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Zai Lab · 3 days ago

Associate Director, Business Development

South San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$176K/yr - $205K/yr

10+ years exp

Zai Lab is a patient-focused, innovative, commercial-stage, global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing therapies for significant unmet medical needs. The Associate Director, Business Development will play a key role in sourcing, evaluating, and executing R&D-focused business development opportunities to advance the company’s innovation pipeline, working closely with stakeholders to identify partnerships and drive deal execution.

BiotechnologyHealth CarePharmaceutical

Responsibilities

Source and Evaluate R&D and Licensing Opportunities: Identify, assess, and prioritize business development opportunities focused on research and development (R&D) partnerships, early-stage licensing, and strategic alliances with biotech and pharma partners. Conduct competitive intelligence and industry analysis to inform opportunity selection and pipeline strategy

Lead Cross-Functional Due Diligence: Coordinate and execute scientific, clinical, technical, and commercial due diligence for R&D-focused deals, synthesizing input from internal experts and external advisors to inform recommendations and decisions

Drive Deal Execution: Develop business cases, support negotiations, and partner with legal, finance, and technical teams to structure and close R&D transactions that advance the company’s innovation pipeline and strategic objectives. Prepare and present opportunity assessments and deal analytics to senior leadership

Build and Maintain External Relationships: Cultivate strong connections with R&D leaders, scientists, innovators, and business partners in the biotech ecosystem. Represent the company at scientific conferences, partnering meetings, and industry events. Manage confidentiality agreements and maintain accurate records of partner interactions

Collaborate Across Functions: Work closely with R&D, Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure alignment and seamless execution of business development initiatives. Support the preparation of presentation materials and data rooms for internal and external stakeholders

Support Alliance Management: Contribute to post-deal governance, alliance management, and issue resolution to maximize the scientific and strategic value of collaborations

Contribute to BD and R&D Strategy: Monitor scientific trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes. Provide market and competitive insights to leadership and recommend strategic focus areas to support company growth and mission in R&D

Qualification

Life sciences business developmentR&D partnershipsDue diligenceAnalytical skillsFinancial acumenScientific literacyEthicsCommunicationNegotiation skillsAdaptabilityIntegrity

Required

Bachelor's degree in a life science or related field with 10 years' experience in life sciences business development, corporate development, strategy, or management consulting within biopharma or pharma; or equivalent combination of experience and higher education