business Development team is growing! We are seeking an experienced BD professional (Assoc. to Sr. Director level, based on experience) who will report directly to the Chief Business Officer. A successful candidate will be experienced in BD deal making and internal championing of opportunities in the biotech industry with a history of successful transactions. This individual will work closely with colleagues across every work-stream within Profluent, with frequent exposure to senior management and opportunity for high-profile impact on key initiatives and corporate strategy. The primary responsibilities of this role will be to evaluate, structure, negotiate, lead and close licensing and collaboration opportunities. 

This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of AI-driven protein design and to work cross-functionally with a diverse team of experts across machine learning, protein engineering, cell biology, and gene editing.

Location

• This is a remote role, to be based in the Greater Boston area.
• The role will involve up to 25% travel, between visits to company headquarters (in Emeryville, CA) and travel for conferences or business negotiations.
• Part-time hybrid shared workspace in Boston could be available.

Responsibilities

• Lead search, evaluation, and diligence of potential opportunities; design creative partnering structures tailored to the profile of each opportunity; and advance term sheet and contract negotiations
• Collaborate closely with legal colleagues to independently manage the negotiation and execution of CDAs, evaluations, collaborations, licenses, and strategic alliances in a timely manner
• Forge strong relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels within the company to achieve internal consensus and smooth integration of inputs from scientific, legal, intellectual property, finance, corporate affairs, and commercial workstreams
• Proactively monitor the external business environment and maintain a knowledge base of comparable licensing transactions and other company activities
• Work closely with internal colleagues to incorporate new data into external decks, promote Profluent as the partner of choice at business partnering meetings and scientific conferences, and translate Profluent’s science to a variety of external audiences
• Support AM colleagues to manage relationships with potential collaborators, with an ability to flex and independently manage certain relationships as the primary representative of Profluent

Qualifications

• BS or master’s science degree with 3-5+ years of experience working in a BD role in biotech, pharma or tech transfer
• At least 1 previous role within the genomic medicines space, with demonstrated familiarity with gene editing and delivery technologies and relevant therapeutic areas
• Comfortable flexing from big-picture strategy to tactical details and operational implementation, and willing to roll up your sleeves and contribute on the individual as well as leadership levels
• Previous experience demonstrating an ability to read contracts critically and to effectively negotiate and execute agreements, either as deal team lead or as a core member of a deal team (with aptitude to advance to deal team lead within 6 months of hire)
• Ability to effectively lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously to deliver high quality results in a time-sensitive environment
• Excellent verbal communication skills with an ability to effectively interact with senior level stakeholders within and outside Profluent and to drive consensus
• Experience with competitive intelligence
• Excellent critical thinking and contextualization skills

Preferences (but not required)

• ​​PhD and/or MBA would be nice-to-have
• Analytical and financial modeling skills and an understanding of sophisticated financial concepts

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must have ongoing work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship. Sponsorship will not be provided now or at any time in the future for this position.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and work eligibility and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.

What we offer at Profluent

• A high-growth opportunity with meaningful impact
• Competitive compensation package
• Health insurance (health/dental/vision)
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy
• Commitment to physical and mental well-being
• More benefits and perks to be added!

Profluent Bio, Inc is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.